Cardiff: Historic City, New Capital Quiz

Answer: Coal

The history of south Wales is, in many respects, defined by coal and copper and the methods used to extract and process it. Historically it was Swansea that dealt with copper, hence its nickname "Copperopolis", and Cardiff dealt with coal. Coal was such a massive part of the Welsh economy and this is illustrated best by the effect that mine closures had on the people of Wales. Under the government of Margaret Thatcher (1979-1990) many Welsh mines were closed and this led to the iconic strikes and massive unemployment in the area.

Answer: Bristol Channel

The Bristol Channel straddles the majority of the south Wales coast and is hugely important to the economies of the local towns. Ports such as Cardiff and especially Milford Haven are also important to the economy of Wales and that of the rest of the UK.

The Bristol Channel begins where the Severn Estuary ends and meets the Atlantic Ocean in the west. The Irish Sea is the body of water that forms much of the north Walian coastline whilst the English Channel and the North Sea are on the other side of the UK.

Answer: River Taff

The River Taff traverses most of the Welsh capital and is used for university and regional rowing teams to practise. Whilst the rowers integrate with the local waterfowl the imposing Millennium Stadium, the national sports stadium designed like a sailing vessel, appears to disembark on a journey to the Atlantic Ocean.

The River Taff is one of the two main reasons proffered in order to explain the origins of the Welsh nickname "Taffy". The other reason suggested is that it comes from the pronunciation of the Welsh name Dafydd. The name was popularised in the UK by the comedy show 'Little Britain' where the "only gay in the village" was called Dafydd.

Answer: Barry

Barry, which includes the tourist area of Barry Island, has a long working class history that is typical of many south Walian communities. The economic saviour of the town is Barry Island whose beaches and fairgrounds attracts many tourists in the summer months. Cardiff and Barry have recently been used as the location to film many BBC TV programmes including 'Gavin and Stacey', 'Doctor Who' and 'Torchwood'.

Answer: Newport

The Ryder Cup, one of the most prestigious events in the golfing calendar, was awarded to the modest Welsh city of Newport for October of 2010. The Celtic Manor Resort played host to the event and its owner, Sir Terry Matthews, was thus responsible for bringing Wales into the sporting spotlight. Sir Terry, a Newport native, became the first Welsh billionaire as a result of his businesses.

Answer: Less

Growing up in Wales there is one thing you get used to, and that is rain! With some of the wettest places in the UK being found in Wales it would be wise to invest in a sturdy umbrella if you plan to visit the land of dragons, Welsh cakes, male voice choirs and rain.

The people of Cardiff endure the precipitation 146 days of the year but that is put into perspective when more than 165 days in an average year the heavens open on Wales.

Answer: Bute Park

Bute Park is a peaceful haven for the city dwellers of Cardiff. The park is so extensive that it is easy to forget that one is in amongst the hustle and bustle of a modern city. The park follows a portion of the River Taff and the city's cricket ground can be seen from certain locations.

Many a day I've spent studying in amongst the squirrels of Bute Park, only if the rain holds off of course!

Answer: National Eisteddfod

The National Eisteddfod is a celebration of all things Welsh and a circle of stones, known as Gorsedd Stones, is left in places where the event has been held. Cardiff has held the event on a few occasions and a circle of stones can be found in Bute Park commemorating the event.

The event isn't only held by cities however, my home town of Neath has Gorsedd Stones of its own after hosting the National Eisteddfod in 1918, 1934 and 1994.

Answer: Cooper's Field

With a large student population, Cardiff attracts many of the biggest names in music and some have given concerts on Cooper's Field which is a large expanse of ground found within Bute Park. There is an annual gay pride event which is held in the park and many of the local sports teams use the grass areas to practise and to compete.

Answer: Stuttgart

Along with Stuttgart, Cardiff has agreements with Nantes in the Pays de la Loire region of France. A part of Cardiff University is based on Boulevard de Nantes and Stuttgarter Strasse, both named in honour of the city's twins. Other cities that are related to Cardiff in this way include the Ukrainian city of Luhansk and the Chinese city of Xiamen.