In this article, we’ll take a look at countries that start with W and provide you with some interesting facts and information about them. Whether you’re a geography enthusiast or simply looking to improve your English vocabulary, we are sure to provide you with some valuable insights. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of countries that start with W!
Countries That Start With W
Countries that Start with W
Are you curious about countries that start with W? While there are a few countries that come to mind, such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Ukraine, there is only one country that officially begins with the letter W, and that is Wales. Despite being part of the United Kingdom, Wales has its own distinct culture, language, and history that is worth exploring.
Located in the western part of Great Britain, Wales is known for its rugged coastline, rolling hills, and picturesque villages. With a population of just over three million people, Wales is a small but vibrant country that has a rich cultural heritage. From the ancient castles and historic landmarks to the modern cities and bustling towns, Wales has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring the great outdoors or immersing yourself in the local culture, Wales is a destination that should not be missed.
Geography of Wales
Wales is a country located in the southwest of the United Kingdom. The country has a total area of 21,218 km² and a population of 3,107,494 as of the 2021 census. Wales is bordered by England to the east, the Irish Sea to the north and west, the Celtic Sea to the southwest, and the Bristol Channel to the south.
Major Cities
Wales has several major cities, including Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, and Wrexham. Cardiff is the capital and largest city in Wales, with a population of around 350,000. It is located in the southeast of the country and is a major center for business, culture, and sports. Swansea is the second-largest city, located on the south coast of Wales. It has a population of around 250,000 and is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Newport is located in the southeast of Wales, close to the border with England. It has a population of around 150,000 and is known for its industrial heritage and historic landmarks. Wrexham is located in the northeast of Wales, close to the border with England. It has a population of around 65,000 and is known for its historic architecture and beautiful countryside.
Natural Landscapes
Wales has a diverse and rich geographical landscape that attracts visitors from around the world. The country has over 1,680 miles of coastline, including the largest bay in the country, Cardigan Bay, and the largest lake, Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid), at 4.7 km². The length of the coast of mainland Wales is about 1,370 mi (2,205 km), and adding to this the coasts of the Isle of Anglesey and Holy Island, the total is about 1,680 mi (2,704 km).
Wales is also known for its beautiful mountains and national parks. The highest mountain in Wales is Snowdon, which stands at 1,085 meters (3,560 ft) tall. Snowdonia National Park is located in the northwest of Wales and is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Other national parks in Wales include Brecon Beacons National Park, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, and the Gower Peninsula.
History of Wales
Welsh history dates back to the Paleolithic era, with evidence of a Neanderthal presence from at least 230,000 years ago. Homo sapiens arrived by about 31,000 BC. Wales was a loose collection of independent kingdoms and lordships before the Act of Union in 1536.
Ancient History
Wales was inhabited by the Celtic Britons, who were conquered by the Roman Empire in AD 43. The Romans built roads, forts, and towns in Wales, and the Welsh adopted many Roman customs. After the Romans left Britain in the 5th century, Wales was invaded by Germanic tribes. The Welsh kingdoms resisted the invaders and were able to maintain their independence.
In the late 8th century, the Welsh kingdoms were united under the rule of Rhodri the Great. The Welsh were able to repel Viking invasions and maintain their independence until the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The Normans invaded Wales and built castles to control the Welsh.
Modern History
Wales was incorporated into England by the Act of Union in 1536. The Welsh language and culture were suppressed by the English authorities, and many Welsh people emigrated to America and other parts of the world. In the 19th century, there was a revival of Welsh culture, and the Welsh language was once again spoken by a significant number of people.
In the 20th century, Wales became part of the United Kingdom, and the Welsh language was recognized as an official language. The Welsh economy was transformed by the Industrial Revolution, and Wales became a major coal-mining region. In the late 20th century, the coal mines were closed, and the Welsh economy shifted to services and manufacturing.
Today, Wales is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant economy. The Welsh language is still spoken by a significant number of people, and Welsh culture is celebrated around the world.
