Map boundaries: ONS Local Authority Districts / Unitary Authorities (Wales), simplified for web display.
About Wales (Cymru)
Wales (Cymru in Welsh) is a mountainous country forming the western peninsula of Great Britain, bordered by England to the east, the Irish Sea to the north and west, and the Bristol Channel to the south. Famous for having more castles per square mile than anywhere else in Europe, three dramatic National Parks (Eryri / Snowdonia, Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons, and the Pembrokeshire Coast), and one of Europe's oldest living languages, Wales is organized into 22 Principal Areas (counties and county boroughs).
Capital & Largest CityCardiff (Caerdydd)
Population~3.16 million
Total Area8,023 sq mi (20,779 sq km)
Highest PointYr Wyddfa / Snowdon (3,560 ft / 1,085 m)
Introduction
Separated from the mainland of North Wales by the narrow Menai Strait, the Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Môn in Welsh) is a large island famous for its ancient Neolithic monuments, dramatic sea cliffs, sandy beaches, and the major ferry port of Holyhead.
Geography
Location: Northwestern Wales (Irish Sea)
Coordinates: 53.28° N, 4.38° W
Area: 276 sq mi (715 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Gwynedd (across the Menai Strait)
Elevation Extremes: Irish Sea (0 ft) to Holyhead Mountain (722 ft / 220 m)
Population
~69,500 | Major Towns: Holyhead, Llangefni, Menai Bridge, Amlwch | Density: ~252 per sq mi
History
Known to the Romans as Mona, Anglesey was the sacred center of the Celtic Druids until Roman forces invaded in AD 60. In 1826, engineer Thomas Telford completed the Menai Suspension Bridge, linking the island directly to the Welsh mainland.
Economy
Maritime transport through Holyhead Port (linking Wales to Dublin, Ireland), coastal tourism, renewable energy, and livestock farming anchor the local economy.
Fun Facts
Anglesey is home to the village with the longest official place name in Europe: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch (58 letters long)!
Introduction
Situated in the steep upland valleys of the South Wales Valleys, Blaenau Gwent was one of the world's most important centers of ironmaking and coal mining during the Industrial Revolution.
Geography
Location: Southeastern Wales (South Wales Valleys)
Coordinates: 51.77° N, 3.20° W
Area: 42 sq mi (109 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Powys, Monmouthshire, Torfaen, Caerphilly
Elevation Extremes: Ebbw Valley floor (550 ft) to Coity Mountain (1,906 ft / 581 m)
Population
~67,200 | Major Towns: Ebbw Vale, Tredegar, Brynmawr, Abertillery | Density: ~1,600 per sq mi
History
In 1825, the world's first steam-hauled passenger railway locomotive, Locomotion No. 1, was built using iron smelted in Tredegar. Later, local MP Aneurin Bevan helped found Britain's National Health Service (NHS) in 1948, inspired by the Tredegar Workmen's Medical Aid Society.
Economy
Advanced manufacturing, automotive components, green technology, public services, and heritage tourism have replaced heavy coal and steel industries.
Fun Facts
The Ebbw Vale Garden Festival of 1992 transformed a massive former steelworks site into green parkland and residential neighborhoods!
Introduction
Positioned halfway between Cardiff and Swansea along the Bristol Channel coast, Bridgend bridges bustling coastal resorts like Porthcawl with picturesque former mining valleys to the north.
Geography
Location: Southern Wales (Bristol Channel)
Coordinates: 51.51° N, 3.58° W
Area: 97 sq mi (251 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Neath Port Talbot, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Vale of Glamorgan
Elevation Extremes: Bristol Channel (0 ft) to Mynydd Llangeinwyr (1,863 ft / 568 m)
Population
~146,500 | Major Towns: Bridgend, Porthcawl, Maesteg, Pencoed | Density: ~1,510 per sq mi
History
The town of Bridgend grew around a medieval stone bridge built across the River Ogmore around 1425, guarded by Newcastle Castle and nearby Coity Castle.
Economy
Logistics, food processing, electronics, retail, and seaside tourism at Porthcawl support the local workforce.
Fun Facts
Merthyr Mawr Warren near Bridgend features the second-highest sand dune in Europe, known locally as 'The Big Dipper,' rising 200 feet above the coast!
