Cardiff

Cardiff (pop. 295,600), city and seaport near the mouth of the Taff River in southern Wales. The town was established in the 11th century around a Norman castle. Development was gradual until the discovery of coal in the valleys to the north made Cardiff a natural outlet for the export of coal, iron, and steel. Shipping of coal, coke, and steel is still the major industry; there are massive iron and steel works, and copper and tin are also produced. Flour milling and manufacture of chemicals and paper are valuable secondary industries. The city is the administrative center for Wales, and has important educational and cultural institutions including the National Museum of Wales.

See also: Wales.