Krakow

Essay

Krakow  

Kanatbekova Diana (CLD7JV)

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1. Geography

Location:

Krakow is situated in the Lesser Poland region, on the Vistula River, in the southern part of Poland. It's approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) south of Warsaw, the capital city of Poland.

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Topography:

The city of Krakow lies in a valley, surrounded by hills and plateaus. The area is characterized by its diverse topography, with the Carpathian Mountains located to the south of the city. The terrain around Krakow is generally flat, with the elevation gradually increasing towards the south.

Climate:

Krakow experiences a humid continental climate, typical of Central Europe. Winters are cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing, while summers are warm with occasional hot spells. Spring and autumn seasons are mild and pleasant. Krakow receives moderate precipitation throughout the year, with snowfall occurring during the winter months. On average there are 173 days per year with rain.

Summer in Kraków

The summers in Kraków are very pleasant with average temperatures ranging from 14ºC (57ºF) to 24ºC (76ºF) in July and August. Although the record high temperatures reach 38ºC (99ºF), it is very unusual.

Winter in Kraków

The winters are usually very cold in Kraków and during December, January and February there are approximately 12 snowy days a month. The coldest month is January, when temperatures drop to between -5ºC (23ºF) and 1ºC (34ºF).

Biosphere:

The region around Krakow boasts diverse flora and fauna, with forests, meadows, and wetlands scattered throughout the area. The Vistula River provides a vital ecosystem for various species of birds and aquatic life. Additionally, nearby natural reserves and national parks, such as Ojców National Park and Tatra National Park, offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife observation.

1. Demography

Population Size: Krakow is one of the largest cities in Poland, with a population exceeding 700,000 (2022) inhabitants. It is also a major cultural and economic center in the country.

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Ethnicity: The majority of Krakow's population is ethnically Polish. However, due to its historical significance and its status as a popular tourist destination and academic center, the city is also home to a significant international community, including students, expatriates, and immigrants from various countries.

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Age Distribution: Krakow has a relatively young population((15-64 years old- 65-70%):), with a significant portion being students attending the city's universities and colleges. The presence of numerous educational institutions contributes to the city's youthful vibrancy.

Religion: The predominant religion in Krakow, as in the rest of Poland, is Roman Catholicism(90%). The city is known for its historic churches and religious landmarks, including the Wawel Cathedral and the Basilica of Saint Mary.

Migration: Krakow attracts migrants from other parts of Poland as well as from abroad, drawn by opportunities for employment, education, and cultural experiences. This contributes to the city's diversity and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

In the last two decades, Kraków has seen a large growth of immigrant population. In the 2002 census, only 0.25% of respondents living in the city declared a non-Polish nationality primarily Ukrainian and Russian.  As of 2019, it was estimated that foreigners accounted for as much as 10% of the city's population, with Ukrainians being the most numerous group (between 11,000 and 50,000).

Social Structure: Krakow has a mix of social classes, with affluent neighborhoods, middle-class residential areas, and more economically disadvantaged districts. The city's economy is diverse, with sectors such as tourism, education, technology, and manufacturing playing significant roles in employment and wealth generation.

Language: The primary language spoken in Krakow is Polish. However, due to its international character, many residents, especially in the hospitality and academic sectors, are proficient in English and other languages.

1. Main infrastructure, accessability of the destination

Transportation:

Public Transit: Krakow has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and trams, operated by MPK Krakow. These services cover the city and its surrounding areas, providing convenient and affordable transportation for residents and visitors.

Rail Connections: The city is served by several railway stations, including the main Kraków Główny station, providing connections to domestic and international destinations.

Airport: Krakow's John Paul II International Airport (Kraków-Balice) is the second busiest airport in Poland, offering domestic and international flights to various destinations across Europe and beyond.

Road Network:

Krakow has a well-maintained road network, including highways and expressways, facilitating travel within the city and to other parts of Poland.

The A4 motorway connects Krakow with major cities such as Katowice, Wroclaw, and Gliwice to the west, and with Rzeszow and Ukraine to the east.

1. Economic background

Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Krakow contributes significantly to Poland's GDP. In 2020, Krakow's GDP amounted to approximately 106 billion Polish złoty (PLN), which is equivalent to around 25.2 billion US dollars (USD).

Tourism: Krakow is one of the most visited cities in Poland, attracting millions of tourists annually. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, Krakow welcomed over 14 million tourists, contributing significantly to the city's economy. Tourism-related activities accounted for a substantial portion of Krakow's GDP.

Education and Research: Krakow's universities and research institutions are key drivers of innovation and economic growth. Jagiellonian University, for example, has over 40,000 students and is one of the leading research universities in Poland. The university's research activities, along with those of other academic institutions in the city, contribute to Krakow's knowledge-based economy.