When talking about beautiful tourist destinations in Europe, Wales is probably not the first to mind. However, what many people may not know is that it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. There are many fun facts about Wales that reflect its interesting culture and history.
Wales is bordered by England to the east, the Irish Sea to the north and west, and the Bristol Channel to the south. The landscape is varied, with mountains in the north and rolling hills in the south. It has stayed under the radar but these facts about Wales will give you a taste of what the country is like.
Fun Facts About Wales For Kids
Here are some facts about Wales that are fun for kids to know.
The Second Longest Place Name Is Located In Wales
The second longest place name in the world is “Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch,” which is actually a real place and is located in Wales.
It is definitely difficult for many people to pronounce, and even some Welsh people have a hard time pronouncing it. The longest place name record is still held by a region in New Zealand.
About 10.75% Of People In Cardiff Speak Welsh
This fact about Wales might be shocking for many people. You might think that majority of people in Wales speak the Welsh Language however that is not the case. Many people in Wales speak English as their first language, and a significant minority of residents speak Welsh.
According to recent estimates, about 10.75% of people living in the capital city of Cardiff speak the Welsh language.
There Are Only 7 Cities in the Country of Wales
Wales is part of the United Kingdom however it is relatively smaller than other countries in the Kingdom. There are only 7 cities in the country i.e. Cardiff, Swansea, Bangor, Newport, St. Asaph, St. Davids, and Wrexham.
The Country Has Several National Symbols
The country of Wales has various national symbols that represent the different things that are important to the people of this country. One of these symbols is the daffodil, which is often worn on St. David’s Day to commemorate the patron saint of Wales.
Another major symbol for Wales is its national flag, which features a red dragon against a white and green background. Leek is also considered a national symbol of Wales.
Dragon on the Flag
This fun Wales fact is for all the flag lovers. Wales is one of the three countries in the world to have a dragon on their national flag. The others include Bhutan and Malta.
Interesting Facts About Wales For Tourists
Wales Is Home To the Longest Zip Wire in Europe
Kids would love this interesting fact about wales. The longest zip wire in the world is located in the United Arab Emirates however the longest zip wire in the European Continent is located in Penrhyn Quarry, in Bethesda, Wales. It is also the fastest zip wire in the world.
The Highest Mountain in Wales
The highest mountain in Wales is Snowdon (3560 ft.) It is the most popular mountain to climb in Wales with around 600,000 people scaling it annually. Many climbers approach the ascend from Llanberis so they can take in the stunning views of Llyn Padarn on the way.
The Country’s Three National Parks take up to 20% of the Country’s Land Mass
Wales is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in Europe, with its expansive mountain ranges, vibrant coastal towns, and vast stretches of farmland.
The country’s three national parks – Snowdonia National Park, Brecon Beacons National Park, and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – take up a combined total of almost 20% of the total landmass of Wales.
These parks are famous for their dramatic natural beauty, with soaring peaks, rolling hills, and deep valleys dotted with picturesque lakes and waterfalls.
The Deepest Cave In The UK Is Found In Wales
The deepest cave in the UK is located in Wales. The cave, called Ogof Ffynnon Ddu, comes in at an impressive 901 feet deep and 59 kilometers long. It was discovered in 1946 by the South Wales Caving Club. The cave has a large quantity of Limestone.
Cultural Fun Facts About Wales
The Eisteddfod Festival
The Eisteddfod Festival is a national festival for the Welsh language, music, dance, and literature that occurs every year in Wales. The first recorded Eisteddfod was held under the patronage of Lord Rhys at Cardigan Castle in 1176.
Mount Everest Was Named After a Welshman
Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain at 29,032 feet (around 8,848 meters), is named after a Welshman. The man in question was Sir George Everest, the British Surveyor General of India.
He surveyed the land around Tibet and Nepal for nearly 15 years between 1830 and 1843. It was named after Everest by Andrew Waugh, a British surveyor who took over for Everest.
Wales Is Not Represented On the Union Jack Flag
Looking at the Union Jack flag, you might be surprised to see that Wales is not represented on it. Despite being a part of the United Kingdom, Wales has its own flag which is known as the “Red Dragon of Cadwallader.”
