Powys

Powys is the largest local authority in Wales by area, spanning much of mid-Wales and stretching to the English border. The county is dominated by uplands and open countryside - the Cambrian Mountains and parts of the Brecon Beacons National Park sit alongside deep river valleys carved by the River Wye and River Severn - giving it a sparsely populated, agricultural character.

Historically formed from the counties of Montgomeryshire, Radnorshire and Brecknockshire, Powys has a strong medieval and rural heritage with hillforts and castles such as Powis Castle. Market towns and cultural hubs like Hay-on-Wye (famous for its literature festival), Brecon and Newtown help sustain local arts and community life, and pockets of Welsh-language use remain in many rural parishes.

The local economy leans on farming, forestry, small-scale manufacturing and tourism, with outdoor activities - hill-walking, cycling and paddlesports - bringing visitors. Long distances, limited public transport and an ageing population present service and connectivity challenges, but strong community networks, festivals and a steady stream of visitors keep many towns and villages economically and socially active across Powys.