Lower Silesia is located in the south-eastern part of Poland and borders Germany to the west and the Czech Republic to the south. This area of Europe has traditionally been located on the crossroads of important trade routes running from south to north and from east to west. Lower Silesia is inhabited by 2.9 million people, which makes it Poland’s fifth largest region in terms of population.

72% of the inhabitants live in cities, which is the second highest proportion in the country. The four biggest cities are Wroclaw – the region’s capital, Legnica, Walbrzych and Jelenia Gora. Many smaller towns are well-known spas and holiday resorts. Lower Silesia is characterized by a high proportion of inhabitants in working age (61%) or pre-working age (21%). The percentage of inhabitants with a higher education is higher than the national average number – 7% .

Industry is well developed and provides employment for more than one fourth of the labour force. The main industry sectors are electrical and engineering industry, electronics, machine building, mechanical vehicles, power industry, construction, chemicals, food, mining and quarrying. 17% work with agriculture, while the service sector provides more than half of all employment opportunities.

Lower Silesia is one of the most important academic centres in Poland with its 29 universities, educating in total 156,000 students. Wroclaw is the seat of 22 universities and academies with about 140,000 students. The main universities include Wroclaw University, Wroclaw University of Technology, the Medical University, the University of Music, the University of Economics, the Agricultural University, the University School of Physical Education and Academy of Fine Arts.

The main activities within the field of innovation are carried out by two technology transfer institutions (Wroclaw Centre for Technology Transfer which includes the regional Innovation Relay Centre, and the Technology Transfer Agency), four business incubators, five Agencies for Regional Development, a Technology Park and the Euro Info Centre.

More information on IRE website: Lower Silesia

Regional profile