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Wales is a country located in the western part of the island of [[Great Britain]], which is part of the [[United Kingdom]]. It is bordered by [[England]] to the east and the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to the west. Known for its breath-taking landscapes, medieval castles, and vibrant Celtic culture, Wales offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and artistic traditions. This wiki page provides an overview of Wales, including its geography, history, government, economy, and culture. |
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'''Wales''' is a country in the west of Great Britain and part of the [[United Kingdom]]. It borders [[England]] to the east and is surrounded by the Irish Sea, St George's Channel and the Bristol Channel. Its capital and largest city is Cardiff. |
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Wales has its own language, devolved parliament, government, legal identity in some policy areas and national institutions. It is known for its mountains, coastline, castles, industrial history, music, literature, rugby, football and Welsh-language culture. |
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== Geography == |
== Geography == |
Wales is characterized by its diverse geography, encompassing rugged mountains, stunning coastlines, and picturesque valleys. The country is home to the Snowdonia National Park, which boasts the highest mountain in Wales and England, [[Mount Snowdon]]. Wales also features beautiful coastal regions, including the [[Gower Peninsula]] and the [[Pembrokeshire Coast]]. The climate in Wales is generally temperate, with mild summers and cool winters. |
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Wales has a varied landscape that includes mountain ranges, valleys, farmland, uplands and a long coastline. Eryri, also known in English as Snowdonia, includes Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in Wales. |
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Other important landscapes include Bannau Brycheiniog, the Pembrokeshire Coast, the Gower Peninsula, Anglesey and the valleys of south Wales. The climate is temperate and often wet, especially in upland and western areas. |
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== History == |
== History == |
Wales has a rich and distinct history that spans centuries. It was originally inhabited by Celtic tribes, and the country has a strong cultural heritage rooted in its Celtic origins. Wales was later invaded by the Romans and subsequently became part of the medieval Kingdom of England. Despite political challenges, Wales maintained a unique identity, language, and legal system. In more recent history, Wales has seen a resurgence of its cultural and linguistic heritage, with efforts to promote the Welsh language and preserve its cultural traditions. |
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Wales developed from Brittonic-speaking kingdoms after Roman rule in Britain ended. It retained a distinct language and legal tradition through the early medieval period. |
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== Government and Politics == |
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Wales has its own devolved government known as the Welsh Government, with powers over various areas of domestic policy. The Welsh Parliament, also known as the Senedd, is located in the capital city of Cardiff. The Welsh Government is responsible for matters such as education, health, transport, and the environment within Wales. The devolved administration provides a platform for decision-making and legislation that addresses the specific needs and aspirations of the Welsh people. |
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English conquest and later laws tied Wales more closely to England, especially after the Laws in Wales Acts of the sixteenth century. Welsh identity nevertheless continued through language, religion, local institutions, literature and community life. |
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Industrialisation changed Wales sharply in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Coal, iron, slate and steel shaped towns, transport links and working-class politics, especially in the south Wales valleys and north Wales quarrying areas. |
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== Government == |
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Wales has devolved government within the United Kingdom. The Welsh Parliament, known as the Senedd, is the elected legislature for Wales. It makes laws in devolved areas, approves Welsh taxes and holds the Welsh Government to account. |
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The Welsh Government handles many domestic policy areas, including health, education, transport, local government, housing, culture and the Welsh language. Matters such as defence, foreign affairs and most immigration policy remain reserved to the UK Parliament and UK Government. |
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== Language == |
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Welsh, or Cymraeg, is a Celtic language and one of the main markers of Welsh identity. It has official status in Wales alongside English. |
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Welsh is used in education, public services, broadcasting, literature, music and community life. The number and proportion of Welsh speakers varies by region, with stronger concentrations in parts of north and west Wales. |
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== Economy == |
== Economy == |
Wales has a diverse economy, with sectors such as manufacturing, services, tourism, and agriculture playing important roles. The country is known for its expertise in industries such as automotive manufacturing, aerospace, and renewable energy. Wales has a growing tourism industry, attracting visitors with its beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and cultural events. The agricultural sector in Wales focuses on livestock farming and dairy production. Cardiff, the capital city, is a hub for finance, media, and creative industries. |
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The Welsh economy includes public services, manufacturing, energy, agriculture, tourism, higher education, finance, media and creative industries. Cardiff is a major centre for government, finance, media and sport. |
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Historic heavy industries have declined, but their legacy remains important in settlement patterns, transport and culture. Modern economic policy often focuses on skills, infrastructure, renewable energy, digital industries and regional inequality. |
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== Culture == |
== Culture == |
Wales has a vibrant cultural scene and is renowned for its artistic traditions, music, and literature. The Welsh language, known as [[Cymraeg]], is spoken by a significant portion of the population and plays an important role in Wales' cultural identity. The country has produced notable poets, writers, and musicians who have contributed to Welsh literature and music. Eisteddfodau, cultural festivals celebrating music, poetry, and performance, are held regularly across Wales. |
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Welsh culture includes the Eisteddfod tradition, Welsh-language poetry, choral singing, folk music, literature, rugby union, football and local festivals. The National Eisteddfod is one of the best-known cultural events. |
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Wales also has a strong tradition of myth and storytelling, including material associated with the Mabinogion. Modern Welsh culture is bilingual and includes English-language and Welsh-language media, music and literature. |
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== See Also == |
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* [[United_Kingdom]] |
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* [[England]] |
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* [[British_Isles]] |
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== References == |
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* [https://www.wales.com/about/welcome-wales/facts-and-information-about-wales Wales.com: facts and information about Wales] |
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* [https://senedd.wales/ Senedd Cymru: Welsh Parliament] |
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* [https://www.britannica.com/place/Wales Encyclopaedia Britannica: Wales] |
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[[Category:Countries]] |
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[[Category:United Kingdom]] |
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[[Category:Wales]] |