Bydgoszcz (German Bromberg), city in central Poland, capital of Bydgoszcz Province, on the Brda River. Bydgoszcz is situated in a low-lying region, which is largely agricultural; the principal crops are grain, potatoes, and sugar beets. The city is served by a network of railways and inland water carriers, and lies at the eastern end of the Bydgoszcz Canal, which connects the Brda and Notec (Netze) rivers and links the Wisla (Vistula) and Odra (Oder) river systems. Built in 1774, the canal made Bydgoszcz a major inland port and was important in the city's growth. An industrial and commercial center, the city's chief manufactures include chemicals, electrical equipment, nonelectrical machinery, and precision instruments.
Captured in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights, Bydgoszcz was subsequently incorporated into Poland. It became a part of Prussia in 1772 and, except for a brief period, remained under Prussian rule until 1919. It was badly damaged during World War II (1939-1945). Population (1997 estimate) 386,300.
