Wales, or Cymry in Welsh (Welsh: Cymru; pronounced IPA: /ˈkəmɹi/, approximately "KUM-ree") is one of the four constituent parts of the United Kingdom (along with England, Scotland and Northern Ireland). Wales is located in the south-west of Great Britain, and is bordered by England to the east, the Bristol Channel to the south, St George's Channel in the west, and the Irish Sea to the north. Much of Wales's diverse landscape is mountainous, particularly in the north and central regions. The mountains were shaped during the last ice age, the Devensian glaciation. The highest mountains in Wales are in Snowdonia, and include Snowdon, which, at 1085 m (3,560 feet) is the highest peak in England and Wales.
The nation has not been politically independent since 1282, when it was conquered by the English King. Until 1999, Wales was ruled directly from London; that year saw the first elections to the National Assembly for Wales, which has limited domestic powers and cannot make law. Wales does not issue its own currency and is not in control of any armed forces. The official capital of Wales is Cardiff.The title of Prince of Wales is still given by the reigning British monarch to his or her eldest son. The term Principality of Wales, in Welsh, Tywysogaeth Cymru, is often used, although the Prince of Wales has no role in the governance of Wales and this term is unpopular among many in Wales.
Official languages
English and Welsh
Capital
Cardiff
Largest city Cardiff
First Minister
Rhodri Morgan
Area
- Total Ranked 3rd UK
20,779 km²
Population
- Total (2001)
- Density
Ranked 3rd UK
2,903,085
140/km²
NUTS 1
UKL
Currency
Pound sterling (£) (GBP)
Time zone
UTC, Summer: UTC +1
Wales continues to share a legal identity with England to a large degree as the joint entity of England and Wales.