Study at Cardiff | International

Wales

Wales is a unique and friendly country, with some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the world and a rich historical tradition to explore.

Whether you like to hunt around ruins of medieval fortresses, climb craggy mountains or build sandcastles on clean beaches, you will find that Wales provides you with the opportunity.

For visitors, Wales' great advantage is its size. You can be at the top of a mountain and 45 minutes later leaping off a cliff, mountain biking through an old forest or visiting the remains of an ancient civilisation.

Wales however is more than just history and adventure sports. The Welsh people have a strong and completely unique culture, which includes literature, music, sport, food and the Welsh language.

10 facts about Wales

1. There are more than 600 castles in Wales including the oldest in the UK, Chepstow Castle, built in 1067. Learn more about the history of Wales.
2. Home to Europe's oldest living language, Welsh is spoken by 20% of the population, but don't worry - everybody speaks English! Learn more about the Welsh language.
3. Wales has three of the UK's National Parks, covering an area of over 2500 square miles. Learn more about adventure in Wales.
4. Wales celebrates its cultural heritage every year on 1 March, St. David's Day (the Patron Saint of Wales). Learn more about Welsh culture.
5. Wales has over 750 miles of coastline and a coastal path that allows you to walk the entire length. Learn more about adventure in Wales.
6. An estimated 1.98 million Americans have Welsh ancestry. Learn more about Welsh history.
7. At least eight US Presidents have had Welsh ancestry including Abraham Lincoln. Learn more about Welsh history.
8. Famous Welsh nationals include: Sir Anthony Hopkins, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ioan Gruffudd, Roald Dahl, Dylan Thomas, Ryan Giggs, Tom Jones and Charlotte Church. Learn more about Welsh culture.
9. Rugby Union is regarded as the unofficial sport of Wales and has a special place in the national identity. Learn more about Welsh culture.
10. The Welsh national anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of my Fathers) was written in 1856 and performed for the first time in 1874. Its composer Evan James was a harpist and the harp is generally regarded as the national instrument of Wales. Learn more about the history of Wales.