Travel Guide: Wales

Location and Population

Located on the western side of Great Britain, Wales is one of the nations making up the United Kingdom. With a population of roughly three million inhabitants, the country gives equal status to the Welsh and English languages, making it officially bilingual. Its capital city, Cardiff, is in the south, where the majority of the Welsh population is concentrated.

Climate and Geography

Wales’ maritime climate is due in part to its northerly location, making it one of Europe’s wettest countries. Known for its mountainous geography, especially in the north and central regions, Wales also has over seven hundred miles of coastline, including the islands that lie off the mainland.

History and World Heritage Sites

Wales has been inhabited by humans for tens of thousands of years, and this long history is made evident by the abundance of important historical sites found within the country. For example, Wales is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites that help illustrate the country’s military tradition and engineering endeavours.

Culture

Welsh culture is unique, with its own music, customs and traditions. Visitors can learn more about this distinctive society at a number of Welsh museums, including St. Fagan’s National History Museum and the National Coal Museum. As a testament to Welsh literature, the southwestern region of the country is the location of famed twentieth century poet Dylan Thomas’ home, which today is a memorial.

Religion
In terms of religion, a good portion of the Welsh population adheres to Christianity, and this is reflected in the religious buildings that can be found around the country. Beautiful churches, cathedrals and abbeys dot the landscape, and serve as meeting places for the Christian country’s population.

Sport

Sport is a popular pastime in Wales. Golf is one example, with a history dating back to the nineteenth century. However, rugby is one of the most popular sports in the country, and Millennium Stadium is a great place to take in a match.

Tourist-Friendly

With its wealth of history and culture, as well as its spectacular natural beauty, this tourist-friendly country certainly has much to offer.