![A Welsh flag blowing in the wind across a beautiful mountainous moorland scene](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemxlarge_1x/public/media-library/2022-09/SVW-E01-2122-0099.jpg.webp?itok=G4Mj7yiC)
The location of Wales in the world
Where is Wales?
© Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright
![view across to Castell Coch, with Welsh flag in the foreground.](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2020-11/SVW-D23-2021-0001.jpg.webp?itok=lpGG49TG)
Facts about Wales
Find out about the population, climate, symbols, national anthem and more interesting facts about Wales.
![An image of buildings on the waterfront at Cardiff Bay](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2021-08/DJI_0097_EXP_2009%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=1bwy3t_S)
Living in a devolved nation
How is modern Wales governed - learn about the Welsh Government and our Senedd (parliament)
![A girl holding a leek in her mouth](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2022-02/stdd_header_web_2560x1920px_.jpg.webp?itok=bTudJ5oh)
Celebrating Welsh icons
What do dragons, wooden spoons and leeks all have in common? They're all symbols of modern Wales.
![Aerial view of city centre and Bristol Channel, Cardiff, South East Wales](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2019-06/SVW-C17-1011-0251-small.jpg.webp?itok=dCheLwm3)
Cities in Wales
Find out more about what cities Wales have to offer: Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Bangor, St Davids, St Asaph and Wrexham.
Wales and the world
![A Welsh flag and a Japanese flag in front of Himeji Castle.](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemmedium_1x/public/media-library/2019-12/dsc8099_himeji-small.jpg.webp?itok=jNCS16ob)
The cultural links between Wales and Japan
There are strong links between Wales and Japan, from arts and culture to sport and business
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![Exterior shot of the entrance to an old castle.](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemmedium_1x/public/media-library/2019-12/Castle-1.jpg.webp?itok=QGfTkY4s)
Crossing the Atlantic: the links between America and Wales
From presidents with Welsh ancestry to a North Wales football team owned by American A-listers, there are many things that web together Wales and the USA.
![Blue lake surrounded by high mountains](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2020-11/NVW-C155-1819-0036-small.jpg.webp?itok=Pg3WnbWw)
High up in the North
The epic landscapes of North Wales are alive with action, and a rich, distinctive culture. You’ll find three National Landscapes, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some of the UK’s best adventure.
![View across Whitesands Bay, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2020-11/WCP_WHITESANDS%201.jpg.webp?itok=c1BD6SGI)
Coastal wonder in West Wales
Cultural and coastal West Wales is home to our second city, Swansea. Ancient legends inspire contemporary creativity – and colourful seaside villages lead to some of the UK's best beaches.
![Boat on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2020-11/SVW-C102-1920-0040.jpg.webp?itok=hB4CuBvQ)
The green heart
Mid Wales is the green heart of Wales. The clear seas, bright harbours and hidden coves of the Ceredigion coastline give way to red kite-filled skies, busy market towns and dramatic hill walks.
![Horses and walkers in front of a ruined castle surrounded by green fields and water.](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2020-11/WCP_MG_2564-small.jpg.webp?itok=0Eq8TLWM)
South Wales: A region full of diversity
South Wales is defined by the historic valleys that etch its landscape, each with its own unique personality, its green country parks and forests and a stunning coastline.
![King Charles III accompanied by the Queen Consort, walking down some stairs and waving at crowds](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemmedium_1x/public/media-library/2022-10/52354679831_e9ec7d6907_k.jpg.webp?itok=UmipeA-K)
![Person holding the Wales flag.](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2023-07/MVW-E20-2122-0024.jpg.webp?itok=bOFzazGg)
Dragon spirit: the legend of the Welsh ddraig goch
It’s a familiar sight in Wales, but what’s the story of the Welsh dragon and the Welsh flag?
![Welsh placenames beginning with Llan](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2019-01/Placenames_header_Welsh.jpg.webp?itok=W0jcxUR5)
What’s in a name?
Discover the origins and meanings of some of Wales' unique place names.
![An illustration of Richard Burton](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2023-12/richardburtongrey.jpg.webp?itok=Q5kcLC1X)
From Pontrhydyfen to Hollywood
Richard Burton was the son of a Welsh miner who became a global icon.
