Swansea

Swansea is the second largest city in Wales. Its Welsh-language name is Abertawe, meaning 'Mouth of the River Tawe'.

Historically coal-mining and metal-smelting were important to the city's economy. The harbour was used for the export of coal.

Within the city boundaries lie the Gower, the first area in Great Britain to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Gower boasts many fine beaches.

The M4 motorway from London finishes approximately ten miles north-west of the city. Swansea railway station is a local interchange and the terminus of the service from London.

Swansea, like Wales in general, has seen many non-conformist religious revivals. In 1904, Evan Roberts, a miner from Loughor (Llwchwr), just outside Swansea, was the leader of what has been called one of the world's greatest Protestant religious revivals. Within a few months about 100,000 people were converted. This revival in particular had a profound effect on Welsh society. The "Welsh Revival" of 1904 is acknowledged as having been an instigator of, and a major influence on the twentieth century's Pentecostal movement. One of its first overseas influences was seen in the African American church: the Azusa Street Revival, beginning April 9, 1906 at Los Angeles, USA.

Swansea City Football Club play in the English Football League League One (soccer).

Its population is 169,880 (2001).