All About Wales [Everything You Need to Know] (2024)

Wales is known for its rolling landscapes, having more castles than any other country in Europe, and for its unique flag featuring the red Welsh dragon. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Wales.

Where is Wales?

Wales is located on the island of Great Britain in Western Europe. Wales is bordered by England to the east, the Irish Sea to the north and west, and the Bristol Channel to the south.

England is the only country that shares a land border with Wales.

Is Wales a Country?

Yes, Wales is a constituent country which forms part of the United Kingdom along with England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland which are also constitute countries.

Although Wales has its own government, it is not a sovereign country because the UK government still has overall authority when it comes to law-making.

How Big is Wales?

Wales is 20,779 km2 making it the third-largest out of the four countries that make up the UK.

National Symbols of Wales

© Wales Guidebook

© Wales Guidebook

The red dragon is the best-known symbol of Wales and features on the country’s flag (more on this below).

Other emblems of the nation include the leek and the daffodil, the latter being a more recent addition thanks to David Lloyd George who was the only ever Welsh-speaking British Prime Minister.

The country also has its own national anthem which is sung in Welsh and an iconic traditional costume which was worn by Welsh women in the 19th century. You can see a doll wearing this above.

Why is There a Dragon on the Flag?

© Wales Guidebook

© Wales Guidebook

The Welsh flag is one of only three flags in the world to feature a dragon.

The red dragon has been an emblem of Wales since the 5th century when a red dragon, representing the Welsh people, fought and won against a white dragon, representing the Saxons, who occupied much of Britain at that time.

Later, it became known as the Red Dragon of Cadwaladr and has been used in many battles by Celtic kings and the Tudors who were of Welsh descent. The Welsh flag with a red dragon was officially recognised in 1959.

The reason why the Union Jack doesn’t represent Wales is because Wales and England were already united when the UK was created so were represented by the English flag.

What is the Population of Wales?

According to the 2021 census, the population of Wales is 3,107,500¹ (source: ONS). The largest regions of Wales by population are Cardiff (346,090), Swansea (239,023), and Rhondda Cynon Taff (234,410)² (source:Welsh Government).

Find out more interesting information like this in my article with 22 facts about Wales.

Places in Wales

© Wales Guidebook

© Wales Guidebook

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales and where you’ll find the Welsh Government.

There are a total of 7 cities in Wales, these are Bangor, Cardiff, Newport, St Asaph, St Davids, Swansea and Wrexham. The latter was only awarded city status in 2022.

There are 22 local authority areas in Wales which can be divided into North Wales, Mid Wales, West Wales, and South Wales.

The tallest mountain in Wales is Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) which stands at 1,085m (3,560 ft) above sea level. This is the third tallest in the UK, behind Ben Nevis and Carn Eige, both of which are found in Scotland.

Wales has three national parks; Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons, and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Welsh Language

© Wales Guidebook

Wales has its own language called Welsh. Latest estimates suggest that 29.5% of people aged 3 and over could speak Welsh in Wales, although this includes fluent people and those that speak ‘some’ Welsh³ (source: Welsh Government).

Although Welsh is the official language as stated by the Welsh government, the main language in Wales is English. Most signage in Wales is bilingual by law such as the one shown above.

Welsh Sport

The (unofficial) national sport of Wales is rugby. This is played by people of all ages across Wales and is the country’s most successful sport on the international stage.

Wales competes independently of the other UK nations in most sports, including rugby, football, and the commonwealth games.

However, Wales does not have its own team at the Olympics, instead, Welsh athletes compete under the Team GB banner along with England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Welsh cricketers also compete internationally alongside English cricketers in the England and Wales Cricket Board, more commonly known as the England cricket team.

Welsh Cuisine

Although there are elements of British cuisine that are strong in Wales, it also has its own distinct culinary traditions.

Traditional Welsh food includes:

• Welsh Cakes – Traditionally cooked on a hot griddle or bakestone, these are like a cross between a biscuit and a scone.
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• Laverbread – Made using cooked laver, a type of seaweed that is hand-picked from the Welsh coastline.
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• Bara Brith – Basically a Welsh tea loaf, Bara Brith comes from the Welsh meaning ‘speckled cake’ and is made by adding dried fruit and spices to bread dough.
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• Welsh Cawl – A hearty stew made of meat and vegetables which dates back to the 11th century because it could be cooked slowly during the day while the family worked out in the fields.
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• Welsh Rarebit – Almost like cheese on toast but not.

© Wales Guidebook

© Wales Guidebook

Welsh Culture and Traditions

Wales has a distinct identity that is different from neighbouring England. Wales is a Celtic nation and this is widely considered to be part of the Welsh identity today⁴ (source: National Museum of Wales).

Welsh culture includes its own music, customs, and festivals (called Eisteddfodau). Wales also has its own celebration days. The most important of these is St David’s Day which is the national day in Wales on the 1st of March each year (although it’s not a public holiday). Saint David is the patron saint of Wales.