Positioned centrally in the east of Wales this county has close links with England thanks to its close proximity to its eastern neighbour and the lack of a natural barrier between the two.
Farming is dominant in the certain areas such as the Severn Valley which has fertile flood plains. Border towns such as Shrewsbury provide ready markets for vegetables and crops grown here as well as for the sheep and cattle reared in the upland regions. Some light industry is also found in the larger towns of the region.