Wales, Constituent country in the United Kingdom.
Wales is a constituent nation in western Britain with mountains in the north, including Snowdon at 3560 feet (1085 meters), and 1678 miles (2700 kilometers) of coastline along the Irish Sea and Bristol Channel. The territory covers 8023 square miles (20,779 square kilometers) and includes landscapes from coastal plains through river valleys to central uplands.
Roman forces conquered the territory between 48 and 78 AD and established fortifications such as Caerleon. After Roman withdrawal, independent Welsh kingdoms emerged until the Norman invasion began in the 11th century. Edward I completed the English conquest in 1283 through castle construction and annexation of the last independent principalities.
The Welsh language shapes street signs, shopfronts and public announcements throughout all parts of the nation. Visitors hear it in conversations at markets, in cafés and during community events, where it carries equal standing alongside English.
Cardiff International Airport provides connections to European destinations, while railway lines link major cities to the British transport network. Buses run between towns and rural areas, with travelers encountering bilingual signage in Welsh and English. Summer months from June through August bring milder temperatures for outdoor activities.
The Tredegar Medical Aid Society from 1890 allowed workers to access medical care through monthly contributions and directly inspired the establishment of the British National Health Service in 1948. This union-backed initiative in coal mining regions proved the feasibility of universal healthcare provision.
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