View source for Ceredigion

{{short description|County in Wales}}
{{Other uses}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                    = Ceredigion
| native_name             = 
| settlement_type         = [[Principal areas of Wales|County]]
| image_skyline           = Melindwr, Eglwys Fach - geograph.org.uk - 646101.jpg
| imagesize               = 
| image_alt               = 
| image_caption           = 
| image_flag              = Flag of Ceredigion.svg
| flag_alt                = 
| image_shield            = Arms of Ceredigion County Council.svg
| shield_alt              = 
| shield_link             = 
| image_blank_emblem      = 
| blank_emblem_size       = 
| blank_emblem_type       = 
| blank_emblem_link       = 
| etymology               = 
| nickname                = 
| motto                   = {{langx |cy|Golud Gwlad Rhyddid |translation=the wealth of the land is freedom}}
| image_map               = Ceredigion UK location map.svg
| map_alt                 = 
| map_caption             = Ceredigion shown within [[Wales]]
| coordinates             = {{coord|52|15|10|N|4|00|01|W|region:GB_type:adm2nd|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type        = [[Sovereign state]]
| subdivision_name        = [[United Kingdom]]
| subdivision_type1       = [[Countries of the United Kingdom|Country]]
| subdivision_name1       = [[Wales]]
| subdivision_type2       = [[Regions of Wales|Region]]
| subdivision_name2       = 
| subdivision_type3       = [[Preserved counties of Wales|Preserved county]]
| subdivision_name3       = [[Dyfed]]
| subdivision_type4       = 
| subdivision_name4       = 
| established_title       = Incorporated
| established_date        = [[Local Government (Wales) Act 1994|1 April 1996]]
| established_title1      = 
| established_date1       = 
| named_for               = 
| seat_type               = Administrative{{nbsp}}HQ
| seat                    = [[Aberaeron]] and [[Aberystwyth]]
| parts_type              = 
| parts                   = 
<!-- Government -->
| government_footnotes    = <ref name="Council leadership">{{cite web |url=https://ceredigion.gov.uk/your-council/ |title=Your Council |website=Ceredigion County Council |access-date=6 August 2024}}</ref>
| government_type         = [[Local government in Wales#Principal councils|Principal council]]
| governing_body          = [[Ceredigion County Council]]
| leader_title            = 
| leader_name             = 
| leader_title1           = [[Political make-up of local councils in the United Kingdom|Control]]
| leader_name1            = {{UK council control|GSS=W06000008}}
| leader_title2           = 
| leader_name2            = 
| leader_title3           = [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|MPs]]
| leader_name3            = [[Ben Lake]] ([[Plaid Cymru|PC]])
| leader_title4           = [[Member of the Senedd|MSs]]
| leader_name4            = {{unbulleted list
 |[[Elin Jones]] ([[Plaid Cymru|PC]])
 |+4 [[Mid and West Wales (Senedd electoral region)|regional members]]
 }}
<!-- Area -->
<!-- ALL fields with measurements have automatic unit conversion -->
| area_footnotes          = <ref name="popstats">{{UK subdivision statistics citation}}</ref>
| area_total_km2          = {{UK subdivision area|GSS=W06000008}}
| area_land_km2           = 
| area_water_km2          = 
| area_rank               = [[List of Welsh principal areas|{{Welsh council area rank|GSS=W06000008}}]]
<!-- Population -->
| population_footnotes    = <ref name="popstats" />
| population_as_of        = {{UK subdivision statistics year}}
| population_total        = {{UK subdivision population|GSS=W06000008}}
| population_rank         = [[List of Welsh principal areas|{{Welsh council population rank|GSS=W06000008}}]]
| population_density_km2  = {{UK subdivision density|GSS=W06000008}}
| population_demonym      = 
<!-- demographics (section 1) -->
| demographics_type1      = 
| demographics1_footnotes = 
| demographics1_title1    = 
| demographics1_info1     = 
<!-- demographics (section 2) -->
| demographics_type2      = [[Welsh language]] <span style="font-weight:normal;">([[2021 United Kingdom census|2021]])</span>
| demographics2_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/censusareachanges/W06000008/ |title=How life has changed in Ceredigion: Census 2021 |date=19 January 2023 |website=Office for National Statistics |access-date=6 August 2024 }}</ref>
| demographics2_title1    = Speakers
| demographics2_info1     = 45.3%
| demographics2_title2    = Rank
| demographics2_info2     = [[List of Welsh principal areas by percentage Welsh language|3rd]]
| timezone1               = [[Greenwich Mean Time|GMT]]
| utc_offset1             = +0
| timezone1_DST           = [[British Summer Time|BST]]
| utc_offset1_DST         = +1
<!-- Codes -->
| postal_code_type        = [[Postcodes in the United Kingdom|Postcode areas]]
| postal_code             = 
| area_code_type          = [[Telephone numbers in the United Kingdom|Dialling codes]]
| area_code               = 
| iso_code                = [[ISO 3166-2:GB|GB-CGN]]
| blank1_name             = [[GSS coding system|GSS code]]
| blank1_info             = W06000008
| website                 = {{URL|ceredigion.gov.uk}}
}}
'''Ceredigion''' ({{IPA|cy|kɛrɛˈdɪɡjɔn|lang|Cy-Ceredigion.ogg}}), historically '''Cardiganshire''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|ɑː|r|d|ɪ|g|ə|n|ˌ|ʃ|ɪ|ə|r|,_|-|ʃ|ə|r}}, {{langx|cy|Sir Aberteifi}}), is a [[Principal areas of Wales|county]] in the [[West Wales|west]] of [[Wales]]. It borders [[Gwynedd]] across the [[River Dyfi|Dyfi]] [[estuary]] to the north, [[Powys]] to the east, [[Carmarthenshire]] and [[Pembrokeshire]] to the south, and the [[Irish Sea]] to the west. [[Aberystwyth]] is the largest settlement and, together with [[Aberaeron]], is an administrative centre of [[Ceredigion County Council]].

