Torfaen (Welsh: Tor-faen)

Torfaen is a county borough in South Wales. It lies within the traditional boundaries of Monmouthshire. It has a population of around 92,000 and an area of 126 km². It lies within the traditional boundaries of Monmouthshire.

Geography

The district borders Newport to the south, Monmouthshire to the east, and Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly to the west. Its main towns are Abersychan, Blaenavon, Cwmbran and Pontypool. First shaped by the forces of nature, Torfaen comprises a varied 12-mile long valley from Blaenavon in the north to Cwmbran in the south. The most eastern of Welsh Valleys, Torfaen has diversity, which is difficult to match. It is an area of exciting contrasts with raw, weather-beaten landscapes, rolling hills, lush green meadows and large expanses of water. The valley is linked and criss-crossed by a series of mountainous roads that provide panoramic views. The Afon Llwyd, the river running down the valley, was in ancient times named Torfaen, which means "rock breaker".

Industry

The County has a diverse industrial base including agriculture, electronics, engineering, tourism and service industries.

History

Created in 1996 from part of the former county of Gwent.