Rhondda Cynon Taf, sometimes spelt as "Rhondda Cynon Taff," and often abbreviated as "RCT," is a county borough in south-east Wales.

Formed in 1996 from the former districts of Rhondda, Cynon Valley, and Taff-Ely, it has become one of Wales' most recognisable regions, defined by its steep, wooded hillsides, as well as the resilience and character of its people.

The borough encompasses five principal valleys: the Rhondda Fawr, Rhondda Fach, Cynon Valley, Taff Valley, and Ely Valley, each with its own network of towns and villages shaped by centuries of human settlement and industrial change.

The Rhondda Valleys (Fawr and Fach) are the most famous of Wales' coal valleys, each among the most intensively mined areas in the world. Settlements such as Tonypandy, Treherbert, Maerdy, Ynyshir, and Glyncoch grew rapidly during the 19th and early 20th centuries as coal production boomed. Today, these communities retain a strong sense of identity rooted in their mining past, even as they adapt to new economic realities.

Centred on Aberdare and Mountain Ash, the Cynon Valley stretches northward toward the Brecon Beacons. Historically, another coal-rich region, it is now known for its cultural venues, parks, and gateway position to upland landscapes. The valley includes villages such as Hirwaun, Cwmdare, and Abercynon, each contributing to the valley's layered history.

The Taff Valley includes Pontypridd, the administrative centre of the borough. As a market town and transport hub, Pontypridd has long connected the northern valleys with Cardiff. Surrounding communities such as Ynsybwl, Llantrisant, Tonyrefail, and Llanharan form a diverse mix of historic settlements and modern commuter towns.

The Ely Valley, though smaller and less industrialised than the others, contains a number of rural and semi-rural communities. Its landscape contrasts with the steep valleys to the north, offering gentler terrain and agricultural land.

Rhondda Cynon Taf lies north-west of Cardiff, stretching deep into the foothills of the Brecon Beacons. Its valleys run roughly north-west to south-east, carved by the rivers that give the borough its name: the Rhondda, Cynon, Taff, and Ely. These river corridors form natural routes through otherwise rugged uplands, historically guiding both settlement and industry in the area.

The county borough is bordered by several other Welsh administrative regions, including Merthyr Tydfil and Caerphilly to the east, Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan to the south, Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot to the west, and Powys to the north. This central position in south Wales places RCT at a crossroads between the capital region and the upland communities of the Welsh interior.

Although the modern county borough was created in 1996, the valleys that comprise Rhondda Cynon Taf have long been distinct cultural and geographic entities. Before industrialisation, these upland areas were sparsely populated, characterised by sheep farms, small hamlets, and ancient trackways. The 18th-century coal boom transformed the region almost overnight, creating dense settlements, railways, and a globally significant mining economy.

The decline of coal in the late 20th century reshaped the borough once again. Communities turned toward regeneration, heritage preservation, and new industries. Today, the RCT is defined by this layered history, with its rural beginnings, industrial might, and post-industrial reinvention.

Rhondda Cynon Taf contains several attractions that celebrate its natural beauty, industrial heritage, and cultural life. These include A Welsh Coal Mining Experience at Rhondda Heritage Park, which offers guided tours by former miners and immersive exhibits on the coal industry. Penderyn Whisky Distillery, the most famous distillery in Wales, is located near the northern edge of the borough. At The Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant, visitors can explore the history of British coinage, and Dare Valley County Park, a scenic expanse near Cwmdare, offers trails, lakes, and access to upland landscapes. Built on a former colliery site, Zip World Tower offers high-speed zip lines and panoramic views. The National Lido of Wales, in Pontypridd, is a restored outdoor swimming venue.

Rhondda Cynon Taf is a region defined by its valleys, geographically, historically, and culturally.

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