The county is the second most sparsely populated in Wales, with an area of {{Convert|688|sqmi|km2|abbr=out}} and a population of 71,500; the latter is a decline of 4,492 since the [[2011 United Kingdom census|2011 census]]. After Aberystwyth (15,935), the largest towns are [[Cardigan, Ceredigion|Cardigan]] (4,184) and [[Lampeter]] (2,970). Ceredigion is considered a centre of [[Culture of Wales|Welsh culture]] and 45.3% of the population could speak the [[Welsh language]] at the 2021 census.

To the west, Ceredigion has {{convert|50|mi}} of coastline on [[Cardigan Bay]], which is traversed by the [[Ceredigion Coast Path]]. Its hinterland is hilly and rises to the [[Cambrian Mountains]] in the east, where the highest point is [[Plynlimon]] at {{Convert|752|m|ft}}. The mountains are the source of the county's main rivers: the [[Afon Rheidol|Rheidol]], [[River Ystwyth|Ystwyth]], [[River Aeron|Aeron]] and [[River Teifi|Teifi]]; the last of these is Ceredigion's boundary with Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire for most of its length.

Ceredigion is named after a [[Kingdom of Ceredigion|minor kingdom]] which occupied approximately the area of the county in the fifth century AD. The contemporary county has the same borders as Cardiganshire, which was established in 1282 by the English king [[Edward I of England|Edward I]] after his [[Conquest of Wales by Edward I|conquest of Wales]]. In the 18th and early 19th centuries, the county was more industrialised than it is today; [[lead]], [[silver]] and [[zinc]] were mined in the area, and Cardigan was the largest port in South Wales. The economy later became highly dependent on [[dairy farming]], but is diversifying into areas such as tourism as farming becomes less profitable. The county is home to the [[National Library of Wales]], [[Aberystwyth University]], and the Lampeter campus of [[University of Wales Trinity Saint David|University of Wales Trinity St David]].

==History==
{{See also|Kingdom of Ceredigion|Seisyllwg}}
Ceredigion has been inhabited since prehistoric times. A total of 170 hill forts and enclosures have been identified across the county and there are many standing stones dating back to the [[Bronze Age]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discoverceredigion.co.uk/English/more/story/Pages/Hillforts-and-heroes.aspx |title=Discover Ceredigion: Hillforts and Heroes|publisher=Ceredigion County Council |access-date=14 April 2016}}</ref> Around the time of the [[Roman invasion of Britain]], the area was between the realms of the [[Demetae]] and [[Ordovices]]. The [[Sarn Helen]] [[Roman roads in Britain|road]] ran through the territory, with [[Roman fort|forts]] at [[Bremia (fort)|Bremia]] and [[Loventium]] protecting gold mines near present-day [[Llanddewi Brefi]]. Following the [[Roman withdrawal from Britain|Roman withdrawal]], [[Scoti|Irish]] [[Irish invasions of Wales|raids and invasions]] were repulsed, supposedly by the forces under a [[Hen Ogledd|northerner]] named [[Cunedda Wledig|Cunedda]]. The 9th-century ''[[History of the Britons]]'' attributed to [[Nennius]] records that Cunedda's son [[Ceredig]] settled the area around the Teifi in the 5th century.<ref name="Foundation">Davies, John, ''A History of Wales</ref> The territory supposedly remained [[kingdom of Ceredigion|a minor kingdom]] under his dynasty until its extinction upon the drowning of [[Gwgon ap Meurig]] {{circa|lk=no|871}}, after which it was administered by [[Rhodri Mawr]] of [[Kingdom of Gwynedd|Gwynedd]] before passing to his son [[Cadell ap Rhodri|Cadell]], whose son [[Hywel Dda]] inherited its neighbouring kingdom [[Kingdom of Dyfed|Dyfed]] and established the realm of [[Deheubarth]]. Records are highly obscure; some historians believe that [[Hyfaidd ap Bledrig]], the Dyfed ruler, may have annexed Ceredigion before his heirs lost it to Hywel through war.

