# New administrative division (1999)

URL: https://poland-history.com/timeline/1999-new-administrative-division
Location: Poland

A reform created 16 voivodeships and restored districts (powiats), strengthening local self-government. Within the broader Third Republic period: Democratic Poland transformed its economy, joined NATO and the European Union and became one of Europe's leading states, while confronting new security challenges on its eastern border. At this point in the timeline (1 January 1999), the governing authority was Aleksander Kwaśniewski (President of Poland). Two-term president who oversaw the 1997 Constitution and accession to NATO and the EU. New administrative division mattered because it altered the structure of power and the direction of Polish statehood. The event is placed here so readers can follow it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion and culture across Polish history.

## Why it matters
New administrative division mattered because it altered the structure of power and the direction of Polish statehood.

Ruler at the time: [Aleksander Kwaśniewski](https://poland-history.com/rulers/aleksander-kwasniewski)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Administrative divisions of Poland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Administrative_divisions_of_Poland)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — New administrative division](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=New+administrative+division)
- [Wikipedia — History of Poland (1989–present) (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Poland_(1989%E2%80%93present))