Culture in Wales
If you’re planning a trip to Wales, you’re in for a treat. The country has a rich culture that’s reflected in its language, traditions, and cuisine. Here’s what you need to know about the culture in Wales.
Language
The Welsh language, also known as Cymraeg, is one of the oldest languages in Europe. It’s spoken by around 20% of the population, and it’s an important part of Welsh culture. You’ll see Welsh signs and hear Welsh spoken in many parts of the country, especially in the north and west.
Traditions
Wales has a long history of traditions that are still celebrated today. One of the most famous is the Eisteddfod, a festival of Welsh culture that’s been held since the 12th century. The festival includes music, poetry, and dance competitions, and it’s a great way to experience Welsh culture firsthand.
Another tradition is the Mari Lwyd, a Welsh folk custom that involves a horse skull on a pole. The Mari Lwyd is carried from house to house, and the people inside the houses must answer riddles and sing songs to be allowed to enter.
Cuisine
Welsh cuisine is hearty and comforting, with a focus on local ingredients. Some of the most famous Welsh dishes include:
- Welsh rarebit: a dish made with melted cheese and ale, served on toast
- Cawl: a traditional Welsh soup made with lamb or beef, potatoes, and vegetables
- Bara brith: a fruitcake made with tea, dried fruit, and spices
In addition to these dishes, Wales is also known for its seafood, including cockles and laverbread (a type of seaweed).
Economy of Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom, with a population of around 3.1 million people. The economy of Wales has been growing since 1999, although it remains lower than the UK average. In this section, we will take a closer look at the major industries and employment in Wales.
Major Industries
Wales has a diverse economy with several major industries. Here are some of the top industries in Wales:
- Manufacturing: Manufacturing is a significant industry in Wales, contributing around 15% of the country’s GDP. The automotive industry is a major part of manufacturing in Wales, with companies such as Toyota, Ford, and General Dynamics having operations in the country.
- Agriculture: Agriculture is an important industry in Wales, with around 80% of the land used for farming. The main agricultural products in Wales are sheep, beef, and dairy products.
- Tourism: Tourism is a significant industry in Wales, with around 10 million visitors each year. The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, historic castles, and vibrant cities.
Employment
Wales has a diverse workforce, with a range of job opportunities available. Here are some of the top industries for employment in Wales:
- Healthcare: Healthcare is the largest employer in Wales, with around 160,000 people working in the sector. The NHS is the main employer in healthcare, but there are also private healthcare providers in the country.
- Retail: Retail is a significant employer in Wales, with around 140,000 people working in the sector. The main retail areas in Wales are Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport.
- Manufacturing: Manufacturing is also a significant employer in Wales, with around 130,000 people working in the sector. The automotive industry is a major part of manufacturing employment in Wales.
Government and Politics in Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and has its own distinct political structure. In this section, we will explore the political system in Wales and its international relations.
Political Structure
The political structure in Wales is unique compared to the rest of the United Kingdom. It has a devolved government, which means that it has its own parliament, the Senedd, with power over certain areas such as health, education, and transport. The Welsh Government, led by the First Minister, is responsible for the day-to-day running of these areas.
The Welsh Parliament, or Senedd, is made up of 60 members who are elected for a term of five years. The voting system used is the Additional Member System, which combines elements of both the first-past-the-post and proportional representation systems. This system aims to provide a balance between constituency representation and proportional representation.
In addition to the Welsh Government, Wales is also represented in the UK Government through its elected Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons. Welsh MPs are responsible for representing their constituents and raising issues affecting Wales in the UK Parliament.
International Relations
Wales has a strong relationship with the rest of the United Kingdom, but it also has its own international relations. The Welsh Government has its own international strategy, which aims to promote Wales as a place to do business, study, and visit.
Wales is also a member of the British-Irish Council, which brings together the governments of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, as well as the devolved administrations of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and the governments of the Isle of Man, Guernsey, and Jersey. The council aims to promote cooperation between these regions on issues such as the environment, energy, and transport.
