Wales / Cymru

Priority area of work within BIC:
Early Years Policy;
Indigenous, Minority and Lesser-Used Languages; and
Social Inclusion (jointly with Scotland)
 
Capital City: Cardiff 
 
Government:
Wales is part of the United Kingdom. Following the 1997 referendum in favour of devolution to Wales and the creation of two Government of Wales Acts (1998 and 2006), the Welsh Government and National Assembly for Wales was established which assumed responsibility for the governance of Wales within the 20 devolved areas (listed below).  

However, as a result of a second referendum in March 2011 to enhance its legislative capability, the National Assembly for Wales can now make Acts of law on subjects in all of the 20 devolved areas without needing agreement from the UK Parliament. 

These 20 devolved areas are:

  • agriculture, fisheries, forestry and rural development
  • ancient monuments and historic buildings
  • culture
  • economic development
  • education and training
  • environment
  • fire and rescue services and the promotion of fire safety
  • food
  • health and health services
  • highways and transport
  • housing
  • local government
  • National Assembly for Wales
  • public administration
  • social welfare
  • sport and recreation
  • tourism
  • town and country planning
  • water and flood defence
  • Welsh language
UK Ministers continue to be responsible for non-devolved matters, such as foreign policy, taxation and social security. 
The National Assembly for Wales consists of 60 Assembly Members (AMs). AMs are elected under a proportional electoral system: 40 each represent a particular constituency and 20 represent the 5 electoral regions (4 AMs per region). Elections are held every 4 years.