III.

Economy

With the decline of the coal industry after the 1920s, Cardiff docks lost most of their former importance. In the early 1990s the docklands were redeveloped into a commercial and leisure area, with offices, restaurants, theatres, parks, and sports facilities. Diversification into newer industries was helped by the proximity of Rhoose Airport, and by the city's road and motorway links to the south-east and Midlands of England. Away from Cardiff, agriculture and tourism were the most important contributors to the county's economy.