Introduction
Stretching from the northern edge of Cardiff up through the Rhymney and Sirhowy valleys, Caerphilly is world-famous for its colossal medieval concentric castle and its crumbly white cheese.
Geography
Location: Southeastern Wales
Coordinates: 51.58° N, 3.22° W
Area: 107 sq mi (278 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Powys, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Newport, Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf
Elevation Extremes: Rhymney Valley (150 ft) to Twyn Pwll-y-gaseg (1,630 ft / 497 m)
Population
~176,800 | Major Towns: Caerphilly, Blackwood, Bargoed, Ystrad Mynach, Risca | Density: ~1,652 per sq mi
History
Begun in 1268 by Gilbert de Clare, Caerphilly Castle covers 30 acres surrounded by artificial lakes, making it the largest castle in Wales and the second-largest in Britain after Windsor Castle.
Economy
Manufacturing, distribution hubs along the M4 corridor, digital services, and heritage tourism drive the local economy.
Fun Facts
Caerphilly Castle's famous Southeast Tower leans at an angle of nearly 10 degrees—more tilted than the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
Introduction
Cardiff (Caerdydd) is the capital and largest city of Wales. Located on the Bristol Channel coast, it is a dynamic European capital celebrated for its Victorian shopping arcades, Cardiff Castle, waterfront Cardiff Bay, and Principality Stadium.
Geography
Location: Southern Coast of Wales
Coordinates: 51.48° N, 3.18° W
Area: 54 sq mi (140 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Vale of Glamorgan, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Caerphilly, Newport
Elevation Extremes: Cardiff Bay (0 ft) to Garth Hill (1,007 ft / 307 m)
Population
~372,000 (city) / ~485,000 (urban area) | Density: ~6,889 per sq mi
History
Originally a Roman fort built around AD 55, Cardiff exploded in size during the 19th century to become the world's greatest coal-exporting port. Cardiff was officially proclaimed the capital city of Wales in 1955.
Economy
Cardiff is the financial, media, and governmental heart of Wales, housing the Senedd (Welsh Parliament), BBC Wales and Bad Wolf television studios, major universities, and national sports venues.
Fun Facts
Cardiff has more castles within its city boundaries than any other capital city in the world—including Cardiff Castle, Castell Coch, St Fagans Castle, and Twmpath Castle!
Introduction
Known as the 'Garden of Wales,' Carmarthenshire is a large, fertile county in Southwest Wales featuring sweeping golden beaches, lush river valleys, medieval castles, and deep roots in Welsh language and folklore.
Geography
Location: Southwestern Wales
Coordinates: 51.86° N, 4.31° W
Area: 915 sq mi (2,370 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Ceredigion, Powys, Neath Port Talbot, Swansea, Pembrokeshire
Elevation Extremes: Carmarthen Bay (0 ft) to Fan Foel in the Black Mountain (2,631 ft / 802 m)
Population
~189,000 | Major Towns: Llanelli, Carmarthen, Ammanford, Llandeilo | Density: ~207 per sq mi
History
Carmarthen (Caerfyrddin) is one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in Wales, founded as the Roman town of Moridunum. In legend, it is closely linked to Merlin (Myrddin), King Arthur's famed wizard.
Economy
Dairy and livestock farming, food production, coastal tourism, tinplate and steel finishing in Llanelli, and botanical research at the National Botanic Garden of Wales.
Fun Facts
Pendine Sands in Carmarthenshire is a 7-mile stretch of flat hard sand used in the 1920s by Sir Malcolm Campbell and J.G. Parry-Thomas to break the World Land Speed Record!
Introduction
Hugging the sweeping curve of Cardigan Bay in West Wales, Ceredigion is famous for its university town of Aberystwyth, colorful harbor villages, rugged coastal paths, and resident bottlenose dolphins.
Geography
Location: Western Coast of Wales (Cardigan Bay)
Coordinates: 52.26° N, 4.06° W
Area: 693 sq mi (1,795 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Gwynedd, Powys, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire
Elevation Extremes: Cardigan Bay (0 ft) to Plynlimon (2,467 ft / 752 m)
Population
~72,100 | Major Towns: Aberystwyth, Cardigan, Lampeter, Aberaeron | Density: ~104 per sq mi
History
Named after Ceredig, a 5th-century Welsh ruler, the region became a major center of Welsh scholarship with the founding of Aberystwyth University in 1872 and the National Library of Wales in 1907.
