The publication provides an analysis of changes occurring in rural areas at national and regional level in comparing years 2002 and 2010. Dynamics of changes is presented in relation to urban areas. The statistical information has been enriched with maps and charts. Furthermore, the publication includes an annex with maps showing the most important socio-economic issues at the level of gminas and subregions.

territorial division on the basis of the territorial division according to the National Official Register of Territorial Division of the Country (TERYT), urban - rural areas, NUTS's regions, business activities according to the Polish Classification of Activities – PKD 2007, compiled on the basisof the  Statistical Classification of Economic Activities in the European Community – NACE Rev. 2, COICOP groups.