Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, is one of Europe’s youngest capitals and as such has a tangible confident and cosmopolitan atmosphere. This bilingual city is Wales’ major government and commercial centre as it is home to the Welsh Assembly and to a growing number of national and international companies.  With a population of 315,100, it has facilities of which much larger cities could be justifiably envious and is surrounded by beautiful countryside and spectacular coastline.
 
Two decades of urban regeneration have altered the city centre, almost beyond recognition and there is barely a trace of Cardiff’s industrial past. The result of the development is a pleasant and prosperous environment, the city is now proud to host events of international significance.

Nestling on the Eastern edge of the Glamorgan Heritage Coastline in South Wales, Cardiff straddles the estuary of the River Taff. The undulating and still very rural Vale of Glamorgan stretches to the west; to the north and east lie the evocatively named valleys – Rhondda, Merthyr, Cynon and Rhymney with the natural beauty and splendour of the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains stretching beyond them. 

Iron and coal catapulted Cardiff into the industrial revolution. In 1801 its population was 2,000, a few years after Bute dock opened in 1893 a million tonnes of coal were passing through the city. As a result of international trade the city enjoys a highly cosmopolitan mix of peoples, culture and cuisine.

The most stunning major addition to the city has been the £2.4 billion development of Cardiff Bay.  It is the largest waterfront development in Europe, incorporating world-class working, residential, cultural, sporting and other leisure opportunities. The most prestigious addition to the development, the National Assembly of Wales, opened on St David’s Day, 1st March 2006. 

Cardiff, Newport and surrounding areas like Cwmbran and Bridgend have been extremely successful in attracting and retaining investment from multinational organisations like Sony, Bosch and Dow Corning  as well as a growing number of service sector employers including financial services providers, lawyers and call centre operators. Callaghan Square in the centre of the city has been developed specifically to meet the needs of the international business community. The media play an increasingly significant role. Cardiff is the home of BBC Wales and the city has one of the largest concentrations of film and TV production facilities outside London. Recently, a very high profile plan was announced by Lord Attenborough for a state of the art film studios and associated business park to the sited in Llantrisant. The project has already been dubbed ‘Valleywood’ by the media!

The city’s cultural, leisure and shopping facilities are commensurate with a world-class city attracting international investment and attention. The Millenium Stadium is host to rugby World Cup matches and football Cup matches as well as a host of rock concerts. For the shopaholic, the Capitol Centre complements Victorian and Edwardian arcades to provide excellent retail facilities.

More than anything, cultural identity is important to the Welsh people. The Welsh language is referred to as the ‘language of heaven’ and the music and literary heritage of Wales is celebrated as much today in this 21st Century city as it ever was. The Welsh National Opera Company perform in Cardiff at the Wales Millenium Centre and New Theatre, and the BBC National Orchestra & Chorus of Wales play at the Wales Millenium Centre and at St David’s Hall.

Cardiff’s  location, only 150 miles from London, is ideal for easy access to the M4 and equally to the beautiful countryside  nearby.  The 330 parks and gardens in the city belie its industrial past while just a short drive away you can surf, sail, walk and mountain bike.

In conclusion, Cardiff offers something for everyone! It is a fun, vibrant city with a positive and expansive outlook, home to as much culture, leisure and career opportunites as you can handle, but with its feet firmly anchored in its cultural heritage.

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