Demographic changes and economic activity of the rural population in 2010–2013

Abstract

The article contains an analysis of main population, employment and unemployment trends in rural Poland in the years of 2010–2013 in comparison with earlier trends (since Poland joined the European Union). With regard to the population changes the article examines in particular demographic factors behind rural population change (natural population change, rural/urban migration and international migration), trends in fertility and life expectancy and changes in the rural population structure by sex, age and educational characteristics, With regard to the labour market situation the analysis concentrates on trends in employment and unemployment rates, changes in the structure of employment by sectors (agricultural-nonagricultural), employment status (wage-earners, self-employed) and changes in the structure of the employed and unemployed populations by demographic characteristics and educational attainment. The trends observed in rural areas in Poland are compared with those in Polish cities and other EU countries.The statistical frame of the study is based mainly on Central Statistical Office data from current population statistics, Labour Force Surveys and labour offices statistics. Also data from General Censuses of Population and Housing held in 2002 and 2011 as well as from General Agricultural Census of 2010 were used. Eurostat data has been used for international comparisons.