LocationWestern Great Britain.
Area20,732 sq km (8004 sq miles).
Population2.95 million (official estimate 2004).
Population Density142.3 per sq km.
CapitalCardiff.
Population: 305,353 (2001).
GovernmentRecent history: Following a referendum in May 1999, Wales was granted its own Assembly with a considerable degree of autonomy. The Welsh Assembly does not have a similar level of power and responsibility as that enjoyed by the Scottish Parliament, in that it cannot raise taxes, but it
does give the Welsh considerably more say in their own destiny than in the previous nine centuries.
LanguageEnglish and Welsh are the official languages. Welsh is taught in all schools, and at least one-fifth of the population speaks it.
Head of Government First Minister Rhodri Morgan since 2000.
Head of StateHM Queen Elizabeth II.
For information on time, electricity, passport/visa, money, duty free and health, see the main
United Kingdom section.
MediaPressWales’ major daily newspaper is the
Western Mail, published in Cardiff. All the UK national papers are generally available, as are numerous local papers.
RadioBBC Radio Wales caters for the English-speaking sector, while
BBC Cymrubroadcasts in Welsh. All national stations are also available. A numberof local commercial stations offer output in both languages.
Public holidays observed in Wales are the same as those observed in the rest of the UK (see the main
United Kingdom section).
Contact Information:Visit Wales/Croeso CymruBrunel House, 2 Fitzalan Road, Cardiff CF24 0UY, UK
Tel: (08708) 300 306.
Website:
www.visitwales.com Visit Wales/Croeso Cymru in the USA551 Fifth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10176, USA
Tel: (1 800) 462 2748 (toll-free in the USA).
Website:
www.visitwales.com
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