Many pilgrims passed through Cardiganshire on their way to [[St Davids]]. Some came by sea and made use of the churches at [[Mwnt]] and [[Penbryn]], while others came by land seeking hospitality at such places as [[Strata Florida Abbey]]. Both the abbey and [[Llanbadarn Fawr, Ceredigion|Llanbadarn Fawr]] were important monastic sites of scholarship and education. Place names including ''ysbyty'' denote their association with pilgrims.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discoverceredigion.co.uk/English/more/story/Pages/Pilgrims-and-princes.aspx |title=Discover Ceredigion: Pilgrims and Princes|publisher=Ceredigion County Council |access-date=14 April 2016}}</ref>

In 1282, [[Edward I of England]] conquered the principality of Wales and divided the area into counties. One of thirteen [[historic counties of Wales|traditional counties in Wales]]. Cardiganshire was split into the five [[Hundred (county subdivision)|hundreds]] of Genau'r-Glyn, Ilar, Moyddyn, Penarth and Troedyraur.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1820-1832/constituencies/cardiganshire |title=Cardiganshire; The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1820-1832, ed. D.R. Fisher|author=Margaret Escott |work=historyofparliamentonline.org|publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2009  |access-date=26 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=-uJIMJ3n-JgC&pg=PA287 |title=The Penny Cyclopaedia of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge |author= Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge|page=287|publisher=Charles Knight|year= 1836 |access-date=26 April 2012}}</ref>

Much later, Cardiganshire was designated as a [[vice-county]].

[[File:Radnor Brecknok Cardigan Caermarden Map.jpg|thumb|250px|Hand-drawn map of Radnorshire, Brecknockshire, Cardiganshire and Carmarthenshire by Christopher Saxton in 1578]]

[[Pen-y-wenallt]] was home to 17th century theologian and author, [[Theophilus Evans]].<ref name="Evans">{{Cite DWB |id=s-EVAN-THE-1693 |title=EVANS, THEOPHILUS (1693 - 1767), cleric, historian, and man of letters |first=Enid Pierce |last=Roberts |date=1959 |access-date=1 June 2018}}</ref> In the 18th century there was an evangelical revival of Christianity, and [[Nonconformist (Protestantism)|nonconformism]] became established in the county as charismatic preachers like [[Daniel Rowland (preacher)|Daniel Rowland]] of [[Llangeitho]] attracted large congregations. Every community built its own chapel or meeting house, and Cardiganshire became one of the centres of [[Methodism]] in Wales; the [[River Aeron|Aeron Valley]] was at the centre of the revival.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.discoverceredigion.co.uk/English/more/story/Pages/Peace-and-religion.aspx |title=Discover Ceredigion: Peace and Religion |publisher=Ceredigion County Council |access-date=14 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423184412/http://www.discoverceredigion.co.uk/English/more/story/Pages/Peace-and-religion.aspx |archive-date=23 April 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[Cardigan, Ceredigion|Cardigan]] was one of the major ports of southern Wales until its harbour silted in the mid-19th century. The [[Industrial Revolution]] passed by, not much affecting the area. In the uplands, wheeled vehicles were rare in the 18th century, and horses and [[sled]]s were still being used for transport. On the coast, herrings and corn were traded across the Irish Sea. In the 19th century, many of the rural poor emigrated to the [[New World]] from Cardigan, between five and six thousand leaving the town between 1790 and 1860. Aberystwyth became the main centre for the export of [[lead]] and Aberaeron and Newquay did brisk coastal trade. The building of the railway from Shrewsbury in the 1860s encouraged visitors, and hotels sprang up in the town to accommodate them.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Lloyd, Thomas |author2=Orbach, Julian |author3=Scourfield, Robert |title=Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wEkcJb2lHx8C&pg=PA2 |year=2006 |publisher=Yale University Press |isbn=0-300-10179-1 |pages=2–3}}</ref>

This area of the county of [[Dyfed]] became a [[Districts of Wales|district of Wales]] under the name Ceredigion in 1974 under the [[Local Government Act 1972]],<ref name=Schaefer/> and since 1996, has formed the county of Ceredigion.<ref name=CountyCouncil>{{cite web |url=https://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=9900 |title=County Council |publisher=Cyngor Sir Ceredigion County Council |access-date=14 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220075727/https://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=9900 |archive-date=2016-12-20 |url-status=dead }}</ref>  According to the [[2021 United Kingdom census|2021 census]] 45.3% of the population can speak [[Welsh language|Welsh]], the third highest proportion after [[Gwynedd]] and the [[Isle of Anglesey]]. Nevertheless, this was a decline from 47.3% in 2011 and 52% in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How life has changed in Ceredigion: Census 2021 |url=https://www.ons.gov.uk/visualisations/censusareachanges/W06000008/ |access-date=2023-06-04 |website=Office for National Statistics |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Welsh speakers by local authority, gender and detailed age groups, 2011 census |url=https://statswales.gov.wales/Catalogue/Welsh-Language/Census-Welsh-Language/welshspeakers-by-localauthority-gender-detailedagegroups-2011census |access-date=2022-12-03 |website=statswales.gov.wales}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Welsh speakers by local authority and broader age groups, 2001 and 2011 census |url=https://statswales.gov.wales/Catalogue/Welsh-Language/Census-Welsh-Language/welshspeakers-by-la-broaderage-2001and2011census |access-date=2023-06-04 |website=statswales.gov.wales}}</ref>

