Geography of Katowice
Katowice, Poland, the capital of Slaskie province. The city lies about 160 miles (257 km) southwest of Warsaw in Upper Silesia, a major industrial and coal-mining region. Katowice's main industries include the manufacture of machinery, chemicals, and fertilizers, and the processing of zinc and lead, which are mined in the region. The city is also a major railway junction. Educational institutions here include the University of Silesia and the Medical Academy of Silesia.
Katowice was founded in the late 16th century. It came under Prussian control in 1742 and was incorporated into the German Empire in 1871. The city was transferred from Germany to Poland after World War I.
Population: 351,521.