This document provides an overview of Wales, including its geography, population, industries, tourist attractions, sports, and national symbols. Wales is located in southwest Great Britain, bordered by England, Bristol Channel, St. George's Channel, and the Irish Sea. It has over 1,200 km of coastline and a population of nearly 3 million people. The capital is Cardiff. Tourism is a large industry, attracting visitors to castles, mountains, and coastal areas. Rugby and football are popular sports. National symbols of Wales include the red dragon flag, the flag of Saint David, and the coat of arms of the principality.

1. Welcome to Wales

2. Geographical Position Wales is located in the south-west of Great Britain. Its area is about 20,779 square kilometres. Wales is bordered by England to the east and by sea in the other three directions: Bristol Channel to the south, St. George’s Channel to the west, and the Irish Sea to the north. Wales has over 1,200 km of coastline.

3. The population of Wales is 2,958,600 people, the capital is Cardiff. Wales is one of the most beautiful parts of the British Isles. It is a country of hills and mountains, deep rivers and valleys. Central and North Wales are farming regions, there are many sheep and cattle farms there. South Wales is an industrial part of the country, many people work in industry here. This part is rich in coal.

4. Thermoelectric power station, New South Wales

5. Tourist Attractions in Wales The castle Chepstow , founded in 1067. South Wales. Blue Mountains Wales attracts many tourists. It is very popular for spending holidays. Every year thousands of people take their holidays at the seaside on the North coast. There are three National Parks there.

6. Tourist Attractions in Wales The Castle in Welshpool The tower of an ancient castle Wales has been united with England for seven hundred years. Prince Charles became the Prince of Wales in 1969.

7. Wales is called a “Land of Song”. The Welsh people like to sing very much. Music festivals are called “Eisteddfods”. At the festival there are competitions for the best poem, the best song, the best singer. The competitions are organized by Druids. At the festival people speak Welsh, use their national traditions and wear national costumes. They are proud of their language and traditions.

8. Cardiff is an industrial city and port. Cardiff

9. Cardiff is an administrative and educational centre. Cardiff University The City Hall

10. Cardiff The Castle The City Hall

11. Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales, it is 1085 metres high. The nature in Wales is particularly wild and impressive.

12. The typical scenery of South Wales

13. About 80 % of the land surface is in agricultural use. T he land surface of Wales consists of grass pasture for herd animals such as sheep and cows.

14. Wales, like other nations, takes part in the main world sporting events such as FIFA World Cup, Rugby World Cup and the Commonwealth Games. The most popular sports in Wales are rugby and football. Millennium Stadium

15. The Flag of Wales incorporates the red dragon along with the Tudor colours of green and white. It was used by Henry VII at the battle of Bosworth in 1485 after which it was carried in state to St. Paul’s Cathedral. The red dragon was then included in the Tudor royal arms to signify their Welsh descent. It was officially recognizes as the Welsh national flag in 1959.

16. The Flag of Saint David Is sometimes used as an alternative to the national flag and is flown on St. David’s Day.

17. The Coat of Arms of the Principality of Wales is used by Charles, Prince of Wales, in his personal standard

18. The crown, the sword and the shield of Wales