GDYNIA

town, Gdansk wojewdztwo (province), north-central Poland. It lies along the Gulf of Gdansk, just northwest of Gdansk city. First mentioned in 1253, Gdynia began as a fishing settlement. Major growth came only after World War I, when Gdynia was returned from Germany to Poland by the Treaty of Versailles. When the German-controlled legislative assembly in Gdansk barred Poland's use of that port's facilities, Poland chose Gdynia as the site for its new port. From 1924 to 1939 Gdynia was the major Baltic port, surpassing Gdansk and Szczecin. The Nazis destroyed the town and harbour during World War II, but Gdynia was quickly rebuilt after the war. It is the site of the Paris Commune shipyard, one of Europe's most modern. Gdynia is part of the Trjmiasto (Three-City) urban area, along with Gdansk and Sopot, and is the main passenger port for the three cities. It is a manufacturing centre and the home port of the Polish navy. Its chief exports are lumber, coal, and sugar, while iron ore and food products are the main imports. The town contains a naval museum and several maritime schools. Pop. (1991 est.) 251,500.