Wales

The topography encompasses mountain ranges in the north with Snowdon peak reaching 3560 feet (1085 meters) and 1678 miles (2700 kilometers) of coastline along the Irish Sea and Bristol Channel. The territory spans 8023 square miles (20,779 square kilometers) and features geography ranging from coastal plains to river valleys and central uplands.

Roman forces conquered the region between 48 and 78 AD, establishing fortifications like Caerleon. After Roman withdrawal, independent Welsh kingdoms emerged until the Norman invasion of the 11th century. Edward I completed the English conquest in 1283 through castle construction and annexation of the last independent principalities.

The Welsh language has approximately 900,000 speakers who use it in daily life, and it holds equal legal status with English across public institutions. Welsh culture manifests through regional traditions including the national symbol of the red dragon and a distinct literary output that traces back to medieval Mabinogion tales and continues in contemporary works today.

Cardiff International Airport provides connections to European destinations, while railway lines link major cities to the British transport network. Buses operate 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 model from 1890 provided workers with access to medical care through monthly contributions, directly inspiring the establishment of Britain's National Health Service in 1948. This union-backed initiative in the coal mining regions demonstrated the feasibility of universal healthcare provision.

Location: United Kingdom

Inception: 5 century

Capital city: Cardiff

Part of: Celtic nations

Shares border with: England

GPS coordinates: 52.29281,-3.73893

Latest update: November 30, 2025 15:55