WALES, a principality in the S. W. of the island of Great Britain, which since Edward I. gives the title of Prince of Wales to the heir-apparent of the British crown; area, 7,466 square miles; pop. about 2,100,000. It is divided into 12 counties. As a whole it is very moun tainous, particularly in the N., where Snowdon, the culminating point of south Britain, rises to the height of 3,571 feet; and it is intersected by beautiful val leys, traversed by numerous streams, in cluding among others the large river Severn. It is rich in minerals, par ticularly coal, iron, copper, and even gold, and to these Wales owes its chief wealth. The coal trade is most extensive, and Cardiff is the largest coal port in the world. In 1915 almost 40,000,000 tons of coal were produced in Wales. Iron, steel, and copper works are also on a large scale. Besides the mineral indus tries, there are considerable woolen man ufactures, especially of flannel, coarse cloth, and hosiery. The Welsh have
many strange customs and peculiar su perstitions. They are remarkably fond of poetry and music, and their language is said to be peculiarly adapted to poeti cal effusions. Their ancient language is, however, falling fast into disuse through out the principality, more especially the S. part. Family distinction is held in great estimation. The aboriginal Celtic race still inhabits some parts of the country. Llewellyn ap Gryffydd was the last prince who exerted himself for the independence of Wales. In 1282 he was subdued by Edward I., and fell on the field of battle. From that time, Wales has been annexed to the English crown; but the union was not complete till the reign of Henry VIII., when the government and laws were assimilated with those of England. See ENGLAND: GREAT BRITAIN.