Wales
General information.
Wales is a constituent unit of the United Kingdom that forms a westward extension of the island of Great Britain. It is located in southwest of Great Britain and surrounded by seas except the east. In 2021 it had a population of 3,107,500 and has a total area of 20,779 km2 (8,023 sq mi). The border between England and Wales roughly follows Offa's Dyke, a large linear earthwork (an artificial change in land level).
Wales is a constituent unit of the United Kingdom that forms a westward extension of the island of Great Britain. It is located in southwest of Great Britain and surrounded by seas except the east. In 2021 it had a population of 3,107,500 and has a total area of 20,779 km2 (8,023 sq mi). The border between England and Wales roughly follows Offa's Dyke, a large linear earthwork (an artificial change in land level).
The capital.
The capital and main commercial and financial centre is Cardiff. Cardiff has been the capital of Wales since 1955. It is located in the south-east of Wales and in the Cardiff Capital Region, Cardiff is the county town historic county Glamorgan and in 1974–1996 of South Glamorgan. . It belongs to the Eurocities network of the largest European cities. A small town until the early 19th century, its prominence as a port for coal when mining began in the region helped its expansion. Although the city hosted the Commonwealth Games in 1958, Cardiff only became a centre of national administration with the establishment of the Welsh Office in 1964, which later prompted the creation of various other public bodies such as the Arts Council of Wales and the Welsh Development Agency, most of which were based in Cardiff. The capital Cardiff boasts of having a significant number of students from foreign lands as well.
The capital and main commercial and financial centre is Cardiff. Cardiff has been the capital of Wales since 1955. It is located in the south-east of Wales and in the Cardiff Capital Region, Cardiff is the county town historic county Glamorgan and in 1974–1996 of South Glamorgan. . It belongs to the Eurocities network of the largest European cities. A small town until the early 19th century, its prominence as a port for coal when mining began in the region helped its expansion. Although the city hosted the Commonwealth Games in 1958, Cardiff only became a centre of national administration with the establishment of the Welsh Office in 1964, which later prompted the creation of various other public bodies such as the Arts Council of Wales and the Welsh Development Agency, most of which were based in Cardiff. The capital Cardiff boasts of having a significant number of students from foreign lands as well.
Nature and climate.
Wales has a maritime climate and generally experiences long warm summer days. The country has a wide range of average temperatures due to the difference of altitudes, with coastal locations averaging at 10.5 °C, whereas Snowdonia will only experience an average temperature of 5 °C. The South West coast of Wales can expect over 1700 hours of sunshine each year where mountainous regions may only see 1200 hours. Winters tend to be fairly wet, but rainfall is rarely excessive and the temperature usually stays above freezing. Spring and autumn feel quite similar and the temperatures tend to stay above 14 °C. Rain is unpredictable at any time of year, although the showers tend to be shorter in summer.
Wales has an oceanic climate with Atlantic storms and weather patterns sweeping across it through most of the year. It is humid with relatively mild temperatures ranging from the low 40s in the winter to the mid-60s through the late spring and summer. Though the temperature rarely falls below freezing, during the day, Wales is also windy. That, combined with damp and cloudy conditions, can make otherwise moderate temperatures feel bitterly cold. Nights, throughout the country, can be 20 degrees Fahrenheit colder than daytime.
Wales has a maritime climate and generally experiences long warm summer days. The country has a wide range of average temperatures due to the difference of altitudes, with coastal locations averaging at 10.5 °C, whereas Snowdonia will only experience an average temperature of 5 °C. The South West coast of Wales can expect over 1700 hours of sunshine each year where mountainous regions may only see 1200 hours. Winters tend to be fairly wet, but rainfall is rarely excessive and the temperature usually stays above freezing. Spring and autumn feel quite similar and the temperatures tend to stay above 14 °C. Rain is unpredictable at any time of year, although the showers tend to be shorter in summer.
Wales has an oceanic climate with Atlantic storms and weather patterns sweeping across it through most of the year. It is humid with relatively mild temperatures ranging from the low 40s in the winter to the mid-60s through the late spring and summer. Though the temperature rarely falls below freezing, during the day, Wales is also windy. That, combined with damp and cloudy conditions, can make otherwise moderate temperatures feel bitterly cold. Nights, throughout the country, can be 20 degrees Fahrenheit colder than daytime.
Anthem and symbols.
The red dragon is a symbol of Wales.
The centrepiece of the Welsh national flag, the ddraig goch personifies the fearlessness of the Welsh nation.
According to legends first referenced in the Mabinogion (the earliest collection of British prose), the red dragon of Wales is locked in an era-spanning battle with an invading white dragon (which has come to symbolise England) – a battle it ultimately wins; ensuring its lasting appeal as a sign of Welsh pride. Having been used in various forms as an insignia by Welsh armies throughout history, it became the focus of the Welsh national flag in 1959.
