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In many ways, Wales is just what you picture it to be: rolling moorlands,
glaciated mountain areas, mellifluous male-voice choirs, tongue-twisting place
names, Rugby Union, 'Bread of Heaven', romantic castles,
people
with querying lilts, cheese on toast and old mining towns.
But Wales is more than this. Apart from the fantastic walking and cycling that's available in the country, there's also a wealth of water and adventure sports, horse riding and fishing. Add to this some fine festivals and Cardiff's nightlife, and you have a great destination awaiting you.
Although buzzing with eager expectation, Wales is still a country that's finding its feet; a place where history is living and traditions, including the Welsh language, are fighting for their future. Yet its strange mix of diehard tradition and New World sophistication is one of Wales' greatest assets. It has a strength of spirit and character which, despite centuries of neglect and attempted assimilation, remains delightfully defiant.
Full country name: Wales
Area: 20,764 sq km
Population: 2.92 million
People: Celts, Anglo-Saxons
Language: English, Welsh
Religion: Nonconformist Protestants, Anglicans, Catholics
Government: constitutional monarchy Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II Head of Government: Prime Minister Tony Blair
GDP: US$16.4 billion
GDP per capita: US$19,200
Annual Growth: 3%
Inflation: 1.8%
Major Industries: agriculture and forestry, manufacturing, tourism
Major Trading Partners: EU, USA
This information is from Lonely Planet http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/wales/