One of the oldest countries in Europe, Wales came together as a distinct nation in the 5th century. During the early medieval ages, Wales was divided into small kingdoms, not dissimilar to the political landscapes of Scotland and Ireland. Disunity ultimately made Wales vulnerable to foreign occupation.

The Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in what we now know as England, had by the 9th century organised themselves into a single English state, albeit ruled by foreign kings from Denmark and France.

In the 13th century the French-speaking English king, Edward I, invaded Wales. A thirty year war ended in defeat for the Welsh defenders, mainly due to an ambitious castle building programme instigated by Edward I under the stewardship of French architect St. George of Savoy. Edward I's later attempt to conquer Scotland failed.

Despite a well organised rebellion in the beginning of the 15th century led by Owain Glyndwr, Wales remained a colony of England until 1536, when Henry VIII integrated Wales into the Kingdom of England.

It was not until 1967 that Wales was recognised as an historic country in its own right, although autonomy in the form of self-government did not come into existence until 1999.

Today Wales has a population of 3 million, of which one third are English. Of the 2 million indigenous Welsh people, about 40% speak Welsh. Cymraeg, or Welsh as it is known in English, is a distinct language. However many common English words can be heard when listening to Welsh speakers converse. This reflects eight hundred years of political control and the powerful influence of one of the world's most commonly spoken languages.

The Welsh are descendants of Romano-Britons, who once occupied all of Britain. Although the Irish and Welsh languages have a common origin, the two countries have very little in common, despite both being labelled 'Celtic'. Wales has always maintained a closer relationship with England, which is reflected in religious practice and economic development.

Two-thirds of the population live within 100 kilometres of the capital, Cardiff. Cardiff lies in the southeast corner of the country and has become a vibrant international city, despite its small size. The former coal and steel industries of south Wales were decimated in the 1980's and regeneration is proving slow. Wales is 20% poorer than England.

North Wales is lightly populated and has some stunning scenery. Employment is higher than in the south, but there are still pockets of poverty. A coastal highway stretching across north Wales links the ferries from Dublin, Ireland to the major cities in the north of England.

Geographical, political and economic influences have sustained a divided Wales since union with England. The people of the north and south have different cultures and dialects (in both Welsh and English languages) and these regional rivalries present a considerable challenge to the newly devolved Welsh government.

Wales has only a small diaspora abroad. The most notable is a small community in Patagonia, Argentina, where many early Welsh settlers have gradually intermarried with Italians. It is estimated that at least five million US citizens have Welsh heritage (including Hilliary Clinton and Susan Sarandon). However as Wales is historically protestant, Welsh immigrants to the US were often recorded on entry as English.

The national sport of Wales is rugby. Numerous international artists and celebrities come from Wales, including Dylan Thomas, Anthony Hopkins, JJ Cale, Shirley Bassey, Rhys Ifans, Christian Bale, Tom Jones, Bryn Terfal, Siân Phillips, Catherine Zeta-Jones and the late Richard Burton.