The whole area of Wales can be divided into three regions – the Welsh Massif, the industrial South Wales and the Welsh borderland. The Welsh Massif is mainly a plateau with much moorland, well know for its cool and rainy climate. Settlement and farmland are largely concentrated in the valleys and along the coast. The highest mountain in the north, Snowdon, is 1100 metres above the sea level. This region is called Snowdonia. The population of Wales is about 2 800 000 people. The majority of people live in the coal-mining and industrial regions of the south around Cardiff, the capital of Wales, and Swansea. There are two languages spoken in Wales – English and Welch, which is a Celtic language. Welch is the first language in most of the western parts of Wales where it is equal with English as an official language. Wales is rich in culture and history. The Welch people love music and poetry. The annual competitive festival of choral singing, and also other aspect of music, literature, and drama is known as the National Eisteddfod of Wales. The Welsh National Opera Company, which has both an English and Welsh sections, belong to the companies in Britain. The University of Wales with seven constituents institutions is the most prestigious university which also supervises nine colleges of education.

Scotland

Scotland, situated to the north of England, also includes Orkneys, Shetlands, Hebrides and other islands. It is more than half as big as England. Scotland is a wonderful country – full of traditions, colour and romance – and it retains its own character and way of life.
Scotland has more than 5 million inhabitants. It has been a part of Great Britain since 1707 but the Scottish people remain very independent and proud of their culture and heritage. They speak English with regional accents and 1,5% also speak Gaelic, the ancient Scottish language (in the Highlands and the Western Isles). Scotland is a country of hills, lakes (called Lochs), swift rivers and deep valleys (glens). It can be divided into three parts: the Highland, the Lowlands and the southern uplands. The most beautiful part of Scotland id the region known as the Highlands. The highest peak id Ben Nevis, 1380 meters high. The most famous lakes are Loch Lomond and Loch Ness where the mystical monster lives.
There are four big cities in Scotland – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen. Edinburgh, the ancient capital of Scotland, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.