==Geography==
{{See also|List of places in Ceredigion}} {{See also|Geology of Ceredigion}}
[[File:Aberaeron Harbour - geograph.org.uk - 792088.jpg|thumb|Aberaeron Harbour]]

[[File:Cors Caron in July, near Tregaron, Ceredigion - geograph.org.uk - 1415618.jpg|thumb|[[Cors Caron]], near Tregaron]]

Ceredigion is a coastal county, bordered by [[Cardigan Bay]] to the west, [[Gwynedd]] to the north, [[Powys]] to the east, [[Carmarthenshire]] to the south and [[Pembrokeshire]] to the south-west. Its area is {{convert|1795|km2|mi2}}.<ref name=Nienaber/> In 2010 the population was 76,938, making it the second most sparsely populated county in Wales.<ref name=Nienaber/>

The main settlements are [[Aberaeron]], [[Aberporth]], [[Aberystwyth]], [[Borth]], [[Cardigan, Ceredigion|Cardigan]], [[Lampeter]], [[Llanarth, Ceredigion|Llanarth]], [[Llanddewi Brefi]], [[Llandysul]], [[Llanilar]], [[Llanrhystud]], [[Llanon]], [[New Quay]], and [[Tregaron]]. The largest of these are Aberystwyth and Cardigan.<ref name=Atlas>{{cite book |title=Atlas of the World |last=Philip's |year=1994 |publisher=Reed International |isbn=0-540-05831-9 |pages=16–17 }}</ref>

The [[Cambrian Mountains]] cover much of the east of the county; this large area forms part of the [[desert of Wales]].  In the south and west, the surface is less elevated. The highest point is [[Plynlimon]] (Pumlumon) at {{convert|2467|ft|m}}, other [[Marilyn (geography)|Marilyn]]s include [[Pen y Garn]] and [[Llan Ddu Fawr]]. On the slopes of Pumlumon five rivers have their sources: the [[River Severn|Severn]], the [[River Wye|Wye]], the [[River Dulas|Dulas]], the [[River Llyfnant|Llyfnant]] and the [[River Rheidol|Rheidol]], the last of which meets the [[Afon Mynach]] in a {{convert|300|ft|m}} plunge at the [[Devil's Bridge, Ceredigion|Devil's Bridge]] chasm. The largest river is the [[River Teifi]] which forms the border with Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire for part of its length. The towns of Lampeter, Llandysul, Newcastle Emlyn and Cardigan are all in the Teifi Valley, and each has communities on each side of the river, in different counties. Other significant rivers include the [[River Aeron]] which has its estuary at [[Aberaeron]], and the [[River Ystwyth]] and the [[River Rheidol]] both of which reach the sea in Aberystwyth [[Harbor|harbour]].<ref name=Atlas/>

Ceredigion's {{convert|50|mi|km}} of coastline has sandy beaches. In 2011 Ceredigion's beaches were awarded five [[Blue flag beach|Blue Flag Awards]], four [[Green Coast Award]]s, and fourteen [[Seaside Award]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tourism.ceredigion.gov.uk/saesneg/beaches.htm|title=Ceredigion tourism - Beaches|access-date=20 September 2014}}</ref> Ceredigion is one of only two places in the United Kingdom with a permanent presence of [[bottlenose dolphin]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cardiganshirecoastandcountry.com/dolphins-cardigan-bay.php|title=Cardiganshire Coast & Country|access-date=20 September 2014}}</ref> Another member of the fauna is the [[red kite]]; these may be seen in various localities in the county, but at the Red Kite Feeding Centre near Tregaron, they are fed each day, and large numbers congregate along with hungry crows and other birds.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gigrin.co.uk/red-kite-feeding/ |title=Red Kite Feeding |publisher=Gigrin |access-date=11 April 2016}}</ref>

Between 1991 and 2003 Ceredigion had the largest population growth of any county in Wales, with a 19.5% increase.<ref name="news.bbc.co.uk">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/2755217.stm|title=Census shows Welsh language rise Friday, 14 February, 2003 extracted 12-04-07|date=14 February 2003 |access-date=20 September 2014}}</ref> Tourism and agriculture, chiefly hill farming, are the most important industries. In addition, two [[university|universities]] are within the county boundaries: [[Aberystwyth University]] and the Lampeter campus of the [[University of Wales, Trinity Saint David]]. The [[Welsh Plant Breeding Station]] is near Aberystwyth and linked to the University. The [[National Library of Wales]], founded in 1907, is also in Aberystwyth. Ceredigion is an extremely rural county; the largest town, Aberystwyth, has fewer than 15,000 permanent residents and the remainder of the population of the county is scattered over 150 small towns, villages and hamlets.<ref name=Hall>{{cite book|author1=Hall, Derek R.|author2=Kirkpatrick, Irene|title=Rural Tourism and Sustainable Business |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y0kO0JKI9soC&pg=PA236 |year=2005 |publisher=Channel View Publications |isbn=978-1-84541-335-4 |pages=236–237}}</ref> According to the [[2011 UK census]] the population of Ceredigion was around 75,900.  By the time the [[2021 UK census]] was taken this had fallen by 5.8% to 71,500. 

