Katowice (German
Kattowitz, Czech
Katovice) is an important city of the historical region of
Upper Silesia in southern
Poland on Klodnica and Rawa rivers. It is the capital of the administrative
Silesian Region (
Wojewodztwo slaskie) with about 354,000
inhabitants (1999).
10th-14th century within the Polish kingdom, then under the Czech rule and since 1742
until 1922 under Prussian and German rule.
In 19th and 20th centuries the city growth and prosperity
depended on coal mining and steel industries. But recently
due to economical reforms there is a shift to other sectors of economy.
Heavy industry inflicted severe damages to the natural environment but during
the last decades significant progress has been done.
During 1953-1956 named
Stalinogród what was a kind of homage to
the Soviet leader
Joseph Stalin by the totalitarian,
communist authorities.
External links :