ABSTRACT

Wales is a small country which is part of the United Kingdom. It has one border with England and is surrounded on three sides by the sea. It has a population of just over 3 million people, the majority of whom live in the more urban and industrial southeast of the country. It has a total area of 207822 kilometres, which is rich in natural environments, including mountains, cave systems, rivers, sea cliffs, beautiful beaches and rich farmland. There are more castles per square kilometre in Wales than any other country on earth, and this reflects its colourful and rich history of battles and invasions. Although many of the invading forces tried to wipe out the Welsh culture, it remains very strong and proudly maintains the Welsh language, which is the oldest living language in Europe. Wales is bilingual, and all official documentation and signage have to be in both Welsh and English. Approximately 20% of the population speak Welsh as their first language, and all children in Wales from age 3 to 16 study Welsh as either a first or second language. A reported 16% study through the medium of Welsh as a first language with a further 10% attending bilingual schools. Being Welsh has cultural differences beyond the language; it means an upbringing rich in song, poetry and storytelling, a passion for rugby and a yearning for ‘home’ wherever you travel in the world known as hireath.