City profile: Warsaw (Warszawa)

Abstract

Warsaw is 700 years old and has been the capital of Poland since the end of 16th century. In 1939 it had 1300 000 inhabitants but by the end of Second World War in 1945 the population numbered 160 000 and the city was nearly totally destroyed. At present its population is 1630 000 and since 1989 the city has been involved in transition from decades (1945-89) of a centralized political, ideological and economic system to the present reality of a reinstated market economy, land ownership rights and independent local government. It is facing the challenge of performing the functions of a modern regional, national and international centre in 21st century Europe.