EN
The non-agricultural activity development in rural areas is one of the most important problems of Polish economy now and in the future. During the period 1950-1990 the radical changes in the structure of rural population in Poland have been observed. The agricultural population has decreased from 12.3 milions (1950) to 5.7 milions (1990) and the non-agricultural population in rural areas has increased from 3.5 milions (1950) to 8.9 milions (1990). The rural areas, one-sided (agricultural) in the past, have become multifunctional and the non-agricultural activity in rural areas is now one of the key factors of development and progress. The classification of different types of this activity has been presented. Also specific problems of rural areas in Southern Poland have been discussed.