| | | Wales might be physically attached to England but there's no doubt when you go over the border that you're in a distinctly different place. |
This is a land of rolling hills, and lush valleys, an ancient Celtic lilting language. Wales is often known as the Land of Castles, because there are more than 400 of them dotted all over the country - reminders of their proud past. |
| It's also a country of contrast - rural and with little population in Mid Wales, yet busy and thriving in the south. Two thirds of the country's 2.95 million citizens live around the capital Cardiff and just eight per cent of the country is classed as urban with the vast majority being agricultural. |
| Welsh culture is proudly celebrated each year with the Eisteddfod, a celebration of all things Welsh. |
| The Welsh language - a form of Celtic thought to be among the oldest languages in Europe - is on the increase after nearly a century of decline. |
| This was blamed on a number of factors including the number of English speakers moving to rural areas and the increased use of English in the media. |
Visitors to Wales will be bowled over by the sheer natural beauty of the landscape. There are no less than three national parks - Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire Coast. Add to that five areas classed as having Outstanding Natural Beauty and it's easy to see why the principality is a must for lovers of the outdoors. |
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