 What makes Cheshire so special? Diversity is the key to our success. No wonder so many make this county of contrasts a premier choice as a place to live, work or visit.
Thousands of people living in Cheshire share the secret of the county’s charms -more than 674,000, in fact, according to latest available figures for 2001. And that number is growing.
 This huge potential for expansion - and the prosperity its helps generate - is limitless.
 Geographically, the county of Cheshire is bordered by North Wales, Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire and Derbyshire, its fertile plains presenting a dramatic contrast to the Welsh mountains to the west, the Mersey Valley to the north and the Pennines in the south and east.
While mostly a county of small towns, villages and hamlets, the most densely populated areas (accounting for 45 per cent of the total population) are concentrated in industrial areas such as Ellesmere Port, Northwich and Crewe. Cheshire comprises six districts, Chester with Ellesmere Port and Neston in the west,Vale Royal and Crewe and Nantwich centrally and Macclesfield and Congleton in the east.
  Yet a quarter (25 per cent) live in rural areas - with the remainder concentrated around busy hubs of commerce such as in the city of Chester, commuter towns such as Wilmslow in Macclesfield, or market towns such as Nantwich.
Forecasts suggest that by 2006 Cheshire’s population will rise to nearly 690,000, growing to 711,000 by 2021.
Currently, age distribution mirrors national averages; under-fives account for six per cent of Cheshire’s population, and 14 per cent are aged from five to 15. At the other end of the scale, just over 16 per cent are over 65.
 Planned growth will focus particularly in the heart of Cheshire, around the districts of Vale Royal and Crewe and Nantwich. By 2011 it is also estimated that Cheshire’s workforce will rise to over 340,000, up from 307,000 in 1999.
'New lifestyle trends demand new approaches to lay firm foundations for prosperity for generations to come'
That’s why the long-term vision for Cheshire is to promote the social, economic and environmental well-being of the county. As part of a community strategy, many local organisations, authorities and voluntary agencies are working together in partnership across the public, private, voluntary and community sectors.
 Cheshire’s pro-active approach to attracting some of the world’s most dynamic and successful companies makes it a top choice, not only for business investment but as a place to live, work or visit.
The facts bear this out: 91 per cent of a randomly selected sample of 1,548 people interviewed for Cheshire’s Quality of Life Survey 2000 described their own quality of life as ‘good’ or ‘very good’.
Unspoiled natural landscape and richly fascinating heritage combine to offer prime leisure attractions. Chester - a stunning Roman walled city, bordered by the picturesque River Dee and the nation’s oldest racecourse, the Roodee - is one among many jewels in the county crown.
Historically a Welsh border county, Cheshire’s rich seam of the past offers up profound insight into the way of life hundreds - and thousands -of years ago.
Did you know? Cheshire
- covers 804 square miles (208,344 hectares)
- represents 1.35per cent of the population of England and Wales
- is the 16th largest of all 410 local authorities in England and Wales
- is traversed by the main rivers of the Dee, Bollin, Weaver and Dane
- one in five is aged under 16
- unemployment stands at 2.0 per cent (7,000 people in January 2002)
- compared with a national average of 3.4 per cent.
- more people (over 26 per cent) work in the distribution, hotel and restaurant sector than any other
 Silk, salt, dairy produce, potato and cereal crops - these are the products of the county’s natural resources that have helped shape and nurture the local economy from generation to generation. Changing times, and the national outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in 2001, have forced many employed in agriculture to adapt to meet new market demands.
Cheshire’s petro-chemical industrial might - concentrated within Ellesmere Port - enjoys an international reputation for competition and supply.
In manufacturing, the so-called ‘white heat‘ of heavy industry has made way for the microchip. Rapidly-expanding business parks in demand by international commerce testify to this.
Other significant industries include pharmaceuticals, construction, food and drink. Throughout, demand is rising for service industry skills - such as finance, banking, business services and tourism.
As part of this new direction in generating trade and wealth, new lifestyle trends demand new approaches to lay firm foundations for prosperity for generations to come; retail parks close to motorways links - such as in Ellesmere Port - are fulfilling a new need for easy-access one-stop shopping.
Versatility is the key to success. In Cheshire every effort is made to cater for all tastes and to spread the word about just how much there is to offer. From the buzz of city life to outdoor activities, country walks and canal boat breaks plus an embarrassment of archaeological and historical riches that make the county’s heritage a magnet for history buffs - they’re all here for the taking. Read on to find out more!
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