Economy
Higher education, cultural institutions, coastal and eco-tourism, sheep and dairy farming, and renewable energy.
Fun Facts
The National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth holds over 6 million books, maps, and manuscripts—including the earliest surviving manuscripts written in the Welsh language!
Introduction
Stretching from the Victorian seaside resorts of Llandudno and Colwyn Bay deep into the eastern peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia), Conwy combines dramatic medieval fortifications with mountain adventures.
Geography
Location: Northern Wales
Coordinates: 53.20° N, 3.80° W
Area: 435 sq mi (1,126 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Gwynedd, Denbighshire
Elevation Extremes: Irish Sea (0 ft) to Carnedd Llewelyn (3,491 ft / 1,064 m)
Population
~115,200 | Major Towns: Colwyn Bay, Llandudno, Conwy, Abergele, Llanrwst | Density: ~265 per sq mi
History
King Edward I built Conwy Castle and its 1.3-kilometer ring of town walls between 1283 and 1289; today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Economy
Seaside and outdoor adventure tourism, retail, agriculture, and public services drive the regional economy.
Fun Facts
On Conwy's quayside stands the Smallest House in Great Britain—painted bright red, measuring just 72 inches wide by 122 inches high!
Introduction
Encompassing the lush Vale of Clwyd, the Clwydian Range hills, and the busy coastal resort of Rhyl, Denbighshire is rich in ancient hillforts, castles, and canal engineering.
Geography
Location: Northeastern Wales
Coordinates: 53.15° N, 3.42° W
Area: 323 sq mi (837 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Conwy, Gwynedd, Powys, Wrexham, Flintshire
Elevation Extremes: Irish Sea (0 ft) to Cadair Berwyn (2,730 ft / 832 m)
Population
~96,500 | Major Towns: Rhyl, Prestatyn, Ruthin, Denbigh, Llangollen | Density: ~299 per sq mi
History
The Clwydian Range is crowned by a chain of dramatic Iron Age hillforts, while Llangollen in the Dee Valley has hosted the world-famous Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod every July since 1947.
Economy
Coastal tourism, agriculture in the fertile Vale of Clwyd, light manufacturing, and healthcare.
Fun Facts
St Asaph (Llanelwy) in Denbighshire is one of the smallest cities in the United Kingdom, with a population of just around 3,500 people!
Introduction
Located in the far northeast corner of Wales bordering England along the Dee Estuary, Flintshire is one of Wales's most important high-tech manufacturing and aerospace hubs.
Geography
Location: Northeastern Wales
Coordinates: 53.20° N, 3.15° W
Area: 169 sq mi (438 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Denbighshire, Wrexham, England (Cheshire)
Elevation Extremes: Dee Estuary (0 ft) to Moel Famau (1,818 ft / 554 m)
Population
~155,800 | Major Towns: Mold, Connah's Quay, Buckley, Flint, Holywell | Density: ~922 per sq mi
History
Flint Castle, begun in 1277, was the very first stone castle built in Wales by King Edward I. Nearby St Winefride's Well in Holywell is one of Britain's oldest continuously visited pilgrimage sites.
Economy
Aerospace engineering (Airbus builds wings for commercial airliners at Broughton), steel finishing, paper production, and cross-border commerce with Chester and Liverpool.
Fun Facts
Every Airbus passenger jet flying around the world—from the A320 to the giant A380—has had its wings engineered and built right in Broughton, Flintshire!
Introduction
Covering the rugged northwest of Wales, Gwynedd is home to Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)—the highest mountain in Wales and England—historic slate quarries, and the mighty fortress of Caernarfon Castle.
Geography
Location: Northwestern Wales
Coordinates: 52.90° N, 3.95° W
Area: 980 sq mi (2,535 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Isle of Anglesey, Conwy, Denbighshire, Powys, Ceredigion
Elevation Extremes: Irish Sea (0 ft) to Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon (3,560 ft / 1,085 m)
Population
~118,500 | Major Towns & Cities: Bangor (city), Caernarfon, Porthmadog, Pwllheli, Dolgellau | Density: ~121 per sq mi
History
The medieval Kingdom of Gwynedd was the strongest native Welsh principality, led by princes such as Llywelyn the Great. In the 19th century, Gwynedd's massive slate quarries 'roofed the world' and are now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Economy
Outdoor and heritage tourism, higher education (Bangor University), renewable hydroelectric power, and sheep farming.
