Statistical Analysis of Metropolitan Functions of Provincial Capitals in Eastern Poland

The aim of the study is to investigate to what extent provincial cities of Eastern Poland fulfil metropolitan functions and also to determine how failure to grant the metropolitan status to these cities will affect the development of Eastern Poland. The indices adopted as criteria for designating metropolitan areas will be statistically analyzed, both in a spatial and dynamic systems. The results obtained will show to what extent provincial cities of Eastern Poland differ from the centres identified as metropolitan by the National Spatial Development Concept and also what are the developmental tendencies in Eastern Poland’s regions.