Sosnowiecis acity countyinZagłębie Dąbrowskiein southernPolandand also part of theSilesian Metropolismunicipal association. Located in the eastern part of theUpper Silesian Industrial Region, it is one of the cities of theKatowice urban area– a 2.7-million-person conurbation – and within a greaterUpper Silesian metropolitan areapopulated by about 5,294,000 people.Allegedly its name comes from Polish wordsosna, referring to thepineforests which were common prior to 1830. It was originally known asSosnowice.
Sosnowiec is characterised by its urban dynamics, economic activity, and care for both, its cultural heritage and natural environment. In recent years, Sosnowiec was further transformed from an industrial center with mainly mining and heavy industries into a hub of trade and services. Nevertheless, it still operates several important coal mines, steel factories and other heavy industrial plants.