What do you need to know about Wales?

Wales is both part of the United Kingdom and a country in our own right, with our own Government and Parliament (Senedd) that passes our own laws. 

Wales is a nation that cherishes its past, lives well in the present and plays its part in constructing a better future, for our people and planet.

For a rundown of key facts about Wales, covering our location, culture, business, sport, creativity, food and drink, and the Welsh language, visit our Wales: talking points page.

To ensure future generations can thrive, we need urgent and transformational action. In Wales, we’re implementing a radical change of thinking that affects every decision we make. Wales was the first country in the world to legally commit to protecting the wellbeing of both current and future generations through the introduction of our world-pioneering Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025.

Our beautiful landscapes have inspired us for centuries. We take care of them so that they can care for us and continue to inspire others for years to come. We’re planting a national forest to support and protect people and the environment; we have a record 291 community-awarded Green Flag sites; we’re second in the world for recycling; and we’re in the Lonely Planet’s sustainable travel Top 10.

• CW Nicol, a Welsh-born Japanese writer is famous in Japan for his work in forest conservation, transforming a neglected area near Nagano to create Afan Forest
• In 1963, students at South Wales’ Atlantic College developed the world’s first RIB. In 1963, students at South Wales’ Atlantic College developed the world’s first RIB. In 2014, students and alumni went on to build and deliver a ‘lifeboat in a box’ to people in the Japanese village of Nebama, which was badly affected by the 2011 tsunami, and trained locals to become lifeboat crews – a project that’s evolved to now offer training to people all over the world through Atlantic Pacific.
• For Japanese families living in Wales, there’s a Japanese School every Saturday in Cardiff. Established in 1981, it has a kindergarten class, offering formal education for ages 7-16.
• Autumn 2024 marked the anniversary of the Himeji / Conwy castle twinning - the only two UNESCO world heritage sites in the world to be twinned
• Rugby has traditionally been our national sport and we hosted the Rugby World Cup in 1999, and jointly in 1991. Welsh international players who have played in Japan include Shane Williams, Liam Williams, Hadleigh Parkes and Cory Hill.

• Wales has enjoyed strong, long-term relationships with Japanese businesses
• There are approximately 55 Japanese companies in Wales with around 6,855 employees
• Major Japanese investment began in 1972, when Takiron opened a PVC factory in South Wales. Since then, they have been joined by many of Japan’s most prestigious corporate names including Sony, Sharp, Toyota, Panasonic, GS Yuasa, Daiwa House and Calbee. 
• Toyota has produced some five million engines in its North Wales plant since it opened in 1991 and in recent years became the first overseas Toyota plant to produce hybrid electric engines. 
• Panasonic has had a base in Cardiff since 1976 and last year announced a £20m investment to launch a new self-sustaining power system using hydrogen fuel cells, solar PV and battery storage to run production lines through 100% renewable sources. 
• Traditionally Japanese investment has been heavily manufacturing oriented, such as electronics and automotive, but more recently, has incorporated sectors like clean tech, renewable energy and cyber security
• Japanese companies are playing a key role in helping Wales to a net zero future. Marubeni has been working with Bridgend County Borough Council to develop a green hydrogen project in South Wales, producing green fuel for transport and heating. 
• At our core, we share a commitment with Japan to sustainable development and environmental stewardship
• Wales exports some £280m of goods to Japan each year – a significant figure from a dynamic nation of some three million people. 
• There’s plenty of talent here, with 225,000 students in full and part-time education across eight universities and 15 further education colleges, many of which have long-established links with Japanese counterparts.
• Many of our students gain direct experience of Japan through exchange programmes during their studies. Cardiff University, for example, has active partnerships with 18 Japanese institutions and houses the Japanese Studies Centre in Cardiff Business School. 
• Like the Japanese kodawari mindset, Wales places a high value on precision, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality 
• We understand the emphasis on nemawashi to gain trust, which involves informal discussions and consensus-building to ensure all stakeholders are aligned

• With a highly skilled workforce, cutting-edge research facilities, and a supportive government dedicated to innovation, Wales offers an environment where Japanese companies can thrive
• Wales is a stable working environment with access to a devolved government and a transparent regulatory framework
• Our location within the UK – one of the world’s largest advanced economies — ensures global connections and trading links.
• Wales offers a high-quality education system, vocational training, and access to academia
• On the doorstep of the EU trading block, Wales is connected to major markets, with regional trade agreements and proximity to supply chains
• Wales offers a favourable investment climate with access to significant government support
• Welsh business operates sustainably and ethically, aligning with global best practices and standards
• Wales places great emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations
• We were also the first nation to declare a climate emergency and are among the top three countries globally for recycling.
• From wind and solar to tidal energy, Wales is committed to harnessing natural resources responsibly, driving a clean energy revolution that benefits everyone.
• More than £110m has been invested in renewable energy infrastructure in Wales, backing 11 marine energy projects, and we are aiming to meet 100% of our electricity needs from renewable sources by 2035.
• Today, we power the world’s smartphones with our advanced microchips, manufacture the plane wings that move millions of passengers globally, protect critical data and global infrastructure with advanced cyber security, and develop green energy for a low-carbon future. We even create content and music that entertains global audiences daily.
• Here, we value both the quality of work and the quality of life, creating an environment where people and businesses can thrive
• We don’t just see business as a transaction; we see it as a partnership, an opportunity to work together to create a sustainable, prosperous future. Our bold approach is rooted in a deep sense of social responsibility