The red dragon is a symbol of Wales.
The centrepiece of the Welsh national flag, the ddraig goch personifies the fearlessness of the Welsh nation.
According to legends first referenced in the Mabinogion (the earliest collection of British prose), the red dragon of Wales is locked in an era-spanning battle with an invading white dragon (which has come to symbolise England) – a battle it ultimately wins; ensuring its lasting appeal as a sign of Welsh pride. Having been used in various forms as an insignia by Welsh armies throughout history, it became the focus of the Welsh national flag in 1959.
The daffodil.
Instantly recognisable thanks to its bright yellow petals, the daffodil is considered the national flower of Wales.
Exactly how the flower wangled its way into Welsh culture (with links between the two only really forming in the 19th century) is something of a mystery, but its rise in status was likely aided by the flower’s Welsh name: cenhinen Bedr, which literally translates as ‘Peter’s leek’ – leeks having been a symbol of Wales since before the 16th century. The fact they’re also somewhat prettier than leeks (especially when worn on clothing), likely aided their swift rise to fame as emblems of Wales.
The leek.
Legends claim that the 7th century king of Gwynedd, Cadwaladr, ordered his men to strap a leek to their armour to help easily distinguish them from the enemy in the battle, a tale that perhaps inspired the Tudor royal household (who were of Welsh origin) to instruct their guards to wear leeks on St David’s Day, cementing the practice.
March 1st is St. Davids Day, the National Day of Wales and has been celebrated as such since the 12th Century. David of Menevia is a bishop, educator and patron saint of Wales.
O Land of my fathers, O land of my love,
Dear mother of minstrels who kindle and move,
And hero on hero, who at honour's proud call,
For freedom their lifeblood let fall.
Chorus:
Country! Country! O but my heart is with you!
As long as the sea your bulwark shall be,
To Cymru my heart shall be true.
II
O land of the mountains, the bard's paradise,
Whose precipice, valleys are fair to my eyes,
Green murmuring forest, far echoing flood
Fire the fancy and quicken the blood
Chorus
Instantly recognisable thanks to its bright yellow petals, the daffodil is considered the national flower of Wales.
Exactly how the flower wangled its way into Welsh culture (with links between the two only really forming in the 19th century) is something of a mystery, but its rise in status was likely aided by the flower’s Welsh name: cenhinen Bedr, which literally translates as ‘Peter’s leek’ – leeks having been a symbol of Wales since before the 16th century. The fact they’re also somewhat prettier than leeks (especially when worn on clothing), likely aided their swift rise to fame as emblems of Wales.
The leek.
Legends claim that the 7th century king of Gwynedd, Cadwaladr, ordered his men to strap a leek to their armour to help easily distinguish them from the enemy in the battle, a tale that perhaps inspired the Tudor royal household (who were of Welsh origin) to instruct their guards to wear leeks on St David’s Day, cementing the practice.
March 1st is St. Davids Day, the National Day of Wales and has been celebrated as such since the 12th Century. David of Menevia is a bishop, educator and patron saint of Wales.
O Land of my fathers, O land of my love,
Dear mother of minstrels who kindle and move,
And hero on hero, who at honour's proud call,
For freedom their lifeblood let fall.
Chorus:
Country! Country! O but my heart is with you!
As long as the sea your bulwark shall be,
To Cymru my heart shall be true.
II
O land of the mountains, the bard's paradise,
Whose precipice, valleys are fair to my eyes,
Green murmuring forest, far echoing flood
Fire the fancy and quicken the blood
Chorus
III
For tho' the fierce foeman has ravaged your realm,
The old speech of Wales he cannot o'erwhelm,
Our passionate poets to silence command,
Or banish the harp from your strand.
For tho' the fierce foeman has ravaged your realm,
The old speech of Wales he cannot o'erwhelm,
Our passionate poets to silence command,
Or banish the harp from your strand.
The government.
Politics in Wales forms a distinctive poliсy in the wider politics of the United Kingdom, with Wales as one of the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom (UK).
Constitutionally, the United Kingdom is de jure a unitary state with one sovereign parliament and government. However, under a system of devolution (or home rule) adopted in the late 1990s three of the four constituent parts of the United Kingdom, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, voted for limited self-government, subject to the ability of the UK Parliament in Westminster, nominally at will, to amend, change, broaden or abolish the national governmental systems. As such the National Assembly for Wales (Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru) de jure sovereign.
