one of the last undiscovered corners of Europe. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, Wales occupies an area of 20,764 square kilometres and is home to 3 million people. It is one of the oldest countries in the world with evidence of human habitation going back almost 200,000 years. Despite coming under English rule for centuries, the Welsh culture and language still survive and its people are fiercely proud of their heritage. In a 1997 referendum, the people of Wales voted to be governed by a Welsh Assembly based in Cardiff rather than from the House of Commons in London. The Welsh countryside is simply beautiful. Hire a car, rent a bicycle or find a willing horse and get exploring! Northern Wales is dominated by the stunning Snowdonia mountain range looming spectacularly over the coastline. Snowdonia is the second-largest national park in Britain as well as being home to the highest mountain in Britain south of the Scottish Highlands. Mount Snowdon provided the training ground for the climbers who made the first successful attempt on Mt Everest. As well as the mountains, the park boasts a wide variety of other natural features – forests, glacial valleys, moorlands, waterfalls and an attractive coastline.