Wales Europe

Wales is a part of the United Kingdom, which is an extension of Great Britain to the west. Cardiff serves as both the capital and the primary financial and economic hub.  The little country of Wales, which is made up of six different regions, is renowned for its remarkably untamed terrain. It was one of the most important political and cultural hubs of Celtic Europe and has retained elements of its culture that set it apart from its English neighbors. Wales' maritime climate is characterized by erratic changes in Atlantic air masses, which, when paired with the country's wide range of elevations, frequently result in daily variations in local conditions. The nation as a whole receives an average of 55 inches (1,385 mm) of precipitation year, which is both frequent and frequently more than sufficient. No season is particularly rainy or dry; precipitation averages around 4 inches (88 mm) in April and 6 inches (142 mm) in January. In the uplands, where snow or sleet falls around ten days a year, winter snowfall can be substantial.    Red kites, European polecats and pine martens, choughs (crowlike birds that breed inland as well as at some coastal places), and other mammals and birds that are rare or extinct elsewhere in Britain can be found in the more isolated areas of Wales. There are many of seabirds and shorebirds, and Cardigan Bay is home to bottlenose dolphins. Over half of Wales's GDP and almost two-thirds of its jobs are in the industries of trade, hotels, restaurants, government (including health and education services), and financial and business services. Cardiff and neighboring cities are home to the majority of services. Wales utilizes the pound sterling and depends on the Bank of England for currency and other financial affairs; it does not have its own central bank or national currency. Wales is home to numerous commercial banks and insurance providers. Wales is known as "the land of song," and its traditional culture is based on oral (and aural) arts such as spoken and written language and vocal music, especially choral singing with intricate harmonies and multiple parts. Welsh folk culture up to the early 18th century included the singing of penillion, or basic vernacular songs, to the triple harp. Efforts have been made to bring the tradition back. Government support for literature, art, music, film, and drama is provided by the Welsh Arts Council. The council sponsors art exhibitions, theater companies and theatres in Welsh and English, regional arts associations, music societies and festivals, especially those involved in commissioning new works, and assists in arranging British and international orchestras' visits of Wales.