Th is book is devoted to the cultural life of the Polish Orava Diaspora in Chicago. It is divided into fi ve chapters. Th e fi rst one depicts Orava (Orawa – the Polish spelling) – the region that belongs to Poland and Slovakia. Th e geographical, cultural, historical aspects of the region are presented here. Characteristic features of the Polish Orava Diaspora are also examined in the chapter, especially the waves of migration which were similar to those from Podhale (the neighbouring region of Orava).