Constituent country - Wales
No. of Areas - 3
Population - 423,200
Area - 781 km2
Pop. Density - 542 km2
Mid Glamorgan was a historic county in Wales that was abolished in 1996, but its name is still used to refer to a geographic area. Here are some key facts about the Mid Glamorgan region in the UK:
Location: Mid Glamorgan was located in the southern part of Wales, bordering the counties of Powys, West Glamorgan, and Gwent.
Formation: Mid Glamorgan was created in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972. It was formed by the amalgamation of parts of the historic counties of Glamorgan and Monmouthshire.
Administrative Center: The administrative center of Mid Glamorgan was the town of Aberdare.
Geography: The region was characterized by diverse geography, including valleys, hills, and coastal areas. The landscape was shaped by its industrial history, with former coal mines and industrial sites dotting the region.
Economy: Mid Glamorgan was historically known for its coal mining and heavy industry. However, like many areas in the UK, it has undergone significant economic transformation in recent decades, with a shift towards service industries and tourism.
Population: Mid Glamorgan had a diverse population, with communities of Welsh, English, and other ethnicities. The population was concentrated in urban areas such as Merthyr Tydfil, Pontypridd, and Bridgend.
Education: The region was home to several educational institutions, including the University of Glamorgan (now part of the University of South Wales) and several further education colleges.
Transport: Mid Glamorgan was well-connected by road and rail, with major transportation routes linking it to other parts of Wales and the UK.
Culture: The region had a rich cultural heritage, with traditional Welsh music, dance, and literature playing an important role in community life.
Natural Beauty: Despite its industrial past, Mid Glamorgan boasted areas of natural beauty, including the Brecon Beacons National Park, which offered opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching.
Local Government Reform: In 1996, Mid Glamorgan was abolished as a unit of local government as part of a nationwide restructuring of local authorities in Wales. Its territory was divided among several new unitary authorities, including Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, and Bridgend.
Legacy: While Mid Glamorgan as a local government entity no longer exists, its name continues to be used informally to refer to the geographic region that roughly corresponds to its former boundaries. It remains an important part of Welsh history and identity.