First Minister
Mark Drakeford (Labour)
Welsh Cabinet Secretaries
Ken Skates AM, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure(Labour)
Vaughan Gething AM,Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport (Labour)
Kirsty Williams AM, Cabinet Secretary for Education (Liberal Democrat)
Carl Sargeant AM,Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children (Labour)
Mark Drakeford AM, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government (Labour)
Lesley Griffiths AM,Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs (Labour)
Jane Hutt AM, Leader of the House and Chief Whip (Labour)
Theodore Huckle QC, Counsel General for Wales
'Welsh Ministers
Julie James AM,Minister for Skills and Science (Labour)
Alun Davies AM, Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language (Labour)
Rebecca Evans AM, Minister for Social Services and Public Health (Labour)
Following the 1994 Local Government (Wales) Act, the eight counties and 37 districts of Wales were replaced in April 1996 by 22 unitary authorities (UA) with responsibilities for all aspects of local government.
The Welsh equivalent of parishes are communities, which fit into and change with unitary authorities. Their councils have similar powers to English parish councils and may also choose to call themselves town councils. Unlike parishes in England, communities cover the whole of Wales, and this gives them greater potential as a statistical geography. There are 878 communities in Wales, over 730 of which currently have a council. Prior to 1974 Wales also had parishes, but these were technically abolished when communities were introduced, despite the new communities initially being aligned to the old parish boundaries.
Politics in Wales forms a distinctive poliсy in the wider politics of the United Kingdom, with Wales as one of the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom (UK).
Constitutionally, the United Kingdom is de jure a unitary state with one sovereign parliament and government. However, under a system of devolution (or home rule) adopted in the late 1990s three of the four constituent parts of the United Kingdom, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, voted for limited self-government, subject to the ability of the UK Parliament in Westminster, nominally at will, to amend, change, broaden or abolish the national governmental systems. As such the National Assembly for Wales (Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru) de jure sovereign.
First Minister
Mark Drakeford (Labour)
Welsh Cabinet Secretaries
Ken Skates AM, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure(Labour)
Vaughan Gething AM,Cabinet Secretary for Health, Well-being and Sport (Labour)
Kirsty Williams AM, Cabinet Secretary for Education (Liberal Democrat)
Carl Sargeant AM,Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children (Labour)
Mark Drakeford AM, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government (Labour)
Lesley Griffiths AM,Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs (Labour)
Jane Hutt AM, Leader of the House and Chief Whip (Labour)
Theodore Huckle QC, Counsel General for Wales
'Welsh Ministers
Julie James AM,Minister for Skills and Science (Labour)
Alun Davies AM, Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language (Labour)
Rebecca Evans AM, Minister for Social Services and Public Health (Labour)
Following the 1994 Local Government (Wales) Act, the eight counties and 37 districts of Wales were replaced in April 1996 by 22 unitary authorities (UA) with responsibilities for all aspects of local government.
The Welsh equivalent of parishes are communities, which fit into and change with unitary authorities. Their councils have similar powers to English parish councils and may also choose to call themselves town councils. Unlike parishes in England, communities cover the whole of Wales, and this gives them greater potential as a statistical geography. There are 878 communities in Wales, over 730 of which currently have a council. Prior to 1974 Wales also had parishes, but these were technically abolished when communities were introduced, despite the new communities initially being aligned to the old parish boundaries.
The sightseeings.
CAERMARFON CASTLE
Built during the 13th century by King Edward I, Caernarfon Castle was considered one of the largest castles. Caernarfon comprises of 13 towers, two gates and is a well preserved and impressive medieval fortress. The castle is surrounded by Menai Strait and River Seiont and a moat on the other side for its complete protection. The castle has a royal heritage that continues to the present day.
CAERMARFON CASTLE
Built during the 13th century by King Edward I, Caernarfon Castle was considered one of the largest castles. Caernarfon comprises of 13 towers, two gates and is a well preserved and impressive medieval fortress. The castle is surrounded by Menai Strait and River Seiont and a moat on the other side for its complete protection. The castle has a royal heritage that continues to the present day.
SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK
If you’re dying to impress the folks back home, tell them that you climbed the tallest mountain in Wales — Mount Snowdon. At only 3,560 feet, it generally takes less than three hours to reach the top. There are six paths up, each with varying levels of difficultly.
If you’re dying to impress the folks back home, tell them that you climbed the tallest mountain in Wales — Mount Snowdon. At only 3,560 feet, it generally takes less than three hours to reach the top. There are six paths up, each with varying levels of difficultly.
