Prepared by Ida Wrzesień from Kolegium Karkonoskie in Jelenia Góra

Area: 20778 sq km

Population: 2.9 million (in 2001)

Capital: Cardiff

Language: Welsh (500,000 speakers) and English

National Symbols: Leek and Daffodil

National Flag: Red Dragon

National Patron: St. David (celebrated on the 1^st of March)

Industry: Traditionally coal, steel and slate however in the past few decades most of pits and factories were closed down.

Basic historical facts (to find out more click here)

The earliest evidence of human habitation in Wales dates back to 250000 BC; however, the Celts appeared on the British Isles only in 600 BC. Another major influence on Wales is connected with the Roman invasion on Britain in 55 BC and subsequent conquering of Wales in 48 BC. With Roman withdrawal several small kingdoms emerged, which were forced to unite due to Viking attacks.

However, by the time of Norman invasion Wales was yet again fragmented and divided. In 1093 most of southern Wales was under Norman Rule. In the following years the Welsh were the source of frequent troubles for successive Kings. Edward I conquered Wales in 1284 but the formal incorporation of Wales was pronounced in 1536 (the Act of Union) by Henry VIII. The Act of Union led to administrative unification, abolished Welsh law, established English as the official language and the Church of England as the official denomination.

The 17^th century brought the revival of the Welsh language with religious instructions published in the mother tongue. 18^th century popularized Wales as a tourist destination and the Romantic Revival brought Celtic culture into the limelight. On the other hand 18^th century can also be characterized by the growth of coal and iron industry.

After a period of industrial prosperity and speedy development of cities and transport, came an economic decline, culminating in the Miners Strike in 1984-85 which followed the closure of most mines. In the 20^th century the nationalistic party Plaid Cymru gained popularity, having people demand, more insistently, self-government for Wales. The process of devolution was begun by the referendum held in 1997 and culminated in the establishment of the Welsh Assembly in 1999.