The county has no large commercial areas. The nearest substantial settlements are located at least 1 hour 45 minutes drive away. Approximate road distances from Ceredigion's largest town, Aberystwyth, are: [[Swansea]], {{convert|75|mi|km}} to the south; [[Shrewsbury]], {{convert|76|mi|km}} to the east, in the [[England|English]] county of [[Shropshire]]; and [[Wrexham]], {{convert|82|mi|km}} to the northeast. The capital, [[Cardiff]], is over {{convert|100|mi|km}} from most parts of the county. Although Ceredigion and Gwynedd share a boundary, it is not possible to travel directly between the two by land as all road and rail links avoid the Dyfi estuary and pass through Dyfi Junction or [[Machynlleth]] in Powys.<ref name=Atlas/>

==Government==
{{See also|Ceredigion County Council}}
[[File:WalesCardiganshireTrad.png|thumb|Ceredigion, as shown with traditional boundaries]]

Between 1889 and 1974, the county was governed by [[Cardiganshire County Council]], which took over the local government functions of the [[quarter sessions]].<ref name=CountyCouncil/> The county council was abolished in 1974 by the [[Local Government Act 1972]], with the area becoming the lower-tier [[Ceredigion District Council|district of Ceredigion]] within the larger county of [[Dyfed]].<ref>{{cite book|author1=Wade, William |author2=Forsyth, Christopher |title=Administrative Law|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dRENBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA91 |year=2014 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-968370-3 |pages=91–92}}</ref> Until 1974, Cardiganshire had been governed locally by [[civil parish]]es; these in large part equated to [[parish|ecclesiastical parishes]], most of which still exist as part of the Church in Wales.<ref>{{cite web|title=GENUKI: Cardiganshire Towns and Parishes|url=https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/wal/CGN/indexpars|access-date=28 September 2024}}</ref> Further local government reform under the [[Local Government (Wales) Act 1994]] saw the area become a [[unitary authority]] on 1 April 1996. The 1994 act specified that the reformed council was to have both a Welsh and an English name: Sir Aberteifi / Cardiganshire. Before the new arrangements came into force the incoming council resolved to change the name to Ceredigion in both languages. The government agreed the change of name, which took effect on 2 April 1996, one day after the new authority formally came into being.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hansard: Written Answers |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199596/cmhansrd/vo960402/text/60402w33.htm#60402w33.html_spnew3 |website=UK Parliament |access-date=3 October 2022 |date=2 April 1996}}</ref><ref name=2002order>{{cite legislation UK|type=si|si=The County of Ceredigion (Electoral Changes) Order 2002|year=2002|number=3278|accessdate=2 October 2022}}</ref><ref name=Schaefer>{{cite book|author=Schaefer, Christina K. |title=Instant Information on the Internet!: A Genealogist's No-frills Guide to the British Isles|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9xRI0H8pE8UC&pg=PA51 |year=1999 |publisher=Genealogical Publishing Com |isbn=978-0-8063-1614-7 |page=51}}</ref>

A [[Referendums in the United Kingdom|referendum]] was held on 20 May 2004 on whether to have a [[Elected mayors in the United Kingdom|directly elected mayor]] for the county, which would have been the first in Wales. The [[Llais Ceredigion]] political initiative had been formed with this aim,<ref>{{cite news |title=New party reveals election targets |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/3373825.stm |newspaper=BBC News |date=6 January 2004 |access-date=12 April 2016}}</ref> but the proposal was rejected.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gains for Plaid in Ceredigion |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/3797037.stm |newspaper=BBC News |date=11 June 2004 |access-date=12 April 2016}}</ref>

As of 2024, the council leader is Bryan Davies of [[Plaid Cymru]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-27 |title=Your Councillors |url=https://council.ceredigion.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?bcr=1 |access-date=2024-07-27 |website=council.ceredigion.gov.uk |language=en}}</ref>

The entire county is a [[Senedd constituency]], with its [[Member of the Senedd]] being [[Elin Jones]] (Plaid Cymru) for the [[Ceredigion (Senedd constituency)|Ceredigion constituency]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Senedd Cymru Elections - Ceredigion County Council |url=https://ceredigion.gov.uk/your-council/voting-elections/election-results/senedd-cymru-elections/ |access-date=2024-07-27 |website=ceredigion.gov.uk}}</ref>