Fun Facts
Gwynedd has the highest percentage of Welsh speakers in the world—over 64% of residents speak Cymraeg (Welsh) in everyday life!
Introduction
Nestled at the northern head of the Taff Valley on the edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, Merthyr Tydfil was once the iron capital of the world and the largest town in Wales.
Geography
Location: Southern Wales (Heads of the Valleys)
Coordinates: 51.75° N, 3.38° W
Area: 43 sq mi (111 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Powys, Caerphilly, Rhondda Cynon Taf
Elevation Extremes: Taff Valley (450 ft) to Bryn (1,620 ft / 494 m)
Population
~59,200 | Major Towns: Merthyr Tydfil, Dowlais, Treharris | Density: ~1,377 per sq mi
History
In February 1804, Cornish engineer Richard Trevithick ran the world's very first steam railway locomotive on tracks from Penydarren Ironworks in Merthyr Tydfil to Abercynon, carrying 10 tons of iron and 70 passengers.
Economy
Outdoor adventure tourism (including BikePark Wales), retail, manufacturing, and logistics along the A465 corridor.
Fun Facts
Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr Tydfil wasn't built by a medieval king—it was built in 1824 as a grand mansion for ironmaster William Crawshay II, overlooking his roaring iron furnaces!
Introduction
Bordering England along the scenic Wye Valley and the Black Mountains, Monmouthshire is celebrated for its rolling green pastures, historic market towns, Tintern Abbey, and Chepstow Castle.
Geography
Location: Southeastern Wales
Coordinates: 51.81° N, 2.72° W
Area: 328 sq mi (849 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Powys, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Newport, England (Herefordshire & Gloucestershire)
Elevation Extremes: Severn Estuary (0 ft) to Chwarel y Fan (2,228 ft / 679 m)
Population
~94,200 | Major Towns: Abergavenny, Chepstow, Monmouth, Caldicot, Usk | Density: ~287 per sq mi
History
Chepstow Castle, started in 1067 immediately after the Norman Conquest, contains the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain. Nearby Tintern Abbey, founded in 1131, inspired famous poems by William Wordsworth.
Economy
Agriculture, artisan food and drink, tourism, and cross-border commuters traveling via the Severn Bridges into Bristol and South Wales.
Fun Facts
Monmouth in Monmouthshire is the birthplace of King Henry V (born at Monmouth Castle in 1386) and Charles Rolls, co-founder of Rolls-Royce!
Introduction
Stretching from the sandy shores of Swansea Bay up through five wooded valleys, Neath Port Talbot combines major coastal steelworks and port facilities with waterfalls and mountain biking trails.
Geography
Location: Southern Wales (Swansea Bay)
Coordinates: 51.63° N, 3.78° W
Area: 170 sq mi (441 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Bridgend
Elevation Extremes: Swansea Bay (0 ft) to Craig y Llyn (1,969 ft / 600 m)
Population
~142,800 | Major Towns: Port Talbot, Neath, Pontardawe | Density: ~840 per sq mi
History
Founded by Cistercian monks in 1130, Neath Abbey became the largest abbey in Wales. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Port Talbot developed into a major deep-water port and Britain's largest steelmaking complex.
Economy
Steel manufacturing, port logistics, renewable energy, forestry, and outdoor recreation at Afan Forest Park and Margam Country Park.
Fun Facts
Port Talbot is the hometown of legendary Hollywood actors Sir Anthony Hopkins, Richard Burton, and Michael Sheen!
Introduction
Sitting astride the River Usk where it meets the Severn Estuary between Cardiff and Bristol, Newport (Casnewydd) is Wales's third-largest city and a major port, technology, and sports hub.
Geography
Location: Southeastern Wales
Coordinates: 51.59° N, 3.00° W
Area: 73 sq mi (190 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Cardiff, Caerphilly, Torfaen, Monmouthshire
Elevation Extremes: Severn Estuary (0 ft) to Wentwood (1,014 ft / 309 m)
Population
~161,500 | Major Settlements: Newport (city), Caerleon | Density: ~2,212 per sq mi
History
Caerleon in Newport was one of Britain's three permanent Roman legionary fortresses (Isca Augusta), featuring an intact Roman amphitheater. In 1839, Newport was the site of the Chartist Rising for voting rights.