FFESTINIOG AND WELSH HIGHLANDS RAILWAY
he journey begins at the harbour in Porthmadog and travels nearly 14 miles through Snowdonia National Park until it reaches Blaenau Ffestiniog. During the trip, the train ascends into the mountains, reaching over 700 feet above sea level while hugging the mountainside. All onboard are treated to magnificent views overlooking lush green pastures, ancient forests, towering waterfalls and serene lakes.
he journey begins at the harbour in Porthmadog and travels nearly 14 miles through Snowdonia National Park until it reaches Blaenau Ffestiniog. During the trip, the train ascends into the mountains, reaching over 700 feet above sea level while hugging the mountainside. All onboard are treated to magnificent views overlooking lush green pastures, ancient forests, towering waterfalls and serene lakes.
The festivals.
Calennig
This traditional custom sees children knocking on doors and singing festive rhymes on 1 January in exchange for small gifts. Calennig events are staged around Wales on New Year’s Eve, usu
Gŵyl Fair y Canhwyllau
Traditionally, Gŵyl Fair y Canhwyllau (Mary’s Festival of the Candles), celebrated on February 2, marked the coming of spring in Wales. Candles were lit and placed in windows and parlour games played. Though no longer a fixture on the calendar, candle-themed services take place in some churches to celebrate the date.ally with music and fireworks.
St David's Day
Welsh national day on 1 March is a huge celebration of its patron saint, St David.
Saint David (Welsh: Dewi Sant; c. 500 – c. 589) was a Welsh bishop of Mynyw (now St Davids) during the 6th century.
The national day of Wales - St David's Day takes place on 1 March. Across the country there are street parades that are great fun for everyone with lots of Welsh flags flying. Many people pin a daffodil or leek - Wales' national emblems - to their clothes and some, especially children, wear Welsh national costume, national team rugby shirts, or dress up as leeks, daffodils or even dragons.
Calennig
This traditional custom sees children knocking on doors and singing festive rhymes on 1 January in exchange for small gifts. Calennig events are staged around Wales on New Year’s Eve, usu
Gŵyl Fair y Canhwyllau
Traditionally, Gŵyl Fair y Canhwyllau (Mary’s Festival of the Candles), celebrated on February 2, marked the coming of spring in Wales. Candles were lit and placed in windows and parlour games played. Though no longer a fixture on the calendar, candle-themed services take place in some churches to celebrate the date.ally with music and fireworks.
St David's Day
Welsh national day on 1 March is a huge celebration of its patron saint, St David.
Saint David (Welsh: Dewi Sant; c. 500 – c. 589) was a Welsh bishop of Mynyw (now St Davids) during the 6th century.
The national day of Wales - St David's Day takes place on 1 March. Across the country there are street parades that are great fun for everyone with lots of Welsh flags flying. Many people pin a daffodil or leek - Wales' national emblems - to their clothes and some, especially children, wear Welsh national costume, national team rugby shirts, or dress up as leeks, daffodils or even dragons.
Interesting to know.
Welshes are great masters at composing and telling fairy tales. It was from here that many beautiful legends came to the world, for example, the story of King Arthur, Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table.
People speak English and Welsh there. The first thing that surprises those who are unfamiliar with the peculiarities of Wales is their language. Despite the fact that the country is a part of the United Kingdom, at least 20% of the inhabitants continue to speak their ancient dialect. Even during the Roman rule, the indigenous people had to learn Latin, which greatly influenced on their language, which can still be seen with their own eyes.
Together, the three Welsh National Parks – Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire Coast and Brecon Beacons – protect an impressive 20% of Wales, including precious landscapes, habitats, villages and heritage sites.
The Castles and Town Walls of King Edward includes the castles of Beaumaris and Harlech and the castles and town walls of Caernarfon and Conwy.These extremely well-preserved monuments are examples of the colonization and defence works carried out throughout the reign of Edward I (1272–1307) and the military architecture of the time.
Wales is believed to have more castles per square kilometer than anywhere else in the world.
Welshes are great masters at composing and telling fairy tales. It was from here that many beautiful legends came to the world, for example, the story of King Arthur, Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table.
People speak English and Welsh there. The first thing that surprises those who are unfamiliar with the peculiarities of Wales is their language. Despite the fact that the country is a part of the United Kingdom, at least 20% of the inhabitants continue to speak their ancient dialect. Even during the Roman rule, the indigenous people had to learn Latin, which greatly influenced on their language, which can still be seen with their own eyes.
Together, the three Welsh National Parks – Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire Coast and Brecon Beacons – protect an impressive 20% of Wales, including precious landscapes, habitats, villages and heritage sites.
The Castles and Town Walls of King Edward includes the castles of Beaumaris and Harlech and the castles and town walls of Caernarfon and Conwy.These extremely well-preserved monuments are examples of the colonization and defence works carried out throughout the reign of Edward I (1272–1307) and the military architecture of the time.
Wales is believed to have more castles per square kilometer than anywhere else in the world.
