Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital and largest city of Wales, located in the south-east of the country on the River Taff and facing the Bristol Channel. It functions as the administrative, cultural, and economic hub of Wales and is a core part of the Cardiff Capital Region. The city hosts a diverse economy, with public administration, education, retail, media, and tourism playing important roles.

Cardiff originated as a small fortress settlement and grew significantly in the 19th century, driven by the coal trade and the expansion of its harbour. The subsequent redevelopment of the late 20th century, including the regeneration of Cardiff Bay, brought new cultural venues and modern waterfront developments, helping to transform the city into a major urban centre.

Governance is provided by Cardiff Council, a unitary authority. Cardiff is the capital of Wales and houses key institutions of Welsh government, including the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) and related public agencies in the Cardiff Bay area.

Economy and culture are closely linked in Cardiff. The city is known for landmarks such as Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium, and the National Museum Cardiff. The redeveloped Cardiff Bay area includes the Wales Millennium Centre and other cultural venues. Tourism, shopping, and sport contribute significantly to the city’s profile, alongside higher education and media industries.

Education and research are supported by two major institutions: Cardiff University and Cardiff Metropolitan University, with a broad range of programmes and research activities. Transport connections include two main railway stations, Cardiff Central and Cardiff Queen Street, and access to the M4 motorway, linking Cardiff with other parts of Wales and Great Britain. The city’s population is in the hundreds of thousands, forming a dense urban core with extensive suburbs.