Portal:Wales

The Wales Portal

Wales (Welsh: Cymru pronounced /ˈkəmrɨ/) is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and an elective region of the European Union. Wales is located in the west of the island of Great Britain and is bordered by England to the east, the Bristol Channel (Welsh:Môr Hafren) to the south and the Irish Sea (Môr Iwerddon) to the west and north, and also by the estuary of the River Dee (Afon Dyfrdwy) in the north-east. Wales has a population estimated at three million and is officially bilingual, with both Welsh and English having equal status. Around two-thirds of the population is located around the country's capital—and largest city since 1955—Cardiff.

The flag of Wales—the Red Dragon—is one of many Welsh symbols. Saint David is the patron saint of Wales and Saint David's Day, on 1st March, is Wales' national day. There are currently attempts to create a national holiday on this day. Wales has remained distinct from the rest of the United Kingdom due to the strength of Welsh history, culture and especially the Welsh language.

Machynlleth was the home of a parliament called by Owain Glyndŵr during his revolt at the start of the fifteenth century. In 1999, the National Assembly for Wales was formed, giving Wales power over healthcare, education and certain other devolved matters.

From the late 18th century, some parts of Wales became heavily industrialised, playing a significant role in the industrial revolution, as it exported vast quantities of coal and steel and established a large manufacturing base which has only recently been overtaken by the tourism and service sectors—the capital Cardiff also had the largest and busiest port in the world. More recently, manufacturing emphasis has been on the electronic and technological sectors.

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