Diving

DIVING WALES INTRODUCTION

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%