Conwy << KAHN wee >> (pop. 114,741) is a local government area of North 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 walled town of Conwy, from which the area is administered, lies on the Conwy estuary, the broad mouth of the River Conwy, which flows into the Irish Sea.
The economy of the area is principally dependent on tourism and agriculture. There is also some forestry and slate-quarrying. The town of Conwy is home to a large recreational boating harbor and is known for its fresh mussels. Many of the inhabitants of the area, especially those living in rural areas, speak both English and Welsh.
The region is famed for its natural beauty. On the north coast lie the popular seaside resorts of Abergele, Colwyn Bay, and Llandudno, with its cable tramway. In the southern part of the area is Gwydyr Forest Park, with the small towns of Bettws-y-coed within its boundaries and the market town of Llanrwst nearby. The area also has a number of medieval castles, including the fortress in the town of Conwy. This fortress was built by King Edward I of England in the 1280’s.
From 1974 to 1996, the Conwy area formed part of the counties of Clwyd and Gwynedd. Before that time, the administrative responsibilities for the area were divided between the historic counties of Caernarvonshire and Denbighshire.
