Wales is part of the United Kingdom. It lies between England and the Irish Sea and has a population of 3 million (UK total population: 63 million).

Much of Wales is highland, and several areas are mountainous. Snowdonia in the north is the most famous area, with the highest peak of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), but the mountains of Central Wales are also substantial and rise to Plynlimon (Pumlumon Fawr), while in South Wales, the mountains of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) have a spectacular cliff-like edge that makes them quite unique.

It has about 1200 km of coast, much of which is spectacularly beautiful.

Wales was occupied by the Romans, but developed separately after the Romans left, giving it a separate identity from the Anglo-Saxons kingdoms that were to become England. During Anglo-Saxon times, King Offa of the English Midlands, had an earth bank (Offa's Dyke) built along the border of his land and the welsh kingdoms. This had the effect of helping to develop Welsh identity.

Because Wales was not invaded by the Anglo-Saxons, it retained a pre-Roman culture, which some people call Celtic.

After the Norman invasion by William the Conqueror, the Welsh nobility recognised the English king as the most powerful lord. However, rebellions against this in the 13th century led Edward I of England to invade Wales. The last Welsh leader, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd was killed in 1282 and Wales became part of the English kingdom (except for a short period due to Owain Glyndwr in the early 15th century).

During the 20th century, a new movement for independent Wales grew up and known as Plaid Cymru. Under the Government of Wales Act 1998, the National Assembly for Wales now controls many powers separately from the United Kingdom government.

Much of Wales is not suited to crop farming because it is too cool and wet. Much of central and north Wales are famous for sheep farming. However, this does not support many people. Most people in Wales live in the south, where coal mining and then iron and steel industries developed in the 19th century. In the 20th century many of these industries stopped and this has left many areas of Wales with the challenge of finding new jobs for its people.

Of the 3 million people, about half a million currently speak Welsh as well as English. Most of these people live in North Wales. The country is officially bilingual.