Wales
Wales is a country that forms part of the United Kingdom and is located on the western side of the island of Great Britain. Here is detailed information about this region:
Geography
Wales spans approximately 20,779 square kilometers and is bordered by England to the east, the Irish Sea to the north, St George's Channel to the west, and the Bristol Channel to the south. Its landscape is diverse, featuring rugged coastlines, high mountains, and lush valleys. The highest peak in Wales is Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) in the Snowdonia mountain range, which reaches 1,085 meters.
History
- Prehistoric and Roman Times: Evidence of human activity in Wales dates back to the Upper Paleolithic era. The Romans occupied Wales from 48 AD, establishing several forts and roads, most notably in the north around Caernarfon.
- Middle Ages: After the Roman withdrawal, Wales fragmented into several small kingdoms. The Norman conquest brought significant changes, with the construction of numerous castles, including Conwy Castle and Caernarfon Castle. In 1282, Edward I of England completed the conquest of Wales, which was formalized by the Statute of Rhuddlan in 1284.
- Modern Era: Wales was incorporated into England through the Laws in Wales Acts 1535-1542, though the Welsh language and culture persisted. The 19th century saw a surge in industrialization, particularly in coal mining and steel production. The 20th century brought devolution movements, culminating in the establishment of the National Assembly for Wales (now known as the Senedd) in 1999.
Politics
Since 1999, Wales has had its own devolved parliament, the Senedd, which has authority over areas such as education, health, and local government. The First Minister of Wales leads the Welsh Government.
Culture
- Language: Welsh, or Cymraeg, is an official language alongside English. Efforts have been made to preserve and promote Welsh through education and media.
- Music and Literature: Wales has a rich literary tradition, with poets like Dylan Thomas and R.S. Thomas being notable figures. Traditional music, including folk songs and the Welsh harp, remains popular.
- Sport: Rugby union is considered the national sport, with the Wales national rugby union team being one of the most successful in the world. Football (soccer) is also widely played, with teams like Cardiff City FC and Swansea City AFC.
Economy
Historically reliant on heavy industry, Wales's economy has diversified. Today, it includes sectors like manufacturing, tourism, public services, and financial services. The tourism industry benefits from natural attractions like Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and cultural landmarks.
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