![Illustrated sketch image of a woman's face](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2021-12/shirleybasseyorange_jonathanedwards-wide.jpg.webp?itok=Y7a_aVr2)
National treasures – get to know these Welsh celebrities
Meet our national treasures: Welsh celebrities and famous people
![Derek Walker standing in a field](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemmedium_1x/public/media-library/2023-12/WVW-F15-2324-0020.jpg.webp?itok=u3MnjpCM)
Wales: doing today what the world will do tomorrow
Derek's job is to help us all leave behind a better Wales, and world, for generations to come.
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![Students looking at laptop and notes](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemmedium_1x/public/media-library/2019-07/40723619662_d25e698d95_k-small.jpg.webp?itok=zv3fb2k6)
Study at Welsh universities
Universities in Wales provide education for thousands of international students each year and offer a range of courses in many locations.
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![Drone shot of a lake surrounded by green forested mountains](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2023-09/Afan%20forest%20park-4.jpg.webp?itok=TBjHZZ5l)
Return to our trees
Matthew Yeomans walks the National Forest for Wales.
![General view from the south Caernarfon Castle](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2019-01/NVW-C77-1011-0029-small.jpg.webp?itok=ooyrLt5U)
Castle country
Wales has castles, castles, everywhere!
![A scenic lake surrounded by large green mountains](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2022-03/NVW-C155-1819-0034.jpg.webp?itok=1enMmfEg)
The protected green spaces of Wales
Did you know Wales is home to three national parks and five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty? Here’s an overview of our protected green spaces.
![A mountain of slate in the foreground, with terraced houses and further mountains in the background](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2022-03/IMG_4586.jpg.webp?itok=q-nxDXlW)
UNESCO – World Heritage in Wales
Wales now boasts four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here’s an intro to all four, with details about why each is so important to the history of Wales, and the wider world.
![衣装を着てステージに立つ人々。](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemmedium_1x/public/media-library/2023-12/SVW-C137-1819-0235.jpg.webp?itok=DHhM23co)
A glorious Welsh gathering
New to the National? Here’s the lowdown on Wales’ largest eisteddfod, where dancing and druids collide.
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![A view of the exterior of the museum](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemmedium_1x/public/media-library/2023-12/MVW-C25-1718-0125.jpg.webp?itok=EfHhfYJ2)
The collective memory of our nation
Learn about the many pros(e) of a visit to the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth.
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![Bog myrtle and juniper freshly sourced](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2018-12/WGP-C02-1819-0032.jpg.webp?itok=YGeaBf6)
Great spirits
The established Penderyn distillery has won international awards for its Welsh spirits, while the Dyfi distillery are among a new generation of craft gin producers creating a real taste of Wales.
![Ein Koch, der zwei Teller mit Essen trägt.](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2023-01/WGP-C41-1819-0037.jpg.webp?itok=ZFRVNTcc)
Essential Welsh eats
Can we interest you in a hearty soup? A thick fluffy pancake? Or even a breakfast of bacon and seaweed?
![kitchen with man (chef) preparing food](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2018-12/WGP-C17-1819-0026.jpg.webp?itok=hVGj55XJ)
Two Michelin stars are just for starters
Discover one of the UK's top rated and Michelin star restaurants, where Gareth Ward champions all the best locally grown produce.
![Sheep laying in a green field.](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemsmall_1x/public/media-library/2022-10/MVW-C60-1617-0060.jpg.webp?itok=FOft1j06)
Protected produce
From Gower Salt Marsh Lamb to Conwy Mussels, there are some flavours that are intrinsically Welsh.
![A portrait photograph of parasports athlete Funmi Oduwaiye](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemlarge_1x/public/media-library/2024-02/4%20Funmi%20landscape.jpg.webp?itok=XH_QY7tQ)
The power and the glory
Welsh athlete Funmi Oduwaiye talks about her sporting career, taking up para-athletics in 2022, and targeting gold in the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
![A crowd of people cheering at a football match, with a Welsh flag flying amidst them in the stadium seating](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemmedium_1x/public/media-library/2022-08/GettyImages-1238389511-small.jpg.webp?itok=WX7A_oOz)
Wrexham AFC’s rise to stardom
Wrexham goes Hollywood: the story of Wrexham AFC’s rise to stardom - and back into League One
![A crowd of people and a Welsh flag.](/sites/wales/files/styles/o_listingitemmedium_1x/public/media-library/2023-12/SVW-C09-1617-0454.jpg.webp?itok=nbyAIgiE)
The soft power of sport
Laura McAllister looks at the Welsh sportspeople flying the dragon flag on a global stage.
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