barmouth 843622 1280

17 Wild and Wonderful Facts about Wales

Wales is a country with a proud, rich heritage.  However, it’s famous for more than just dragons, leeks and rugby!

Even if you’ve holidayed in Wales hundreds of times, we think there’s still a few fun facts about Wales that’ll surprise you.  Here’s the pick of the crop!

1. Wales has a healthy population.

In 2019, the Welsh population was 3.136 million.

2. Welsh is still spoken frequently.

Wales has its own language, though English is the more common tongue these days. It may not be as widely spoken as it once was, however, around a quarter of Welsh people do speak Welsh still.

3. Translating from Welsh to English still takes place!

You’ll still find plenty of road signs across the UK translated into English and Welsh! There are actually plenty of resources out there, too, which will help you learn how to speak and write in Welsh.

The Welsh Flag - The Red Dragon

The Welsh Flag – The Red Dragon

4. Welsh is a more common tongue than you think.

In fact, around 750,000 people are fluent in Welsh worldwide. There’s still a completely Welsh-language TV channel, S4C, which runs alongside Channel 4 in the UK.

5. Wales is a sporting nation.

Wales is, of course, famous for its rugby. In fact, the first ever international match was between England and Wales – and to this day, the two nations have a strong rivalry on the international stage.

6. Wales’ coast is officially spectacular.

Wales is famous for its heritage and for its areas of natural beauty. So much so, that around 42% of the country receives the grading of ‘heritage coast’!  This means that its coastlines are protected and remain unspoilt.

7. Welsh stadiums break records.

The Principality Stadium is perhaps Wales’ most famous arena. It’s home to the Welsh Rugby Union team, and was originally called the Millennium Stadium for many years.  It’s also home to largest retractable sports stadium roof on the planet!

8. A Welsh mobster handled Capone’s finances!

Believe it or not, a Welsh man was once America’s Most Wanted! Llewelyn Humphreys, hailing from Powys, was responsible for mob legend Al Capone’s financial accounts – which should say plenty!

9. The official flag of Wales is relatively young.

The Welsh flag has actually only been in play since 1959. It consists of a red dragon from legend, as well as the colors of green and white.  These colors are thought to represent the Tudors.

Bullslaughter Bay, Castlemartin, Wales

Bullslaughter Bay, Castlemartin, Wales

10. Wales has official animals and saints.

The dragon is the official animal of Wales, and St David is the patron saint of the country.

11. Welsh people are seriously talented!

Wales is home to some of the most famous figures in entertainment – perhaps most notably legendary singers Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey. It was also the birthplace of author Roald Dahl, and footballers Ryan Giggs and Gareth Bale.

12. Moving mountains!

Mount Everest was named after a Welsh man! Sir George Everest, in fact, gives his name to the peak, and was a surveyor.

Snowdonia National Park, North Wales

Snowdonia National Park, North Wales

13. Perfect Welsh peaks!

Outside of Scotland, Snowdon is the tallest mountain in Britain.  It measures 1085 meters in height and is one of just three Welsh summits that climb up over 1,000 meters above sea level. You can find it in the Snowdonia National Park.

The other two peaks are Carnedd Llewelyn (1064 meters) and Glyderau Fawr (1001 meters).

14. Wales has plenty of green associations.

Ever wondered why daffodils are associated with Wales as well as leeks? It all stems from there being confusion over the Welsh translation for the latter.  Cenhinen, which is Welsh for leek, is very similar to Cehhinen Bedr, which means daffodil.  Therefore, both emblems were adopted to avoid any confusion!

15. Wales isn’t technically a country.

Wales doesn’t have its own armed forces and is, in fact, a principality. This means it is ruled by a prince.  Specifically, the Prince of Wales, funnily enough!

Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle

16. Wales is home to a famous breed of dog.

The Queen’s favourite dog breed, the Corgi originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales.  Cor-ci literally means ‘dwarf dog’ – a reference to their little legs!

17. There’s an interesting Welsh breakfast tradition.

Traditionally, Welsh people would eat seafood for breakfast – cockles, specifically!

FAQs about Wales

Does Tom Jones come from Wales?

Yes - he was born in Pontypridd, and is considered something of a National Treasure to this day, crooning well into his 80s!

What is Portmeirion famous for?

Portmeirion is famous as the birthplace of the pottery it’s named after. Chances are if you’re into pottery, you’ve heard of the town!

Why is it called Wales?

The word is said to come from the word Walhaz, which derived from Volcae - it was used to describe Gauls in Ancient Britain.

Do you know any fun facts about Wales?  Share them in the comments below!

3 Comments

  • Adam Jackson says:

    Number 16 is incorrect. Wales had not been a principality since 1536. This is a misconception still peddled, mostly by the English.

  • Anthony Holland says:

    The Principality Stadium is not the home of Cardiff City Football Club, the Cardiff City Stadium is, the Principality is the home to the Welsh Rugby Union team.

  • Robin James says:

    Thank you Anthony, we’ve fact checked this and updated the page!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This page was last modified on August 3, 2023. Suggest an edit

Related 'United Kingdom' Facts