Masovia was a part of Poland from the 10th century. This is why some Masovian areas around Łomża, Skierniewice or Łowicz are outside it, while important parts of Podlachia and Lesser Poland around Siedlce and Radom are incorporated. The borders of the voivodeship do not correspond to the historic ones. More rural areas, especially in the northern part, are considered to be one of the poorest though. Nowadays the Warsaw Metropolis is the wealthiest area in the country with high life standards.
For many centuries it was outside the main Polish areas, but gained importance with the Vistula river trade in the 15th century and Warsaw becoming the seat of Polish kings in the late 16th century. Masovia is located in central Poland and has many faces.
The largest city and the capital of Mazowieckie - Warsaw is also the capital of Poland. Masovian Voivodeship ( Polish: województwo mazowieckie ) is one of sixteen provinces of Poland.