The flag is officially called the Red Dragon of Wales. It features a red dragon on a green and white background, inspired by the flag of Henry VII.
The British Royal Family Rings and Jewelry Is Made Up of Welsh Gold
Another interesting fact about Wales is that it is known for its rich natural resources, including gold. In fact, much of the British Royal Family’s jewelry and rings are made from Welsh gold. This is a high-quality form of the precious metal that is found only in this region of the UK.
The Mabinogion Collection
The Mabinogion is one of the most important collections of medieval Welsh literature. It comprises several stories including the Four Branches of the Mabinogi and The Dream of Macsen Wledig among many others.
The Wales Royal Mint Is Responsible For Minting Different Coins for Around 60 Countries
The Wales Royal Mint was established in the year 1968, and since then it has gone on to become one of the most prominent mints in the world. It is mainly due to the fact that this mint is responsible for minting coins for some 60 different countries around the world. This makes it one of the leading and most important mints globally.
The National Sport Of Wales Is Rugby
Rugby is the national sport of Wales. It is a vital part of the Welsh and Welsh culture, with many people playing at both youth and elite levels. The country has won many competitions over the years and continues to be a force in rugby union.
Wales has produced many excellent players over the years, including Gareth Edwards, who is considered one of the best rugby players of all time.
Wales Historical Facts
The Most Castles In One Country
Wales is home to most castles per square mile. It’s estimated that there are around 427 castles in Wales, ranging from ruined examples to castle ruins that have been restored and converted into luxury hotels.
Most of these castles were built during a time when Wales was divided between multiple kingdoms. In that era, kingdoms would go to war with each other and sometimes unite to fight against other nations.
The First Road Suspension Bridge Was Constructed In Wales.
The Menai Bridge in Anglesey was built in the 1800s and is still standing today, making it the oldest road suspension bridge in all of Britain.
The bridge was considered one of the greatest achievements of its time. Due to its design and construction, it has become a tourist attraction as well as an integral part of Welsh history.
St. Patrick Is Actually Considered To Be Welsh
St. Patrick’s Day is a major event in the United Kingdom, and although most people associate the day with Ireland, St. Patrick is actually believed to be Welsh.
Due to this connection, many Welsh people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. However, St Patrick’s birthplace is still a topic of debate for many Irish and welsh people.
Prince William Is Also The Prince of Wales
King Charles was made Prince of Wales in 1958. When Charles became King, the title of Prince of Wales was given to his eldest son Prince William.
Wales Has Produced Some of the Most Famous Writers and Poets
Author Roald Dahl was Welsh. He is the author of the famous children’s book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Another famous personality from Wales is the poet Dylan Thomas.
The World’s First Radio Message Was Sent in Wales
In 1897, a young Italian engineer by the name of Guglielmo Marconi sent the first-ever wireless message across an island in Wales.
The message was sent from Lavernock Point and was received in Flat Holm Island. This event marked the birth of radio communication, and it sparked a new wave of interest throughout Britain.
Wales Used To Have 4 Capitals
At one time in History, Wales used to have 4 capitals including Caernarfon, Denbigh Brecon, and Carmarthen. The capitals represented 4 corners of the country.
Wales Was Last Independent Over 800 Years Ago
This is another important Wales history fact. Wales was once an independent kingdom however it has been under British Rule for almost 800 years. The independence of Wales continues to be a hot topic today.
Welshman Bill Frost Invented A Flying Machine 8 Years Before The Wright Brothers
The Wright Brothers are usually accredited with the invention of planes but this title may actually belong to a Welsh inventor named Bill Frost.
Bill was fascinated by flight from a young age, and his curiosity eventually led him to develop his own flying machine eight years before the Wright Brothers.
The National Assembly for Wales Was Created In 1997
Believe it or not but Wales did not have a proper parliament like England or Northern Ireland until 1997. The National Assembly for Wales is responsible for making laws in specific areas of policy, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and the environment.
Discover More Fun Facts about Wales
Whether you’re interested in its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, or fascinating history, Wales is a truly unique destination. These Welsh facts are just a small sample of the limitless interesting facts about Wales. Be sure to plan a trip and discover Wales for yourself!
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