Wales is part of Britain and the United Kingdom. It's situated to the west of England and is around 256 km long and 96 km wide. It covers just over 20,720 km² - that's about the same size as Massachusetts in the USA or half the size of Switzerland. Welcome to Wales
The national flag - The Red Dragon - was granted official status in 1959, but the dragon itself has been associated with Wales for centuries. Some say it’s the oldest national flag still in use, and that it was used by King Arthur and other ancient Celtic leaders. The Welsh Flag
POPULATION Population: 2,980,000 Population density: 143 persons per square kilometre
NATIONAL SYMBOLS The Welsh Flag The Harp The Daffodil The Leek The Prince of Wales Feathers
The Daffodil The Welsh for leek (the original national emblem) is Cenhinen, while the Welsh for daffodil is Cenhinen Pedr. Over the years they became confused until the daffodil was adopted as a second emblem of Wales. National Emblems The Leek According to legend St David advised the Britons on the eve of a battle with the Saxons, to wear leeks in their caps so as to easily distinguish friend from foe. This helped to secure a great victory. Today Welsh people around the world wear leeks on St David's Day. It is also a surviving tradition that soldiers in the Welsh regiments eat a raw leek on St David's Day. The Daffodil The Leek
The harp is regarded as the national instrument of Wales. By the end of the 18th century, the triple harp - so called because it had three rows of strings - was widely known as the Welsh harp on account of its popularity in Wales. The harp has been used through the ages as an accompaniment to folk-singing and dancing and as a solo instrument. HRH Prince Charles appoints a Welsh Royal Harpist on a scholarship programme annually. Past Royal harpists include Catrin Finch. The Harp
NATIONAL COSTUME For the ladies the typical Welsh costume consists of a hat, made of black felt, with a high crown and wide brim, which is worn over a lace cap. A red flannel shawl is worn over a crisp white blouse, and a full skirt made of wool with a black and white check pattern and a starched, white apron. Proper Welsh ladies always wore black woolen stockings and black shoes and carried a basket, made from willow withies.
Cardiff has been the capital of Wales since 1955. It is the city on the river Severn. It is both the cultural center (with a university) and the economic centre of the principality. Financially and industrially, Cardiff is the most important city in Wales. CARDIFF
There are more than 600 castles in Wales. That's more castles per square mile than any other country in the world. Castles
Traditional food in Wales Welsh Cawl Welsh cakes
National sport in Wales Rugby
