Wales   is generally hilly. The Snowdon range in the northern part culminates in Mount Snowdon (1,085m), highest in both England and Wales. Wales is 250 km from north to south. It is divided into eight counties, bounded by England (E), St. George's Channel (W), The Irish Sea (N), and by  the Bristol Channel (S).

The majority of the population of 2.9 million people lives in the South Wales coastal area. Nearly 20% of the population  have a knowledge of Welsh,   one of the Celtic languages like Scots, Manx and Irish Gaelic. The Welsh Language Act of 1967 placed Welsh on the  same legal standing as English.

Edward I of England established authority over Wales, building several castles. His son was created first Prince of Wales (1301) in Caernarfon, the ancient capital of Wales. Wales was politically united with England in 1536 (Act of Union).

 St. David is the patron saint of Wales. On March 1 is St. David's Day, the national day.

A referendum on the creation of a Welsh assembly was held and took place in 1999. The assembly was given responsibility for regional policies on education, health care, and economic development, among other areas.