At Westminster, all of Ceredigion is in the [[Ceredigion Preseli (UK Parliament constituency)|Ceredigion Preseli]] constituency since 2024, replacing [[Ceredigion (UK Parliament constituency)|Ceredigion]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 Parliamentary Review - Revised Proposals {{!}} Boundary Commission for Wales |url=https://bcomm-wales.gov.uk/reviews/10-22/2023-parliamentary-review-revised-proposals |access-date=2023-06-20 |website=[[Boundary Commission for Wales]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Election for a Member of - Ceredigion County Council |url=https://ceredigion.gov.uk/your-council/voting-elections/election-for-a-member-of-parliament-for-the-ceredigion-preseli-constituency/election-for-a-member-of-parliament-for-the-ceredigion-preseli-constituency-information-for-candidates-and-agents/ |access-date=2024-07-27 |website=ceredigion.gov.uk}}</ref> With [[Ben Lake]] (Plaid Cymru) being re-elected as the [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]] in the [[2024 United Kingdom general election in Wales|2024 election]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ceredigion Preseli - General election results 2024 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/election/2024/uk/constituencies/W07000093 |access-date=2024-07-27 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Economy==
[[File:Grazing Land and Hillside, Cwm Brefi, Ceredigion - geograph.org.uk - 508632.jpg|thumb|Hill farm at Cwm Brefi]]
Farming has traditionally been the basis of Cardiganshire's economy, with dairying and stock-rearing being the main occupations. Before the first railway was built in 1866, the stock used to be herded over the mountains to England, where [[Rugby, Warwickshire|Rugby]], [[Northampton]] and London were important destinations. At one time there was a sizeable mining industry in Cardiganshire, but the reserves of lead, silver and zinc became unprofitable to mine by the early 20th century. Shipping was also important in the county, with coal and lime being imported in coastal vessels, and mineral ores and oak bark for [[Tanning (leather)|tanning]] being exported. [[Shipbuilding]] was an important industry: most of Wales' sailing vessels were built in Cardiganshire.<ref name=Nienaber>{{cite book|author=Nienaber, Birte|title=Globalization and Europe's Rural Regions |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RFurCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA79 |year=2016|publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-317-12709-3 |pages=76–83}}</ref>

Cardiganshire had a substantial population in the early modern period, but this declined during the 19th century as wider social and economic developments affected all aspects of Cardiganshire life. Traditional industries were in decline, agriculture was in decline and it was becoming increasingly difficult for a still-rising population to earn a living within their native parishes and communities. By the first half of the 20th century, falling livestock prices and greater international competition made farming unprofitable. Many residents of Cardiganshire moved to other parts of South Wales, where there were better employment opportunities, and many more emigrated to the United States, Canada, Patagonia and Australia.<ref name=Nienaber/> Furthermore, the owners of the great landed estates, who had for so long dominated the politics of the county, were in many cases heavily in debt. This led to the loss of landowner influence in the running of the county; this became very apparent at the first elections to the [[Cardiganshire County Council election, 1889|Cardiganshire County Council]] in 1889.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Morgan |first=K. O. |date=1967 |title=Cardiganshire politics: the Liberal ascendancy, 1885–1923 |journal=Journal of the Cardiganshire Antiquarian Society |volume=5 |issue=4 |pages=314–18; 319–20 |s2cid=157863376}}</ref> 
[[File:Clarach Bay - geograph.org.uk - 1378270.jpg|thumb|Caravan park at [[Clarach Bay]]]]

By the second half of the 20th century, the population was increasing again. More retired people were arriving to make their home in the tranquil surroundings, and after the Beacham Commission in the 1960s, the British government realised that the rural way of life in parts of Wales was in crisis, and started to react. Through government initiatives and local actions, opportunities in tourism, rural crafts, specialist food shops, farmers' markets and added-value food products began to emerge.<ref name=Nienaber/> However, in 2011, at 3.1%, Ceredigion still had one of the highest proportions of its population working in agriculture, forestry and fishing, close behind such other places as [[Orkney]] and [[Shetland]].<ref>{{cite book|author1=Dorling, Danny|author2=Thomas, Bethan |title=People and Places: A 21st-century Atlas of the UK|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PsLOCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA160 |year=2016 |publisher=Policy Press |isbn=978-1-4473-1136-2 |page=160}}</ref> Exposed, marginal land is also used for [[wind farm]]s: [[Cefn Croes Wind Farm]] near [[Devil's Bridge]] has 39 turbines and a nominal capacity of 58.5&nbsp;MW.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thewindpower.net/wind-farm-1452-cefn-croes-inc-devils-bridge-bryn-du-nffo-contract-nd-nd.php|title=Cefn Croes, United-Kingdom |work=Wind Energy Market Intelligence |publisher=The Wind Power|access-date=11 April 2016}}</ref>

Farm incomes have been in decline over the years; and, as well as being a [[Regional policy of the European Union|European Objective I area]], in 2001 Ceredigion was designated a regional "Tourist growth area" by the [[Wales Tourist Board]].<ref name=Hall/> There is little industry other than farming, so tourism plays an important part in the county's economy. Visitors stay in hotels, guest houses and homes offering bed-and-breakfast, self-catering cottages, caravans and camp sites; they spend money in local shops, dine in local establishments and visit the county's many attractions. Ceredigion prides itself on offering an unspoilt natural landscape, and Aberystwyth claims to be the capital of Welsh culture.<ref name=Cloke>{{cite book|author1=Cloke, Paul|author2=Crang, Philip |author3=Goodwin, Mark |title=Introducing Human Geographies, Second Edition|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-gF-AKXF2DkC&pg=PA522 |year=2013 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-4441-6980-5 |pages=522}}</ref>

==Leisure==
[[File:WNLW 08.jpg|thumb|National Library of Wales]]

