Gmina Brańsk is a rural gmina (Polish:gmina wiejska) in Bielsk County, Podlaskie Voivodeship. It is located in north-eastern Poland.

Etymology

The name Brańsk comes from the river Bronka, a nearby tributary of the Nurzec River.

Geography

Gmina Brańsk is located in the geographical region of Europe known as the Wysoczyzny Podlasko – Białoruskie (Podlaskie and Belarus Plateau) and the mezoregion known as the Równina Bielska (Bielska Plain). The gmina covers an area of 227.3 km2.

Location

It is located approximately:

Climate

The region has a continental climate which is characterized by high temperatures during summer and long and frosty winters. The average amount of rainfall during the year exceeds 550 mm.

Rivers

Three rivers pass through the Gmina:

Demographics

Detailed data as of 31 December 2007:

Municipal government

Its seat is the town of Brańsk, although the town is not part of the territory of the gmina.

Executive branch

The chief executive of the government is the mayor (Polish: wójt).

Legislative branch

The legislative portion of the government is the Council (Polish: Rada) composed of the President (Polish: Przewodniczący), the Vice President (Polish: Wiceprzewodniczący) and thirteen councilors.

Villages

The following villages are contained within the gmina: Bronka, Brzeźnica, Burchaty, Chojewo, Chojewo-Kolonia, Chrościanka, Dębowo, Domanowo, Ferma, Glinnik, Holonki, Jarmarkowszczyzna, Kadłubówka, Kalnica, Kalnowiec, Kiersnowo, Kiersnówek, Kiewłaki, Klichy, Konotopa, Koszewo, Lubieszcze, Majerowizna, Markowo, Mień, Nowosady, Oleksin, Olędy, Olędzkie, Olszewek, Olszewo, Otapy, Pace, Pasieka, Patoki, Pietraszki, Płonowo, Poletyły, Popławy, Pruszanka Stara, Pruszanka-Baranki, Puchały Nowe, Puchały Stare, Spieszyn, Szmurły, Ściony, Świrydy, Widźgowo, Załuskie Koronne, Załuskie Kościelne, Zanie.

Neighbouring political subdivisions

Gmina Brańsk is bordered by the town of Brańsk and the Gminy of Bielsk Podlaski, Boćki, Dziadkowice, Grodzisk, Klukowo, Nowe Piekuty, Poświętne, Rudka, Szepietowo and Wyszki.

Transport

Roads and Highways

Gmina Brańsk is at the intersection of a National Road and a Voivodeship Road:

Public Transport

Bus Service

Regular bus service is provided in the town of Brańsk by Państwowa Komunikacja Samochodowa (State Car Communication, PKS) via PKS Bielsk Podlaskie, PKS Białystok and PKS Siemiatycze

Rail Service

The closest passenger train service is provided by Polskie Koleje Państwowe (Polish State Railways, PKP) SA from the following stations:

Nearby Attractions