constituent unit of the United Kingdom that forms a westward extension of the island of Great Britain. The capital and main commercial and financial centre is Cardiff.

In 1536 Wales was united with England to form England and Wales. In 1707 Scotland was united with England and Wales to form Great Britain. Subsequent to a referendum held in 1998, devolution into an autonomous entity within the United Kingdom became effective 1 July 1999 with the state opening of the Welsh National Assembly in Cardiff by Queen Elizabeth II.

http://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n80014574

Carter, Harold, Smith, J(enkyn) Beverley, Gruffudd, Pyrs. "Wales". Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026, https://www.britannica.com/place/Wales. Accessed 20 August 2026.