The [[National Library of Wales]]<ref name=TripAdvisor/> is at Aberystwyth and there is information on local history at the [[Ceredigion Museum]].<ref name=TripAdvisor/> There is a technical museum [[Internal Fire – Museum of Power]], which is at [[Tan-y-groes]] near the coast road.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.internalfire.com/ |title=Internal Fire: Museum of Power |access-date=18 April 2016}}</ref> Stately homes in the county open to the public include the [[Hafod Uchtryd|Hafod Estate]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hafod.org/ |title=The Hafod Estate |publisher=Natural Resource Wales |access-date=18 April 2016 |archive-date=27 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727195038/http://www.hafod.org/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> and [[Llanerchaeron]].<ref name=TripAdvisor/> It is home to the [[Aberystwyth Arts Centre]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/history|title=History - Aberystwyth Arts Centre|website=www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk|access-date=5 October 2021|archive-date=23 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023131314/https://www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/history|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The county is rich in archaeological remains such as forts, earthworks and standing stones. Historic sites that can be accessed include [[Aberystwyth Castle]]<ref name=TripAdvisor/> and [[Cardigan Castle]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cardigancastle.com/ |title=Cardigan Castle  |access-date=18 April 2016}}</ref> as well as [[Strata Florida Abbey]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.strataflorida.org.uk/ |title=Strata Florida Project |publisher=University of Wales Trinity Saint David |access-date=18 April 2016}}</ref> Other visitor attractions include the [[Cwmystwyth Mines]], [[Llywernog Mine]], [[Devil's Bridge, Ceredigion|Devil's Bridge]],<ref name=TripAdvisor/> the Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre,<ref name=TripAdvisor/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/Devil's-Bridge-Bwlch-Nant-Yr-Arian-Visitor-Centre/details/?dms=3&venue=1021603 |title=Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre  |publisher=Visit Mid Wales |access-date=18 April 2016}}</ref> [[Elvis Rock]], [[Cors Caron]] (Tregaron bog), the [[Vale of Rheidol Railway]],<ref name=TripAdvisor/> and the [[Aberystwyth Cliff Railway]].<ref name=TripAdvisor>{{cite web |url=https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g186427-Activities-Ceredigion_Wales.html |title=Things to do in Ceredigion  |publisher=TripAdvisor |access-date=18 April 2016}}</ref>

Leisure activities available in the county include beach activities, rambling, cycling, sea fishing, canoeing, sailing and horse riding. Many of the towns and villages along the coast have small harbours and facilities for sailing, dolphin watching and other maritime activities. The [[Ceredigion Coast Path]] from Cardigan to [[Ynyslas]] runs about {{convert|60|mi}} along the coast with spectacular scenery. It can conveniently be divided into seven sections.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ceredigioncoastpath.org.uk/ |title=Ceredigion Coast Path |publisher=Ceredigion County Council |access-date=14 April 2016 |archive-date=27 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427065529/http://www.ceredigioncoastpath.org.uk/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> When [[Dylan Thomas]] lived in New Quay and Talsarn, he frequented Aberaeron and Lampeter. The [[Dylan Thomas Trail]] links places associated with him.<ref>''The Dylan Thomas Trail'' by D. N. Thomas, Y Lolfa 2002</ref> [[Peaceful Places]] is a heritage tourism trail connecting churches and chapels in North Ceredigion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About the trail {{!}} Peaceful Places |url=https://peaceful-places.com/about-trail |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=peaceful-places.com}}</ref>

The Welsh Government's Visit Wales website describes the [[River Teifi]] as "one of the major game rivers of Wales,"<ref>{{cite web |title=Game Fishing on the River Teifi, Carmarthenshire |url=https://www.visitwales.com/product/1072105 |website=Visit Wales |access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref> although there has been concern that salmon stocks are in decline.<ref>{{cite news |title=River Teifi salmon shortage reaching 'crisis point' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-39445368 |access-date=27 November 2019 |work=BBC News |date=31 March 2017}}</ref>  There are a series of rapids near Llandysul where canoeing, kayaking and white water rafting take place.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.llandysul-paddlers.org.uk/ |title=Llandysul Paddlers |access-date=16 April 2016}}</ref>

The county's main football team, [[Aberystwyth Town F.C.|Aberystwyth Town]] in the [[Cymru Premier]], play their home matches at [[Park Avenue (Aberystwyth)|Park Avenue Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.atfc.org.uk/club-honours.html |title=Club honours |publisher=Aberystwyth Town Football Club |access-date=16 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414065438/http://www.atfc.org.uk/club-honours.html |archive-date=14 April 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Cardigan Town Football Club, also known as the "Magpies", play in Division 1 of the Ceredigion League.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/cardigantownfc/52110/History |title=Cardigan Town Football Club: History|publisher=Cardigan Town Football Club |access-date=16 April 2016}}</ref>

==Transport==
[[File:First UK flight of Watchkeeper UAV MOD 45151423.jpg|thumb|UAV at West Wales airport]]

