Wales Economy

The issues the coal-mining industry was facing during the 1980s strongly affected the Welsh economy, but the areas that were affected then, particularly in the south of the country, have largely recovered.

Cardiff in particular has flourished in recent years and has seen major improvements both in the city centre and in the Cardiff Bay area, which has developed into a major entertainment and administrative centre. The area has benefited from EU grants as well as from the development associated with the Welsh Assembly.

The north is more rural, and farming and tourism are still the main sources of income. The North is home to popular seaside resorts like Llandudno and Rhyl, the island of Anglesey and the Snowdonia National Park.

South Wales is also very popular amongst visitors, with the capital Cardiff, the cities of Swansea and Newport, Carmarthen Bay and two national parks, Pembrokeshire Coast and Brecon Beacons all situated there. The highlights of mid-Wales are the Cambrian Mountains and the coastal resort of Cardigan Bay.

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