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• Wales is part of the United Kingdom, one of four constituent countries located on a peninsula in central-west Great Britain. It is bordered by England to the east, the Bristol Channel to the south, St. George's Channel to the west and the Irish Sea to the north. There are several islands off the Welsh mainland, the largest being Anglesey in the northwest. Wales is a bilingual country, with English the language spoken by the majority, and Welsh the native tongue.

  Originally one of the Celtic nations, Wales emerged with its own national identity in the 5th century after Rome ceased its occupation of Britain. The 13th century Edwardian conquest initiated centuries of English occupation. Wales was officially annexed to the English legal system during the reign of Henry VIII of England with the formation of the Laws in Wales Acts 1535–1542.

  Today, Wales is the largest principality (Celtic Nation) in the world. The main population and industrial areas are in South Wales, consisting of the cities of Cardiff, Swansea and Newport, with another significant population in the north-east near Wrexham.

• Fast Facts

  1. Capital: Cardiff
  2. Government: Constitutional Monarchy
  3. Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II
  4. Area: 8,022 sq mi
  5. Population: 3,004,600 (2008)
  6. Currency: (GBP)
  7. Exchange Rate: 0.4842
  8. Official Language: English and Welsh

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