The ethnic structure of Poland in geographical research

Abstract

The article reviews the geographical research on the ethnic structure in Poland from the nineteenth century to the beginning of the second decade of the twenty-first century and cites the main research trends in ethnic studies among historians and sociologists. The author presents what he considers the most important research problems that have to be discussed in further studies on ethnic and ethno-regional minorities living in contemporary Poland. Varied research methods are discussed, along with their benefits and limitations. In his conclusions, the author presents the main conditions influencing the dynamic transformations of the ethnic structure in Poland, as well as the most important characteristics of the relationship between the Polish state and ethnic minorities.