Influence of the Societal Security Level on Population Migrations in Poland

The paper describes the relationship between societal security, net migration and rates of migration in the period 2003 – 2010. The highest degree of societal security in Poland is afforded by large urban regions. Many individuals migrate to suburban areas with new infrastructure and the living conditions for a secure lifestyle. However, distant suburban areas are experiencing net population loss, even areas that offer a high standard of living. Research has shown that the standard of living has slightly increased in the best developed counties and substantially decreased in the least developed counties. This suggests the emergence of growing differences between the best and the least developed areas of Poland. Research has also shown that a two-urban-core system may develop in the Warsaw – Lodz region, once the two cities are linked by a new motorway, which may help Lodz grow faster in the future.