WALES

The Principality of Wales is one of the four constituent nations of the United Kingdom. A Welsh cultural identity, represented by elements such as monastic asceticism, a highly evolved secular legal system (Cyfraith Hywel), and a distinctive literary tradition emerged after the Roman withdrawal from Britain in the 5th century. Wales (with all regions united under one government) has never been a sovereign state, although a number of rival principalities remained independent until English conquest.
From the 20th Century a revival in Welsh national consciousness and sentiment has taken place. Wales's largest city, Cardiff (Caerdydd) was established as the capital of Wales in 1955 and has become a centre of culture and employment in Wales. The National Assembly for Wales (Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru) was formed in 1999, with powers to amend primary legislation from the U.K. Parliament. These powers were widened by the Government of Wales Act 2006, which will take effect after the 2007 Welsh Assembly election. The Welsh Assembly Government (Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru) will be reformed from a committee within the Assembly to a separate Welsh Government executive body, with a role similar to that of the Scottish Executive.