COUNTRY INFORMATION
Official name
Wales (part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
Capital
Cardiff
Coordinates
51°30’ N, 3°10’ W
Location
Wales occupies the south-western part of the island of Great Britain.
Area
Total area: 20 779 sq km
Land boundaries
360 km (the UK)
Coastline
12 429 km (the UK)
Administrative division
Wales is divided into 22 unitary authorities.
Political system
United Kingdom is constitutional monarchy. Queen (or king) is the chief of state. Monarchy is hereditary. Prime Minister is the head of government and appoints the Cabinet of Ministers. Parliament is bicameral and consists of House of Lords and House of Commons, both with over 600 seats.
Population
3 004 600
Ethnic groups
British (English, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish) 92%, other (e.g. Indian, Pakistani) 8%
Religions
Christian 72%, Muslim 3%, Hindu 1%, other 24%