Economy
Semiconductor manufacturing, financial services (including the UK Office for National Statistics), shipping docks, and major events at the Celtic Manor Resort.
Fun Facts
The Newport Transporter Bridge, opened in 1906, is one of fewer than ten surviving transporter bridges in the entire world, carrying cars and pedestrians across the River Usk in a suspended gondola!
Introduction
Forming the dramatic southwestern peninsula of Wales, Pembrokeshire is renowned for the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park—the UK's only coastal national park—puffin-filled islands, and Britain's smallest city, St Davids.
Geography
Location: Far Southwestern Wales
Coordinates: 51.80° N, 4.97° W
Area: 625 sq mi (1,618 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire
Elevation Extremes: Celtic Sea (0 ft) to Foel Cwmcerwyn in the Preseli Hills (1,759 ft / 536 m)
Population
~124,500 | Major Settlements: Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, Tenby, St Davids (city) | Density: ~199 per sq mi
History
In the 6th century, Saint David (Dewi Sant)—the patron saint of Wales—founded his monastic community at St Davids. Later, Pembroke Castle was the 1457 birthplace of Henry Tudor, who became King Henry VII.
Economy
Coastal tourism, energy terminals and shipping around the deep-water Milford Haven Waterway, Irish ferry routes from Fishguard and Pembroke Dock, and farming.
Fun Facts
The famous 'bluestones' forming the inner ring of Stonehenge in England were quarried in Pembrokeshire's Preseli Hills and transported over 140 miles nearly 5,000 years ago!
Introduction
Covering a quarter of the entire land area of Wales, Powys is a vast, sparsely populated expanse of green mountains, river valleys, reservoirs, and market towns stretching from Mid Wales down into Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons).
Geography
Location: Central & Eastern Wales
Coordinates: 52.30° N, 3.42° W
Area: 2,000 sq mi (5,180 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Gwynedd, Denbighshire, Wrexham, Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire, England (Shropshire & Herefordshire)
Elevation Extremes: Severn Valley (180 ft) to Pen y Fan (2,907 ft / 886 m)
Population
~134,200 | Major Towns: Newtown, Ystradgynlais, Brecon, Welshpool, Llandrindod Wells | Density: ~67 per sq mi
History
Named after the medieval Kingdom of Powys, the region features Offa's Dyke—an 8th-century earthwork frontier along the English border—and Powis Castle near Welshpool, continuously inhabited since the 13th century.
Economy
Sheep and cattle farming, forestry, water supply (the Elan Valley reservoirs supply water to Birmingham), outdoor tourism, and small-scale engineering.
Fun Facts
Hay-on-Wye in Powys is famous worldwide as the 'Town of Books,' packed with over twenty secondhand bookshops and hosting the annual Hay Festival of Literature!
Introduction
Encompassing the historic Rhondda, Cynon, and Taff river valleys northwest of Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf was the heartland of the South Wales Coalfield that once powered ships and trains around the globe.
Geography
Location: Southern Wales (South Wales Valleys)
Coordinates: 51.65° N, 3.44° W
Area: 164 sq mi (424 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Powys, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan, Bridgend, Neath Port Talbot
Elevation Extremes: Taff Valley (150 ft) to Craig y Llyn (1,969 ft / 600 m)
Population
~239,500 | Major Towns: Pontypridd, Aberdare, Tonypandy, Mountain Ash, Llantrisant | Density: ~1,460 per sq mi
History
At its peak in 1913, the Rhondda Valleys alone had over 50 operating coal mines producing millions of tons of high-grade steam coal. In 1856, Evan and James James of Pontypridd composed 'Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau,' the Welsh national anthem.
Economy
Higher education (University of South Wales), manufacturing, public administration, heritage tourism at Rhondda Heritage Park, and The Royal Mint in Llantrisant.
Fun Facts
Every British coin in your pocket—plus coins for dozens of countries around the world—is struck at The Royal Mint in Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf!
