Wales is a fascinating and beautiful country with a great history and culture. Being a part of the island of Great Britain, Wales is known for its mountains, hills, natural beauty, and lots of rain. Numerous interesting facts about Wales set the country apart from the rest of the world.
9 Interesting Facts About Wales
The rugged coastline, scenic National Parks, ancient Celtic language, and some of the friendliest people on Earth are the specialty of Wales. If you are up to broadening your knowledge about Wales, learn some fun facts about Wales here:
1. North Wales
North Wales is unique, with exciting attractions and beaches overlooked by mountains.
North Wales has so many fun facts that may leave you awestruck.
i. Every person living in North Wales has more than three sheep.
ii. Llandudno in North Wales has hosted the longest-running Punch and Judy show in the world.
2. Prince Charles Of Great Britain Is Also Prince Of Wales
Prince Charles is currently serving as Prince of Wales. He is the presumed heir to the British monarchy because he is the oldest son of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh.
Prince Charles has held this position as the longest-reigning Prince of Wales since 1958. He also earned the title of Duke of Edinburgh.
3. Wales Has Only 7 Cities
There are seven cities in Wales, including big and small ones. Each one of them tells some facts about Wales.
3.1. Cardiff
3.2. Bangor
3.3. Swansea
3.4. St. Davids
3.5. St. Asaph
3.6. Newport
3.7. Wrexham
4. There are 3 National Parks In Wales
Nearly 20% of Wales’ total land area is taken up by its three national parks, which are Snowdonia National Park, The Brecon Beacons National Park, and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
4.1. The Brecon Beacons National Park
The Brecon Beacons National Park, which straddles the Mid Wales and South Wales boundary, is home to stunning natural beauty, mountains that are perfect for hiking, amazing views, and, of course, Welsh history.
Pen Y Fan, the tallest peak in South Wales, is found here. The park covers a staggering 520 square miles and contains some unique wildlife habitats too.
4.2. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
4.3. The Snowdonia National Park
The Snowdonia National Park is the oldest and biggest of all the national parks in Wales. It is home to Wales’s highest Peak, Mount Snowdon. The height of Mount Snowdon is 3560 feet.
Established in 1951, it is the longest national park in Wales. The largest lake in Wales, Lake Bala, is in this National Park. While its English name is derived from Snowdon, the Welsh name is Eryri, which is derived from Eryr (highlands).
5. Wales Has Various National Symbols
Wales has various national symbols that represent the nation’s cultural identity. Here are some facts about Wales and how it became synonymous with modern-day Wales.
5.1. Ddraig Goch(The Red Dragon)
The Red Dragon is a popular Welsh symbol incorporated into its National flag as well, making Wales one of only three countries with a dragon on its flag. Ddraig Goch, at the centre of the flag, personifies the fearlessness of the nation.
Roman legions were the ones who introduced dragons as the national symbol. The Red Dragon first appeared as the royal badge for Wales after being used by Welsh soldiers in a variety of forms as an insignia. Later, it was officially recognized by the queen of Britain.
5.2. Daffodil
Daffodils have recently been recognized as a national flower of Wales due to their association with Leeks, which have been a symbol of Wales since before the 16th century. The flower’s Welsh name is Cenhinen Bedr, which means ‘Peter’s leek.’
5.3. Leek
Wearing a leek serves as a marker of Welsh heritage because this root vegetable is so revered there. Leek tells various interesting facts about Wales.
Why is it so important to wear leeks? It is claimed that St. David instructed his warriors in the sixth century to wear leeks on their helmets while fighting Saxons. In 1536, Henry VIII raised the leek’s significance when he gave it to his daughter on St. David’s Day.
6. Amazing Landforms Of Wales
6.1. Mount Snowdown Is The Highest Mountain In Wales
Mount Snowdon is Wales’s highest peak, with a height of 1085 meters. Its rare flora and fauna attract tourists from all over the world, making it among the third most visited place in Wales. A rare flower called Snowdon Lily can be found here.
One of the most important facts here is that Edmund Hillary used the mountain in training for the 1953 ascent of Mount Everest.
6.2. Mount Everest Was Named After Sir George Everest
Here is one of the most interesting facts! Sir George Everest was a surveyor who initially mapped Mount Everest. The peak was initially named ‘Gamma’ and eventually changed to ‘Peak in 1847.
7. Facts About Famous Personalities Of Wales
7.1. The Invention Of The British Tennis
Lawn tennis was invented by a Welshman, Walter Clopton Wingfield, in 1873. But modern-day tennis is the result of the contributions of many cultures.
French monks developed a game in the 1st and 12th Centuries in which they hit a ball over a net to an opponent with the palm of their hand. The game soon gained popularity in every European country. Eventually, a racket and scoring system was added to it.
7.2. A Welshman designed the First Aeroplane
It is believed that Wilbur and Orville Wright were the first men to design and fly a power-driven plane. But in reality, there was a man in west Wales, Bill Frost, who deserves the epithet of “first man to fly.”
The Welsh inventor built his plane at his workshop in Saundersfoot. The locals claimed that they saw him flying in his airship, which traveled around 500 yards. But the problem is there are no photographs of his flight available.
8. Wales Has The Place With Second Longest Name In The World
There is a village on the Welsh island of Anglesey, “Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllllantysiliogogogoch,” which is the second longest name of a place in the world.
9. Wales Is The Castle Capital Of The World
One of the most interesting facts about Wales is that it has over 600 castles throughout the country. You might be shocked to learn that Wales features the highest density of castles per square kilometer in all of Europe.
Final Note
The unique character and history of Wales set it apart from the rest of the world. Despite being small, this rugby-crazy country has a richer tradition than most others.
Last Updated on March 11, 2024 by Parina Parmar
