[3] The Welsh language placename indicates the correct pronunciation; i.e. saying the 't' and 'h' separately.

[4] Ponthir is primarily a residential area, with several new housing estates around the older village.

It is surrounded by the rolling hills of Monmouthshire, many farms, and a few rivers, streams and brooks that surround or run through the village, such as; The Afon Llwyd (meaning "grey river")[3] as well as The Sôr Brook, Cwm-ffrwd Brook and Candwr Brook A Welsh Water sewage and water treatment plant for the surrounding area is located here, and this was where bacteria were first used to treat sewage sludge using an electrically powered aerator to circulate the sludge and ensure good microbial digestion.

This process saved the local authority money as well as reducing noxious odours.

[6] Notable people who were born, resided or were schooled in Ponthir, include the following: