The publication consists of two integral parts. The first, contains analytical comment, which constitutes a comprehensive description of the rural areas transformation. The analysis including a wide spectrum of issues: from socio-demographic data, non-agricultural activities, incomes and expenditures as well as households furnishing, access to educational establishments, cultural centers and health care, to data on technical infrastructure, environmental and rural areas financing. Dynamics of changes in rural areas has presented in relation to urban areas. The statistical information has been enriched with maps and charts which are an inseparable part of the analysis.

The second part of the publication, contains tables with data on national and regional level by the National Official Register of Territorial Division of the Country (TERYT), Classification of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS) as well as Eurostat and OECD territorial typologies. As a supplement are prepared information is review table by voivodships. The table contains major data regarding the socio-economic situation of rural areas in comparison to national data and urban areas data.