Orla, Podlaskie Voivodeship

Orla is a village in northeastern Podlaskie Voivodeship, roughly 50 kilometers south of Białystok, with the Orlanka River running through its territory in Bielsk County. It serves as the administrative center for the surrounding gmina and has a local government structure with a mayor and council.

The village experienced significant population shifts during the 20th century that reshaped its demographic makeup. The Jewish community that once formed a major part of its population disappeared, while new patterns of Polish and Belarusian settlement emerged.

The village is one of five bilingual municipalities in Podlaskie Voivodeship where Polish and Belarusian coexist in daily life. This linguistic mix shapes how the community interacts and identifies itself today.

The village is straightforward to navigate and offers basic amenities typical of a rural administrative center. Visitors should note it is a small community suited for quiet exploration rather than bustling urban activities.

The village was once a center of Jewish culture with a substantial Jewish population before its composition fundamentally changed. This historical layer, though no longer visible, left deep marks in the place's identity.