The development of peripheral areas: The case of West Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland

The process of peripheralisation of outlying areas is discussed in this article using a case study of West Pomeranian (Zachodniopomorskie) Voivodeship in Poland. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between these peripheral areas and metropolitan core areas. Scalar and vector data on selected indicators in the years 2005 and 2015 for gminas (communes, territorial units NUTS 5) are presented. The values for both years were observed as well as the change between them. A composite indicator based on the calculated data was developed, and it served as the basis for categorisation of metropolitan, ‘semi-peripheral’ and peripheral areas, which were further defined on the basis of their intrinsic properties and location in the region. The development of such peripheral areas is assessed more generally in the conclusions.