Somerset

views updated May 18 2018

Somerset County on the Bristol Channel, sw England. Somerset is divided into five districts, with the administrative centre at Taunton (2000 pop. 60,700). Other major towns include Yeovil and Bridgewater. The region is generally low-lying in the centre, and is drained by the rivers Avon, Exe, and Parrett. Much land is given over to agriculture. Dairy farming and fruit growing are the most important economic activities and the region is noted for Cheddar cheese and cider. Limestone is mined. Area: 3452sq km (1332sq mi). Pop. (2000) 496,300.

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