Constituent country - England
No. of Areas - 2
Population - 498,073
Area - 3,487 km2
Pop. Density - 143 km2
Here are some key facts about Shropshire, a county in the West Midlands region of England:
Location: Shropshire is located in the West Midlands region of England, bordering Wales to the west.
County Town: The county town of Shropshire is Shrewsbury, which is also the birthplace of Charles Darwin.
Area: Shropshire is the largest inland county in England, covering an area of 3,487 square kilometers (1,346 square miles).
Population: As of the 2011 census, Shropshire had a population of around 493,000 people.
Historic Sites: Shropshire is known for its rich history and has many historic sites, including Ludlow Castle, Stokesay Castle, and the Iron Bridge, which is considered the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
Natural Beauty: The county is renowned for its picturesque countryside, including the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which encompasses the Long Mynd, Stiperstones, and the Wrekin.
River Severn: The River Severn, the longest river in the United Kingdom, flows through Shropshire. It passes through the county town of Shrewsbury.
Industry: Historically, Shropshire was known for its mining, particularly coal and iron. Today, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism are important industries in the county.
Literary Connections: Shropshire has inspired many writers and poets, including A.E. Housman, who set his collection of poems "A Shropshire Lad" in the county.
Transport: Shropshire is well-connected by road, with the M54 motorway providing easy access to the West Midlands conurbation and the national motorway network. The county also has several railway lines, including the Welsh Marches Line and the Shrewsbury to Wolverhampton Line.
Local Cuisine: Shropshire is known for its traditional foods, including the Shropshire fidget pie, which is made with bacon, apples, and onions, and Shropshire blue cheese, a creamy blue cheese with a tangy flavor.
Events and Festivals: Throughout the year, Shropshire hosts various events and festivals, such as the Shrewsbury Flower Show, Ludlow Food Festival, and the Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival.
These facts only scratch the surface of what Shropshire has to offer, but they give a glimpse into the county's history, culture, and natural beauty.