The [[Cambrian Line]] provides main line railway services between [[Aberystwyth railway station|Aberystwyth]], [[Shrewsbury railway station|Shrewsbury]] and [[Birmingham New Street railway station|Birmingham]], where passengers can join services for London and elsewhere. Passengers can change at [[Dovey Junction railway station|Dovey Junction]] for trains along the [[Cambrian Coast Line]] to [[Pwllheli railway station|Pwllheli]].<ref>{{cite book|author1=Jenkins, Stanley C. |author2=Loader, Martin |title=The Great Western Railway: Shrewsbury to Pwllheli Vol. 5|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Gf4mCgAAQBAJ&pg=PT15 |year=2015|publisher=Amberley Publishing Limited |isbn=978-1-4456-4299-4 |pages=15–16}}</ref> 

There are no motorways in Ceredigion; the nearest is the western end of the [[M4 motorway]] at [[Pont Abraham]], near [[Pontarddulais]] in [[Carmarthenshire]]. The [[Fishguard]] to [[Bangor, Gwynedd|Bangor]] [[trunk road]], the [[A487 road|A487]], travels in a north-east direction following the coast from Cardigan to [[New Quay]], through [[Aberaeron]] and [[Aberystwyth]]. The [[A44 road|A44]] travels eastwards from [[Aberystwyth]] to [[Llangurig]], before turning south then east through [[Rhayader]], [[Leominster]] and [[Worcester, England|Worcester]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Concise Road Atlas: Britain |year=2015 |publisher=AA Publishing |isbn=978-0-7495-7743-8 |pages=36–39 }}</ref>

There are local bus services between the main centres of population,<ref name=Nevez/> with long distance services between [[Aberystwyth]] and [[Cardiff]], via [[Aberaeron]] and [[Lampeter]]. A bus service known as ''Bwcabus'' operates in the south of the county, offering customised transport for rural dwellers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bwcabus.traveline-cymru.info/ |title=Bwcabus |year=2012 |publisher=Bwcabus |access-date=11 April 2016}}</ref> TrawsCymru T1 service runs between Aberystwyth and Carmarthen, with some journeys through Aberaeron and Lampeter.

[[Aberporth Airport]], located south-east of [[Aberporth]], is being developed as West Wales Airport for domestic flights within Wales and the rest of the [[United Kingdom]]. The airport is also developing as a centre for the deployment of civil and military [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s (UAVs), also known as 'drones'. The airport underwent major improvements in 2008, which extended the length of the runway from {{Convert|945|to|1257|m|abbr=on|0}}.<ref name=Nevez>{{cite book|author1=Le Nevez, Catherine |author2=Whitfield, Paul |title=The Rough Guide to Wales |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qhsTic0-cdQC&pg=PA257 |year=2012 |publisher=Rough Guides Limited |isbn=978-1-4093-5902-9 |pages=257–267}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.flyuav.co.uk/ |title=West Wales Airport |access-date=11 April 2016}}</ref>

==Library==
Ceredigion Library has a collection of [[oral history]] interviews with people from Ceredigion during the 1960s and 1970s. The recordings were archived, digitised, catalogued and made available during the [[Unlocking Our Sound Heritage]] project at the [[National Library of Wales]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Recent collections - National Library of Wales |url=https://www.library.wales/catalogues-searching/about-our-collections/screen-sound-archive/audio-visual-collections/recent-collections |access-date=2023-06-04 |website=www.library.wales}}</ref>

==Notable residents==
*[[Finlay Tarling]] (born 2006), cyclist for {{UCI team code|ISA|2024}}
*[[Josh Tarling]] (born 2004), cyclist for [[Ineos Grenadiers]]

==See also==
* [[Seisyllwg]]
* [[Lord Lieutenant of Cardiganshire|List of Lord Lieutenants of Cardiganshire]]
* [[Custos Rotulorum of Cardiganshire|List of Custodes Rotulorum of Cardiganshire]]
* [[High Sheriff of Cardiganshire|List of High Sheriffs of Cardiganshire]]
* [[List of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Ceredigion]]
* [[List of schools in Ceredigion]]
* [[Ceredigion (UK Parliament constituency)|List of MPs for the Ceredigion (formerly Cardiganshire) constituency]]
* [[Centre points of the United Kingdom]]
* [[Cuisine of Ceredigion]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite EB9 |mode=cs2 |wstitle=County of Cardigan |volume=5  |ref={{harvid|''EB''|1878}} |pages=94–5 }}
* {{cite EB1911 |mode=cs2 |wstitle=Cardiganshire |volume=5 |ref={{harvid|''EB''|1911}} |pages=319–21 }}
* {{cite journal|last=Morgan|first=Kenneth O.|author-link=Kenneth O. Morgan|title=Cardiganshire Politics: The Liberal Ascendancy 1885–1923|journal=Ceredigion|year=1967|volume=5|issue=4|pages=311–346|url=http://welshjournals.llgc.org.uk/browse/viewobject/llgc-id:1094650/article/000025743}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
{{Wikivoyage|Ceredigion}}
{{Commons category|Ceredigion}}

{{Ceredigion}}
{{Wales Districts}}
{{Wales subdivisions}}
{{Historic Counties of Wales}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Ceredigion| ]]
[[Category:Counties of Wales]]
[[Category:Principal areas of Wales]]
[[Category:1282 establishments in Europe]]
[[Category:History of Ceredigion]]
[[Category:Historic counties of Wales]]
[[Category:13th-century establishments in Wales]]