Wales or Cymru in Welsh derives from the Brythonic word Cymbrogi meaning ‘fellow countrymen’. Currently the population of Wales is approximately 3.2 million with over 20% able to speak the Welsh language. The capital Cardiff is the capital city of Wales.
For decades Wales has been known for its industrial economy, where much wealth came from raw materials such as coal and slate. Many people in both north and south Wales will have great grandparents and grandparents that worked on farms, slate mines, coal mines, the steel industry, on steam engines and in factories. Our ancestors might even have migrated from outside Wales and settled here to work in these primary and secondary industries.
The new Wales is a much heathier, a much cleaner and greener place; many of the dangerous and polluting industries have disappeared and Wales is transforming itself into a destination that many from all over the world wish to visit for holidays and leisure activities. At the end of the Victorian era tourism was thriving in Wales and Welsh seaside resorts developed the latest attraction in the form of seaside piers. Latest attractions in recent years include adventure opportunities to include coasteering, zip wires and skateboarding down mountains. Once again Wales is at the forefront of exciting holidays destinations and activities!
Wales has many centuries of history and historic buildings; a range of landscapes and habitats, beautiful hills, valleys, coastal paths and sandy beaches. Wales has wide range of wildlife, both on the land and in the seas around us. There are places to stay to suit a wide range of budgets whether in the hills inland or around the spectacular coastline. There are places that provide leisure activities to suit many different ages, abilities and interests.
This issue considers what Wales can offer to people who wish to visit. It also asks questions about how a country adapts to change in economics, industry and society.
Welcome to Wales!
There are many opinions on the best places to visit on holiday in Wales.
For example in 2018 the Daily Mirror published a list of what they considered to be the ten most beautiful places to visit.
Their article says:
”If you're thinking of a staycation, then there are plenty of reasons why Wales should be top of the list for your next break. After all, it boasts some breath-taking landmarks and seriously spectacular scenery too.
From epic sweeping landscapes to picturesque villages and historic castles, there are plenty of spots you won't want to miss out on whether you're after a day out or a mini break destination.”
Why not make your own list of places you would like to visit or places you think are the ten best holiday destinations in your opinion? Why?
Welcome to Wales
If you are fortunate enough to already live in the countryside or the coast of Wales you might not realise that many people living away or living here in cities would be so envious of you. Sometimes we all need to stop and consider how fortunate we to live here. What makes Wales special to you?
In this activity there are a set of statements relating to Wales that might tempt someone visit and stay. Can you decide how you would order the statements below in terms of priority to you. What would attract you the most to Wales?
There are no correct answers it is your choice of preference based on your ideas and interests. What would be in your top 5? What would you add to the list?
Sofia’s Tadcu often goes around singing this song. It was written in 1940 by Lynn Joshua and was the theme song in a radio programme called “Welsh Rarebit” produced by Mai Jones in Cardiff and broadcast every week across the world from the Cory Hall opposite Queen Street Station during World War II.
This was also an important time of great change in Wales.
Tadcu said it became really well known and the Welsh soldiers loved to hear it when they were serving away from home. One of the words of the song is a word that has no equivalent in any other language . “hiraeth”. Would you understand the meaning of this word? If not, can you find out? Tadcu says that the word sums up “what it means to be Welsh when you are away from home.”
The song remains popular even now and many choirs and famous Welsh singers have recorded it. It has also been used in modern TV advertisements for Welsh tourism.