Differences in the Quantitative Demographic Potential—A Comparative Study of Polish–German and Polish–Lithuanian Transborder Regions

Abstract

Demographic potential is a particularly important consideration in border areas that are peripheral regions of a country. The aim of this study was to identify differences in the quantitative demographic potential of Polish–German and Polish–Lithuanian transborder regions, as well as the extent to which natural population increase and net migration influence the demographic potential of border regions. An essential element of the research was the analysis of the importance of borders on shaping the quantitative demographic potential. The study relied on the zeroed unitarization method and the method proposed by Webb. The study revealed considerable spatial variation in the quantitative demographic potential of the analyzed regions at LAU 1 (Local Administrative Units) on the background of NUTS 0 (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics) and NUTS 2. The highest values were noted in urban units, which accounted for 11.0% of all evaluated units. The areas characterized by the lowest demographic potential represented 16.5% of the total number of the analyzed units, which should be regarded as a positive outcome. Most of these border regions were situated in Germany and Lithuania. Demographic potential is an important determinant of social and economic growth; therefore, the results of this study can be used to diagnose problems in border regions and implement the required regional policies.

Social Factors as Major Determinants of Rural Development Variation for Predicting Epidemic Vulnerability: A Lesson for the Future

“…The spatial analysis of the relationship clearly implies that at the onset of the epidemic (30 April 2020), the highest dependency (high WO and prevalence) in Poland was noted primarily in rural areas near urbanized and industrial zones adjacent to big cities. This relationship reflects the functional and spatial structure [ 39 ]. In November 2020 (end of the first epidemic wave) the disease moved to the remaining rural areas and a clear correlation was noted between the classification of areas according to their vulnerability to epidemic threat and the number of cases.…”

“…It took into account demographic, social, economic and spatial development factors indirectly reflecting the level of interpersonal relations and social interaction. Previous studies deemed them as determinants of the spread of pandemics, including COVID-19 [ 37 , 38 ], with new elements [ 39 ]. The factors were also assigned—according to types of interpersonal and social relations—to two groups: intended and unintended interactions.…”

The Potential of GIS Tools for Diagnosing the SFS of Multi-Family Housing towards Friendly Cities—A Case Study of the EU Member State of Poland

“…A review of the literature [44][45][46][47] revealed that not all new housing estates in Poland are designed in a planned and rational manner. Many MFREs, in particular in suburban areas, are characterized by chaotic development.…”

Assessment of the Living Conditions in Polish and German Transborder Regions in the Context of Strengthening Territorial Cohesion in the European Union: Competitiveness or Complementation?

“…The research results may help planners and representatives of regional self-governments implement EU social policy, including cross-border cooperation. The research problem undertaken in the article extends the scope of research conducted by the authors in the border regions of Poland (Gwiaździńska-Goraj et al, 2020;Pawlewicz et al, 2020;Thöle & Jezierska-Thöle., 2019).…”