Devon, across the River Tamar, is Cornwall's closest Celtic neighbor.  Cornwall forms part of the 'Atlantic Arc' of nine Celtic countries.  Asturias, Brittany, Devon, Galicia, Ireland, Mann, Scotland and Wales are the others. 

The Devonian range extends northeast to southwest and rises in Brown Willy to an altitude of 1368 feet.  There is much barren moorland, but the soil in the valleys is fertile.  The prevailing rock is granite, of a grey or bluish-grey color, which can often be seen rising above the surface in huge, rugged masses; clay slate also abounds.  Said to have been known to the Phoenicians, the tin and copper mines of Cornwall have been famous since ancient times.  Some of these mines are very deep, and have been dug beneath the sea.  Silver, lead, zinc, arsenic, antimony, and bismuth are also found in considerable quantities.  The streams are numerous, but small.  The largest are the Tamar, Lyhner, Fowey, and Camel.

Each coastline is spectacular in quite different ways.  The south coast is much and deeply indented, and has some good harbors.  Falmouth is one of the finest harbors in Britain.  The south coast, also, offers Penzance, famous for smugglers and pirates, and the tiny fishing village of Mousehole and Cornwall's largest fishing port, Newlyn.  Penzance overlooks Mount's Bay and the dramatic outline of Saint Michael's Mount which can be visited by foot or by ferry, depending on the tide.   

The indentations on the North consist of shallow bays with few or no harbors.  The north coast boasts its surfing beaches and the premier resort, Newquay, with its extensive facilities.  A smaller but equally attractive resort is Bude, and Padstow, Boscastle and Tintagel are good examples of why this coastline is recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

The chief promontories are Land's End, where the granite cliffs are about 60 ft. high; and the Lizard, the most southerly point of England.  The Isles of Scilly are a peaceful colorful group of islands 28 mile south west of Land's End.  Many species of sea birds breed on the islands, and off-shore, seals and dolphins can be seen. 

The combination of being relatively so far south, plus the influence of the Gulf Stream on the long expanse of Cornish coast, gives Cornwall the mildest climate in Britain, spring comes early, and autumn lingers longer.  Palm trees are relatively common in the gardens of south and west Cornwall and sub-tropical plants can be seen growing at the Abbey Gardens of Tresco (Isles of Scilly).  The moderating influence of the sea also means that Cornish winters are rarely severe and hot summer days are often cooled by gentle sea breezes.

Cornwall has a population of about 491,100 (2001 Census data).  Only about 10% would deem themselves as 'Cornish', the remainder is largely made up of visitors who have moved there to take advantage of the climate and slower pace of living.  Truro is the administrative capital and only city of Cornwall.  It is situated at the head of the River Fal.