Cynon Valley

Cynon Valley

Cynon Valley district (1974-1996) shown within Wales
Area
 • 197444,639 acres (180.65 km2)[1]
Population
 • 197369,630[2]
 • 199265,600[3]
History
 • Created1 April 1974
 • Abolished31 March 1996
 • Succeeded byRhondda Cynon Taf
StatusDistrict, Borough
 • HQAberdare (Welsh: Aberdâr)
River Cynon from Abercynon bridge

Cynon Valley (Welsh: Cwm Cynon) is a former coal mining valley in Wales. It lies between Rhondda and the Merthyr Valley and takes its name from the River Cynon. Aberdare is located in the north of the valley and Mountain Ash in the south. From 1974 to 1996, Cynon Valley was a local government district.

At the 2001 census, the Cynon Valley had a population of 63,512,[4] 12.1% of whom were Welsh speakers. In common with some of the other South Wales Valleys, Cynon Valley had a high percentage of Welsh speakers until the early 20th century.[citation needed]

  1. ^ Local government in England and Wales: A Guide to the New System. London: HMSO. 1974. p. 60. ISBN 0-11-750847-0.
  2. ^ Registrar General's annual estimated figure mid 1973
  3. ^ OPCS Key Population and statistics 1992 cited in Whitaker's Concise Almanack 1995. London: J Whitaker & Sons. 1994. p. 566. ISBN 0-85021-247-2.
  4. ^ "2001 Census of Population. Key Statistics for Assembly Constituencies: Cynon Valley" (PDF). Welsh Assembly. April 2003.