geography
Wales is a beautiful land, a land of history, a land of contrasts.
It is only 8,000 square miles (20,640sq.kms) in area, 160 miles long by 60 miles wide (257.44kms by 96.54kms) but with a coastline of 750 miles (1,200kms). Wales has large areas of high plateau land with mountain ranges, deep valleys and swiftly flowing rivers and streams. The lowland areas are mostly by the coast and in the wider valleys.
Rugged hills and mountains set the character of much of the land. In the north are majestic ranges, in places sweeping almost to the sea, with steep wooded valleys and swiftly flowing streams. Throughout central Wales, down to the south further ranges provide a magnificent and varied landscape of grandeur and beauty.
Snowdon, Snowdonia, Wales.
These hills and mountains were once a rich source of coal and slate and towns developed to service the industries which made use of these resources. The south of Wales is the most industrially developed and has the highest concentration of population; out of the total of just under three million, almost two-thirds live in the southern towns and cities.
The long coastline has many unspoilt beaches which have attracted a thriving holiday industry. Many people come throughout the year to enjoy sailing, fishing and other water sports. Families visit the holiday resorts to relax on the beach or explore the many castles and other ancient historical sites for which Wales is famous.
This beautiful land is visited by thousands of people each year for sport and recreation and tourism is the chief employment for much of the country. Some come for the excitement, others for the peace and tranquillity.
There are many small farms throughout Wales, dairy and mixed farming around the coast and mostly sheep farming in the hills and mountains. In the upland areas there is also a significant forestry industry. Much of the heavy industry, coal-mining, iron and steel, has now ceased as cheaper materials are obtained from abroad. Although there are some new technology-based industries in the south, unemployment is still very high in many places.