West Midlands, Ceremonial county in central England
West Midlands is a metropolitan and ceremonial county in central England, covering seven boroughs: Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton. These boroughs form a connected urban network with industrial zones, residential areas, green spaces, and transport links.
The county was created in April 1974 through legislation that redrew administrative boundaries and merged older local structures. Before that reform, its towns belonged to separate historic counties including Warwickshire and Staffordshire.
Daily life in its towns and neighborhoods centers on local markets, community parks, and high streets where families gather and shop. Social clubs, town halls, and weekend events reflect the routines and shared habits of residents across the boroughs.
The region is easiest to explore using public transport, as trams, buses, and trains connect the main towns. Drivers should expect congestion during weekday mornings and evenings, especially on roads circling Birmingham.
Factories from the automotive, aerospace, and food sectors still shape the landscape in several boroughs. Visitors often notice the mix of older factory buildings and modern production sites along main roads.
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