Anglesey
Welsh Ynys Môn - island; Sir Ynys M ôn - authority
Island and unitary authority off the northwest coast of Wales;
population (1996) 71,100; area 720 sq km/278 sq mi;. It is separated
from the mainland by the Menai Strait, which is crossed by the
Britannia tubular railway bridge and Telford's suspension bridge,
originally built between 1819 and 1826 but rebuilt since. The
administrative centre is Llangefni; the largest town is Holyhead.
It is a holiday resort with rich fauna, notably bird life, and
flora, many buildings and relics of historic interest, and a beautiful
coastline. Sheep farming and agriculture are the main occupations,
and Anglesey was the ancient granary of Wales. It now also has
industries such as the manufacture of toys and electrical goods,
and bromine extraction from the sea.
The port of Holyhead, on the adjoining Holy Island, has an aluminium
smelting plant and a ferry service to Ireland. Other towns are
Beaumaris and Amlwch, 10 km/6 mi west of which is Wylfa nuclear
power station. The island is 34 km/21 mi long by 31 km/19 mi broad.
Lead, copper, and zinc were once mined here,
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