Sołectwo

A sołectwo is an administrative unit in Poland, a subdivision of a gmina (although only villages are assigned to sołectwos). In most cases it consists of one village, but sometimes large villages may be divided into several sołectwos (Polish plural "sołectwa"), while in other cases one sołectwo may consist of several villages or hamlets.

The elected head of a sołectwo is called a sołtys (for etymology see Schultheiß). In Polish villages the house of the current holder of that post is generally marked with a red plaque bearing the word "SOŁTYS". The sołtys may be assisted by an elected sołectwo council ("rada sołecka").

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