In addition, Wales is a member of the European Union and has benefited from EU funding for various projects. However, following the Brexit referendum in 2016, the UK has left the EU and Wales is no longer a member. The Welsh Government is now exploring new opportunities for international cooperation and trade.
Education in Wales
If you’re interested in education in Wales, you’ll be pleased to know that it is largely state-funded and free-at-the-point-of-use at a primary and secondary level. Education is compulsory for children in Wales aged five to sixteen years old.
There are currently eight universities operating in Wales, all of which receive funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW). Some of the most popular universities in Wales include Cardiff University, Swansea University, and Bangor University.
The Welsh education system is structured differently than other parts of the United Kingdom. For example, the Welsh government has its own curriculum and qualifications framework. The new curriculum for Wales is due to be introduced from nursery to Year 7 in 2022.
In terms of the number of schoolchildren and students in full-time education, there were 588,000 on census day in 2021. This represents 19.9% of usual residents aged 5 and over.
Overall, education in Wales is a high priority for the Welsh government, with a focus on improving literacy and numeracy skills, as well as ensuring that all students have access to quality education regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
Healthcare in Wales
If you are a permanent resident in Wales, you have access to free healthcare through the Welsh public health service, NHS Wales. This healthcare system is publicly funded and provides a range of services to residents, including general practitioner (GP) services, hospitals, and community healthcare.
NHS Wales is one of the four healthcare systems that make up the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. The system is responsible for providing healthcare services to over three million people in Wales.
NHS Wales has a number of hospitals located throughout the country. These hospitals are run by various governing bodies, including the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. Some of the hospitals in Wales include the Grange University Hospital, the Royal Gwent Hospital, and the University Hospital of Wales.
In addition to hospitals, NHS Wales provides a range of community healthcare services. These services include dental care, optometry, and mental health services. The Welsh government is committed to improving access to healthcare services and has invested in a number of initiatives to improve the quality of care provided to residents.
Overall, healthcare in Wales is free at the point of need and paid for from general taxation. The Welsh government is committed to providing high-quality healthcare services to all residents and has made significant investments to improve the health of the population.
Tourism in Wales
If you are looking for a unique travel destination, Wales should be on your list. The country has a lot to offer to tourists, from stunning landscapes to rich culture and history. Tourism is a significant part of the Welsh economy, and it attracts millions of visitors each year.
Wales has a lot of natural beauty to explore, including mountains, beaches, and national parks. Some of the most popular attractions include Snowdonia National Park, Brecon Beacons National Park, and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. The country also has over 870 miles of coastline, with many beautiful beaches to visit.
Apart from natural beauty, Wales also has a rich history and culture to discover. The country has over 600 castles, including the famous Cardiff Castle and Conwy Castle. You can also visit historical sites like the Roman fortress in Caerleon and the medieval town of Tenby.
Wales is also known for its festivals and events, which attract many tourists each year. Some of the most popular events include the Hay Festival of Literature and Arts, the National Eisteddfod of Wales, and the Abergavenny Food Festival.
The Welsh government has been investing in tourism to improve the visitor experience. Visit Wales, the official tourism website, provides information and resources for tourists to plan their trip. The website offers suggestions for places to visit, things to do, and accommodations.
In conclusion, Wales is a unique and exciting travel destination with a lot to offer to tourists. Whether you are interested in natural beauty, history, or culture, Wales has something for everyone. Plan your trip to Wales today and discover all that this beautiful country has to offer.
FAQs on Countries that Start with W
What countries that start with W?
There is only one country that begins with the letter W, and that is Wales.
Is Wales the only country that starts with W?
Yes, Wales is the only country in the world that starts with the letter W.
Are there any other countries that start with W?
No, there are no other countries that start with W. However, there are some territories that start with W, such as Wallis and Futuna, Western Sahara, and Wake Island.
How many countries start with W?
As mentioned earlier, there is only one country that starts with W, which is Wales.
What are the names of all the countries that start with W?
As we mentioned earlier, there is only one country that starts with the letter W, which is Wales.
What is the population of Wales?
According to recent estimates, the population of Wales is approximately 3.136 million.
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