Current Population: 158 (2003 State Demographer est.) Incorporation Type: 2nd Class City Borough Located In: Unorganized School District: Bering Straits Schools Regional Native Corporation: Bering Straits Native Corp. Location: Wales is located on Cape Prince of Wales, at the western tip of the Seward Peninsula, 111 miles northwest of Nome. It lies at approximately 65.609170° North Latitude and -168.0875° West Longitude. (Sec. 05, T002N, R045W, Kateel River Meridian.) Wales is located in the Cape Nome Recording District. The area encompasses 2.8 sq. miles of land and 0.0 sq. miles of water. It has a maritime climate when the Bering Strait is ice-free, usually June to November. After the freeze, there is an abrupt change to a cold continental climate. Average summer temperatures range from 40 to 50; winter temperatures range from -10 to 6. Annual precipitation is 10 inches, including 35 inches of snow. Frequent fog, wind and blizzards limit access to Wales. History: A burial mound of the "Birnirk" culture (500 A.D. to 900 A.D.) was discovered near Wales and is now a national landmark. In 1827 the Russian Navy reported the Eskimo villages of "Eidamoo" near the coast and "King-a-ghe" further inland. In 1890, the American Missionary Association established a mission here, and in 1894 a reindeer station was organized. A post office was established in 1902. Wales became a major whaling center due to its location along migratory routes, and it was the region's largest and most prosperous village, with more than 500 residents. The influenza epidemic in 1918-19 claimed the lives of many of Wales' finest whalers. The City government was incorporated in 1964. Culture: Wales has a strong traditional Kinugmiut Eskimo whaling culture. Ancient songs, dances, and customs are still practiced. In the summer Little Diomede residents travel between the two villages in large traditional skin boats. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned in the village. Economy: The economy of Wales is based on subsistence hunting and fishing, trapping, Native arts and crafts, and some mining. A private reindeer herd is managed out of Wales and local residents are employed to assist in the harvest. Whales, walrus, polar bear, moose, salmon, and other fish are utilized. Facilities: Two new groundwater wells have been drilled; a pump house and watering point enclosure are needed. Currently, water is derived from Gilbert Creek during the summer, and residents haul treated water from a 500,000-gal. storage tank at the washeteria. Some use untreated water from Village Creek. Almost all residents use honey buckets, and very few homes currently have plumbing. A honey bucket haul system is in place. The school, clinic and city building are served by piped water. There are two septic systems -- one for the school and a second for teacher's housing, the clinic, and city building. A Master Plan to implement a piped system has been completed. The landfill is not permitted. Transportation: Wales is accessed by air and sea only. There is a State-owned 4,000' long by 75' wide gravel airstrip, and the ice on the Straits is frequently used by planes in the winter. Scheduled and charter flights are available. Cargo is delivered by barge, and lightered a half mile to shore. Skin boats are still a popular method of sea travel, and snowmobiles are used in winter. A new 6.5-mile road to Tin City was recently completed. Climate: It has a maritime climate when the Bering Strait is ice-free, usually June to November. After the freeze, there is an abrupt change to a cold continental climate. Average summer temperatures range from 40 to 50; winter temperatures range from -10 to 6. Annual precipitation is 10 inches, including 35 inches of snow. Frequent fog, wind and blizzards limit access to Wales. *Source: Alaska Department of Community & Economic Development   This information was made possible in part by a grant from the Technology Opportunities Program, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.