Welsh people facts for kids

The Welsh are people who come from Wales, a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Most Welsh people speak two languages: Welsh and English. Sometimes, they might speak other languages too!

What is Wales?

Wales is a beautiful country located on the western side of Great Britain. It has a long coastline, green mountains, and many historic castles. The capital city of Wales is Cardiff. Wales is known for its stunning scenery and rich culture.

Welsh Language and Culture

The Welsh language, called Cymraeg by its speakers, is one of the oldest languages in Europe. It's a Celtic language, similar to Irish or Scottish Gaelic. While English is widely spoken, the Welsh language is an important part of Welsh identity. Many schools in Wales teach in Welsh, and you'll see road signs in both languages.

Welsh culture is vibrant and includes:

• Music: Wales is famous for its choirs and singing. The country is often called the "Land of Song."
• Festivals: The Eisteddfod is a big festival where people compete in music, poetry, and dance, often in the Welsh language.
• Symbols: The red dragon is the national symbol of Wales and appears on its flag. The leek and the daffodil are also important national emblems.

A Look at Welsh History

Wales has a long and interesting history, full of brave leaders and important events.

Early History and Roman Times

Long ago, before the Romans came, Celtic tribes lived in Wales. The Romans built forts and roads, but they never fully controlled the mountainous areas. After the Romans left, Wales remained a land of independent kingdoms.

Princes of Wales

For many centuries, Wales was ruled by its own princes. One of the most famous was Owain Glyndŵr. He led a big rebellion against English rule in the early 1400s. His supporters proclaimed him Prince of Wales on September 16, 1400. He was the last native Welsh person to hold this title. Owain Glyndŵr is seen as a national hero in Wales.

Wales Today

Today, Wales is a proud nation within the United Kingdom. It has its own government, called the Senedd (Welsh Parliament), which makes decisions on many things like education and health. Welsh people contribute to many fields, including sports, arts, and science.

Famous People with Welsh Roots

Many famous people around the world have Welsh heritage. For example, John Adams, who became the second President of the United States, had a great-grandfather who emigrated from Wales in 1675. This shows how Welsh people have traveled and made an impact globally.

Images for kids

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  Owain Glyndŵr was proclaimed Prince of Wales by his supporters on 16 September 1400. The last native Welsh person to hold the title.

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  The proportion of respondents in the 2011 census who said they could speak Welsh

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  John Adams, the second President of the United States (1797–1801), whose paternal great-grandfather David Adams, born and bred at Fferm Penybanc, Llanboidy, Carmarthenshire, emigrated from Wales in 1675

See also

In Spanish: Pueblo galés para niños