Neath Port Talbot (Welsh: Castell-nedd Port Talbot)

Neath Port Talbot is a county borough in Glamorgan, South Wales. Its population is around 135,000 and covers an area of 442 km².

Geography

The borough borders Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taf to the east, Powys and Carmarthenshire to the north and Swansea to the west. Its main towns, as the name of the authority suggests, are Neath and Port Talbot.

History

It was created on 1 April 1996 from the former districts of Neath, Port Talbot and part of Lliw Valley. Originally named Neath and Port Talbot, it changed its name on 2 April 1996.

Industry

Neath Port Talbot's economy has changed dramatically over the last twenty years moving away from a dependence on coal, oil, petrochemical and metal manufacturing industries to one much more diversified in both traditional and emerging sectors. Over the last few years the tourism industry has grown to major importance in the county.