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Wales
Capital: Cardiff
Key Facts & Statistics
| Official Language(s) | English, Welsh (Cymraeg) |
|---|---|
| Population | ~3.2 million |
| Area | 20,779 kmยฒ |
| Established | 11th Century |
| Government | Devolved Welsh Parliament (Senedd) |
| Currency | Pound Sterling (ยฃ GBP) |
| Time Zone | GMT / BST (Summer) |
| Largest City | Cardiff |
About Wales
Wales is a mountainous country on the western edge of Great Britain. It is a nation steeped in myth and legend, represented famously by the red dragon on its flag. Wales is celebrated for its incredible national parks, including Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons, and an extensive coastline dotted with picturesque towns and over 600 castles.
Wales holds the distinction of having a continuous, living Celtic language (Welsh) that is spoken by hundreds of thousands of its residents today.
History
Inhabited by Celtic Britons, Wales resisted Anglo-Saxon incursions for centuries. It was eventually conquered by the English King Edward I in the late 13th century, leading to the construction of a massive "Iron Ring" of castles to maintain control.
Despite political integration with England through the Laws in Wales Acts in the 16th century, the Welsh maintained a strong cultural distinctiveness. In 1999, the National Assembly for Wales (now the Senedd) was established, restoring a significant degree of self-government.
Culture & Identity
Wales is known as the "Land of Song," famous for its male voice choirs, poetry, and the traditional Eisteddfod festivals. Rugby union is seen as a symbol of Welsh identity and passion. The culinary tradition includes hearty dishes like cawl, Welsh rarebit, and sweet Welsh cakes.
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