Introduction
Sitting along sweeping Swansea Bay and the Gower Peninsula, Swansea (Abertawe) is Wales's second-largest city, famous for its maritime history, lively indoor market, and the UK's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Geography
Location: Southwestern Coast of Wales
Coordinates: 51.62° N, 3.94° W
Area: 146 sq mi (378 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot
Elevation Extremes: Swansea Bay (0 ft) to Mynydd y Gwair (1,224 ft / 373 m)
Population
~241,500 | Major Settlements: Swansea (city), Gorseinon, Mumbles | Density: ~1,654 per sq mi
History
Founded as a Viking trading post named Sweyn's Ey ('Sweyn's Island'), Swansea grew into 'Copperopolis' during the 18th and 19th centuries as the world's leading center for copper smelting.
Economy
Higher education (Swansea University), healthcare, digital technology, retail, and coastal tourism across the Gower Peninsula.
Fun Facts
Rhossili Bay on Swansea's Gower Peninsula is regularly voted one of the best beaches in Europe, and at low tide visitors can walk out to the tidal island of Worm's Head!
Introduction
Running north to south along the Afon Lwyd valley in Southeast Wales, Torfaen combines the modern planned town of Cwmbran with the UNESCO World Heritage industrial landscape of Blaenavon.
Geography
Location: Southeastern Wales
Coordinates: 51.70° N, 3.04° W
Area: 49 sq mi (126 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Monmouthshire, Newport, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent
Elevation Extremes: Afon Lwyd Valley (150 ft) to Coity Mountain (1,906 ft / 581 m)
Population
~92,800 | Major Towns: Cwmbran, Pontypool, Blaenavon | Density: ~1,894 per sq mi
History
Blaenavon Ironworks, opened in 1789, pioneered multi-furnace iron production and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. In 1949, Cwmbran was designated as the only 'New Town' in Wales.
Economy
Retail (Cwmbran Centre is one of Wales's largest shopping complexes), aerospace and defense engineering, manufacturing, and industrial heritage tourism.
Fun Facts
At Big Pit National Coal Museum in Blaenavon, visitors wear real miner's helmets and lamps and ride a cage 300 feet underground into an authentic coal mine!
Introduction
Stretching along the Heritage Coast west of Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, sandy beaches at Barry Island, fertile farmland, and Cardiff Airport.
Geography
Location: Southernmost Wales (Bristol Channel)
Coordinates: 51.43° N, 3.40° W
Area: 128 sq mi (331 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Cardiff
Elevation Extremes: Bristol Channel (0 ft) to Pantylladron (449 ft / 137 m)
Population
~133,500 | Major Towns: Barry, Penarth, Llantwit Major, Cowbridge | Density: ~1,043 per sq mi
History
In the 5th century, Saint Illtud founded a monastery and school at Llantwit Major that became one of the earliest centers of learning in Britain. Later, Barry Docks briefly overtook Cardiff as the world's largest coal port in 1913.
Economy
Aviation (Cardiff Airport is located at Rhoose in the Vale), coastal tourism, chemicals and energy, agriculture, and Cardiff commuters.
Fun Facts
Nash Point in the Vale of Glamorgan is home to the last manned lighthouse in Wales, which continued operating with lighthouse keepers until 1998!
Introduction
Anchoring the northeastern border of Wales, Wrexham (Wrecsam) is Wales's newest city, famous for its historic football club, the towering Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, and a thriving industrial estate.
Geography
Location: Northeastern Wales
Coordinates: 53.05° N, 3.00° W
Area: 195 sq mi (504 sq km)
Bordering Areas: Flintshire, Denbighshire, Powys, England (Shropshire & Cheshire)
Elevation Extremes: River Dee plain (65 ft) to Cyrn-y-Brain (1,844 ft / 562 m)
Population
~136,200 | Major Settlements: Wrexham (city), Rhosllannerchrugog, Chirk | Density: ~698 per sq mi
History
St Giles' Church in Wrexham boasts a 135-foot ornate Gothic tower built around 1506, celebrated in the traditional rhyme as one of the 'Seven Wonders of Wales.' Wrexham was officially granted city status in 2022.
Economy
Wrexham Industrial Estate is one of the largest in Europe, hosting food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, packaging, and engineering alongside Wrexham University.
Fun Facts
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct near Wrexham—built by Thomas Telford in 1805—carries canal boats 126 feet high across the River Dee valley in a cast-iron trough and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Explore All 22 Principal Areas of Wales