Wales

Wales is a country within the United Kingdom, located on the western portion of the island of Great Britain. It is bordered by England to the east, the Irish Sea to the north and west, and the Bristol Channel to the south. The capital and largest city is Cardiff. The population is around 3.1 million. The official languages are Welsh and English; Welsh is a Celtic language with a revival and is widely used in education, media, and public life in various regions.

Wales has a devolved government with its own parliament, the Senedd (Welsh Parliament), and an executive, the Welsh Government, which exercise powers over health, education, transport, environment, culture, and local government. The UK Parliament retains reserved powers for matters affecting the whole country.

Geography features diverse landscapes, including rugged mountains, rolling valleys, and extensive coastline. Notable national parks are Snowdonia (Eryri), the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), and Pembrokeshire Coast. The landscape has shaped traditional industries such as coal mining, slate quarrying, farming, and, more recently, manufacturing and tourism. Major urban centers include Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport, with numerous smaller towns and rural communities.

Culture and identity in Wales are marked by a distinct heritage, including language, music, literature, and festivals such as the National Eisteddfod. Symbols include the red dragon, the leek, and the daffodil. Rugby union is a prominent sport, alongside football. The Welsh language remains an important part of daily life in many communities, supported by bilingual signage and media.

Economy and demographics: the economy is diversified, with services, manufacturing, energy, and tourism. The country has a strong higher education presence, with universities in Cardiff, Swansea, Aberystwyth, and other centers.

History: Wales has ancient Celtic roots and was incorporated into the legal framework of England through the Laws in Wales Acts in the 16th century. Modern devolution, established in the late 20th century, created the Senedd and the Welsh Government.