Facts for Kids

Wales is a beautiful country located in the United Kingdom! 🏴

‍☠️ The Welsh language, known as "Cymraeg," is spoken by many people, especially in Wales. It is one of the oldest languages in Europe and has roots that go back over 1,500 years! In Wales, you can see signs and hear people speaking Welsh in schools, shops, and at home. By learning a few Welsh words, you can join in on the fun! For example, "Helo" means hello and "Diolch" means thank you! 🌟

Speaking Welsh helps keep this unique language alive for everyone to enjoy.

Wales is famous for its stunning landscapes! 🌄

It has mountains, valleys, and beautiful coastlines. The Snowdonia National Park is home to Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 meters (3,560 feet)! It offers breathtaking views and fun hiking trails. Wales is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and features unique beaches like Tenby and Rhossili. The country has three main cities: Cardiff (the capital), Swansea, and Newport. Did you know that Wales has over 600 castles? 🏰

That’s more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world!

Today's Wales is an exciting place to live! 🏙

️ Many people speak both Welsh and English, which promotes a sense of unity and cultural pride. Schools teach students the Welsh language, and you can hear it in music, television, and everyday conversations. Welsh sports, like rugby, are very popular, and cheering for the national team is a thrilling experience! Wales also embraces diversity, welcoming people from various backgrounds. Everyone celebrates their unique stories together. Today, kids and adults alike are proud to share both their Welsh heritage and the love of the beautiful Welsh language! 🥳

Wales is home to beautiful plants and animals! 🌳

The countryside is filled with blooming flowers like wild daffodils and bluebells. Wales also has unique animals, such as the red kite (a bird of prey) and the playful otter. Newly born lambs are a common sight in spring! In the lush forests, you can find foxes, badgers, and many colorful butterflies. Another cool spot to explore is the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, where you might see seals and dolphins in the waves! Protecting this amazing wildlife is important for future generations to appreciate! 🦋

Welsh food is delicious and unique! 🍽

️ One of the most famous dishes is "Cawl," a hearty soup made with meat and vegetables—perfect for chilly days! Another treat is "Welsh cakes," sweet scones often filled with raisins and sprinkled with sugar. Yum! If you visit Wales, don’t forget to try "Bara Brith," a tasty fruit cake. The rich history of Wales influences its cuisine, and many dishes are made with local ingredients like lamb and leeks. The traditional drink, “Brewis,” is a special tea enjoyed by families all over Wales! ☕

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Welsh culture is all about celebrating its unique heritage! 🎉

People in Wales enjoy singing traditional songs, telling stories, and playing folk music. The national flower of Wales is the daffodil, which blooms every spring! On St. David's Day, March 1st, people wear daffodils and leeks to celebrate their national saint, St. David. Wales has a strong sense of identity, and one of the ways people express that is through the Welsh language. The famous Welsh dragon, known as "Y Ddraig Goch," stands proudly on the national flag, showing Wales' strength! 🐉

Wales has a long tradition of storytelling and poetry! 📚

One famous poet is Dylan Thomas, who wrote amazing poems like “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night.” During the 19th century, the Eisteddfod (a festival of literature and music) became popular, where poets and musicians would compete and show off their talents. In Welsh schools, the children learn many traditional stories, including tales of King Arthur and the adventures of mythical creatures. Today, people continue to write in Welsh, helping to keep this beautiful language alive with fresh stories! 🌟

The Welsh language has a rich history! 📜

It began to develop around the 6th century when the people of Wales started using it more. Through the years, Welsh faced many challenges, especially from the English language. In 1536, King Henry VIII said that English should be the main language, but Welsh kept going strong! In 1967, a law was passed to protect the Welsh language, and today, it is taught in schools all across Wales! Famous Welsh poet Dylan Thomas and singer Tom Jones are proud to promote the beauty of the Welsh language through their works! 🌈

Wales is filled with fun festivals! 🎊

One of the biggest celebrations is St. David’s Day on March 1st, where families wear traditional outfits and enjoy parades and concerts. Another exciting festival is the National Eisteddfod, a week-long celebration of music, poetry, and art held every summer. People from all over Wales come together to celebrate their culture and compete in various contests. There’s also the Hay Festival, where you can meet authors and watch performances. Festivals are a fantastic way to enjoy Welsh traditions, music, and food with friends and family! 🎈