urban population of the commonwealth was low compared to western europe. exact numbers depend on calculation methods. according to one source, the urban population of the commonwealth was about 20% of the total in the 17th century, compared to approximately 50% in the netherlands and italy ("pic. 7"). another source suggests much lower figures: 4–8% urban population in poland, 34–39% in the netherlands and 22–23% in italy. the commonwealth's preoccupation with agriculture, coupled with the szlachta's privileged position when compared to the bourgeoisie, resulted in a fairly slow process of urbanization and thus a rather slow development of industries.