Anglesey (Wales)

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Island and unitary authority off the northwest coast of Wales.

Area
720 sq km/278 sq mi (34 km/21 mi long and 31 km/19 mi broad)

Towns
Llangefni (administrative headquarters), Holyhead, Beaumaris, Amlwch

Physical
coastline 201 km/125 mi in length; highest point Holyhead Mountain (219 m/719 ft)

Features
separated from the mainland by the Menai Strait, which is spanned by the Britannia tubular railway bridge and Telford's suspension bridge, originally built between 1819 and 1826 but since rebuilt; rich fauna, notably bird life, and flora; many buildings and relics of historic interest including Beaumaris Castle (1295)

Industries
bromine extraction from the sea, leisure and tourism

Agriculture
sheep farming, varied crops including wheat, market garden produce, and fruit

Population
(2001) 66,800

The port of Holyhead, on the adjoining Holy Island, has an aluminium smelting plant and a ferry service to Ireland. The Wylfa nuclear power station is located 10 km/6 mi west of Amlwch. Lead, copper, and zinc were once mined here. Anglesey was the ancient granary of Wales.

The white star is a symbol of hope and national purity. Green stands for agriculture. Yellow symbolizes mineral wealth. Effective date: 27 April 1960. >>