Swansea

Swansea is a coastal city and county in the southwest of Wales. It is the second-largest city in Wales and the principal population centre of the Swansea Bay urban area. The city lies at the mouth of the River Tawe and along Swansea Bay, with the Mumbles to the west and the Gower peninsula nearby.

Historically, the area shows evidence of settlement in medieval times. In the 18th and 19th centuries Swansea grew as an industrial town, notably for copper and tinplate, with districts such as Hafod and Morfa earning the nickname Copperopolis. The modern city was granted city status in 1969.

Today Swansea has a diversified economy focused on services, education, health, and tourism. The Port of Swansea supports local trade, and the city serves as a regional hub for higher education and research through Swansea University, with Singleton Park and Bay Campus facilities. The surrounding area also hosts colleges and specialist training centers.

Cultural and historical sites include the Dylan Thomas Centre in the Maritime Quarter, Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, and the National Waterfront Museum. The Swansea Market is one of the largest indoor markets in Wales. The waterfront, parks, and coastal scenery around Mumbles and the Gower Peninsula attract visitors.

Transport links connect Swansea to South Wales and beyond via the M4 motorway, rail services from Swansea railway station, and an active bus network. The city is linked to the nearby coast by road and pedestrian routes, and it serves as a gateway to the Swansea Bay area.