Wales lies west of England and is separated
from England by the Cambrian Mountains and land area is comprised of 8,019
sq mi . It is bordered on the northwest, west, and south by the Irish Sea
and on the northeast and east by England. It is generally hilly with rocky
coastlines. Agriculture is the major industry.
Until 1999, Wales was ruled solely by the UK
government and a secretary of state. In the referendum of Sept. 18, 1997,
Welsh citizens voted to establish a National Assembly. Wales will remain
part of the UK, and the secretary of state for Wales and members of
Parliament from Welsh constituencies will continue to have seats in
Parliament. Both English and the Welsh languages are spoken as shown on the
first picture below.