Located in the south of Wales this county has Swansea as its dominant town. Swansea has enjoyed recent redevelopment which has transformed much of the town centre and the surrounding industrial areas.
Although the rich coal mines of the west of the region were able to continue operations after many others had closed down they have now suffered a familiar fate. As many of the communities were entirely dependant on the mines the effect has been devastating with massive unemployment and consequential social problems. Attempts have been made to introduce light industry to these areas and reverse this trend.
The Gower peninsula is a coastal area in the region and serves to attract tourists to its picturesque coastline. It is also fertile farming ground, the products of which are sold in the Swansea area and further afield.