Cynon Valley
| Cynon Valley | |
|---|---|
Cynon Valley district (1974-1996) shown within Wales | |
| Area | |
| • 1974 | 44,639 acres (180.65 km2) |
| Population | |
| • 1973 | 69,630 |
| • 1992 | 65,600 |
| History | |
| • Created | 1 April 1974 |
| • Abolished | 31 March 1996 |
| • Succeeded by | Rhondda Cynon Taf |
| Status | District, Borough |
| • HQ | Aberdare (Welsh: Aberdâr) |
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, 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.