Caerphilly << kahr FIHL ee >> (pop. 175,952) is a local government area of South Wales, in the United Kingdom. In 1996, it became a unitary authority, a government unit responsible for all local government services within its boundaries. The town of Tredomen, near Hengoed, serves as the area’s administrative headquarters. The area’s economy is chiefly based on light industry and tourism.
The northern part of the area consists of the narrow valleys of the Rivers Rhymney and Sirhowy. This upland region has a number of small towns, including Bargoed, Blackwood, Newbridge, Rhymney, and Ystrad Mynach. It also has many country parks. Coal mining was once a major economic activity in the area. In the southern part of the area lie the old mining town of Bedwas, the commuter town of Risca, and a number of picturesque villages, such as Draethen and Lower Machen.
The town of Caerphilly is a historic market town about 8 miles (13 kilometers) north of Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Caerphilly Castle in the town dates from 1268. It is the largest moated medieval castle in Wales. The castle is famous for its leaning southeast tower. The town is also renowned for its Caerphilly cheese.
From 1974 to 1996, the Caerphilly area was part of the counties of Mid Glamorgan and Gwent. For centuries prior to this, the region was a part of the old county of Glamorganshire.
