Wales

Wales
source
Conventional long name	Wales
National anthem	"Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau"
Capital	Cardiff
Largest city	Cardiff
Languages	Welsh, English
Government type	Devolved parliamentary legislature within a constitutional monarchy
Monarch	Charles III
First minister	Vaughan Gething
Legislature	Senedd
Sovereignty type	Formation
Established event1	Unification by Gruffudd ap Llywelyn
Established date1	1057
Established event2	Statute of Rhuddlan
Established date2	1284
Established event3	Laws in Wales Acts 1535 and 1542
Established date3	1535–1542
Established event4	Welsh Church Act 1914
Established date4	1914
Established event5	Government of Wales Act 1998
Established date5	1998

Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is bordered by England to its east, the Irish Sea to its north and west, and the Bristol Channel to its south. It has a distinct national and cultural identity, with its own language, traditions, and history, governed by a devolved parliament known as the Senedd.

Geography

The landscape is predominantly mountainous, particularly in the north and central regions, with Snowdon being its highest peak. Major mountain ranges include the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. Its long coastline features significant bodies of water like Cardigan Bay and the Menai Strait, alongside islands such as Anglesey. The south contains the more urbanized and industrial valleys, with the River Severn and the River Wye forming parts of its border. The country hosts three national parks: Snowdonia, the Pembrokeshire Coast, and the Brecon Beacons.

History

Human habitation dates back to the last ice age, with later settlement by Celtic tribes. Following the Roman conquest of Britain, the region saw the construction of forts like Isca Augusta and was part of the post-Roman kingdoms of Gwynedd, Powys, and Deheubarth. Edward I of England's conquest culminated in the Statute of Rhuddlan and the building of castles such as Caernarfon Castle. The Glyndŵr Rising was a major rebellion before the territory was incorporated into the Kingdom of England via the Laws in Wales Acts 1535 and 1542. The Industrial Revolution transformed the South Wales Valleys through coal and iron, leading to rapid growth in ports like Cardiff and Swansea. The 20th century saw the decline of heavy industry, the Welsh Church Act 1914, and the rise of Plaid Cymru, culminating in the establishment of devolution.

Government and politics

Wales is a constituent country of the United Kingdom, with Charles III as head of state. Devolved matters are handled by the Senedd, located in Cardiff Bay, and the Welsh Government, led by the First Minister. The current government is formed by Welsh Labour, with Vaughan Gething as First Minister. Major political parties include Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Conservatives. The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom is the highest court for both reserved and devolved matters. The country is represented in the Parliament of the United Kingdom by 40 Members of Parliament.

Culture

The Welsh language, a Celtic language, enjoys official status and is promoted by institutions like S4C and BBC Cymru Wales. Traditional arts include the Eisteddfod and the musical traditions of cerdd dant. Notable cultural figures include poets Dylan Thomas and R. S. Thomas, and the National Museum Cardiff houses important collections. Symbolism is strong, with national emblems like the Welsh Dragon, the leek, and the daffodil. The country has a rich heritage in rugby union, with the Wales national rugby union team playing at the Principality Stadium. Other cultural exports include the singer Shirley Bassey and the actor Anthony Hopkins.

Economy

Historically dominated by coal mining and steelmaking, particularly in the South Wales Coalfield, the economy has shifted towards services and public administration. Cardiff is a major financial and business services hub. Tourism is significant, centered on its natural landscapes and historic sites like Conwy Castle. Agriculture remains important in rural areas, and modern sectors include advanced manufacturing in locations like the Port of Milford Haven and Deeside. The Welsh Government has economic development agencies such as Development Bank of Wales.

Demographics

The population is concentrated in the southern cities of Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport, and the northeastern region near Wrexham. The 2021 census recorded a significant number of Welsh speakers, with concentrations in Gwynedd and Carmarthenshire. There are also speakers of British Sign Language. The country has experienced immigration, contributing to diverse communities, particularly in urban centers. The Church in Wales, disestablished in 1920, is the largest Christian denomination, while other faiths are practiced.

Category:Wales Category:Countries in the United Kingdom Category:Celtic nations