Planning a trip to Wales and wondering how crowded it’ll be? Or curious about what kind of place you’re visiting bustling metropolis or rural hideaway? Understanding Wales’ population gives you valuable context for your journey through this Celtic nation of mountains, castles, and stunning coastline.

Here’s everything global travelers need to know about how many people live in Wales and what it means for your visit.

Wales Population: The Numbers

As of 2025, Wales has a population of approximately 3.1 million people.

This figure comes from the 2021 census (which recorded 3,107,500) with modest growth since then through migration and natural population change. Projections suggest Wales will reach around 3.15-3.2 million by the end of the decade, with most growth concentrated in urban areas and coastal regions.

To put this in perspective:

• Similar to: Uruguay, Mongolia, or the entire country of Oman
• About the same as: Greater Kansas City metro area or just over half of London alone
• UK ranking: Wales is the third most populous nation in the United Kingdom after England (57+ million) and Scotland (5.5 million), but ahead of Northern Ireland (1.9 million)

Population Density: Space to Breathe

Wales covers 20,779 square kilometers (8,023 square miles)—roughly the size of Slovenia or slightly smaller than Massachusetts.

With 3.1 million people spread across this area, population density averages around 150 people per square kilometer (387 per square mile). This is significantly lower than England (432/sq km) and makes Wales feel spacious and uncrowded, especially outside the cities.

What this means for travellers: You’ll find genuine wilderness, empty beaches, and hiking trails where you might not see another person for hours. The famous saying that “Wales has more sheep than people” is true—there are approximately 9-10 million sheep, giving Wales a sheep-to-human ratio of about 3:1.

Where Do Welsh People Live?

Wales’ population isn’t evenly distributed. Understanding this helps you plan your trip:

Urban South Wales (Most Populated):

• Cardiff (Capital): 370,000 in the city, 1.2 million in the wider metro area
• Swansea: 240,000
• Newport: 160,000
• The south Wales valleys (former coal mining areas): High population density in small towns

West Wales (Moderate Population):

• Carmarthenshire: 190,000
• Pembrokeshire: 125,000 Coastal towns mixed with rural farmland

Mid and North Wales (Sparsely Populated):

• Powys (mid-Wales): 133,000 across the largest county—extremely rural
• Gwynedd (Snowdonia): 125,000
• Conwy: 118,000

The travel takeaway: If you want urban energy, nightlife, and cultural attractions, head south to Cardiff and Swansea. For wilderness, tranquility, and traditional Welsh-speaking communities, go north and west. Mid-Wales offers the most remote and peaceful landscapes.

What Does This Mean for Your Welsh Adventure?

Authentic, Not Touristy

With a population of just 3.1 million, Wales hasn’t been overwhelmed by mass tourism like parts of England or Scotland. Most visitors stick to a few well-known spots (Cardiff, Snowdonia National Park, Pembrokeshire Coast), leaving vast areas wonderfully uncrowded.

You’ll experience:

• Genuine interactions with locals rather than tourist-industry interactions
• Towns and cities where locals outnumber visitors
• Restaurants and pubs frequented by Welsh people, not just tourist traps
• Cultural authenticity this is a real country, not a theme park

Easy to Explore

A smaller population means:

• Less traffic: Even “busy” roads are manageable by international standards
• Accessible attractions: You can visit popular sites without London-style queues
• Available accommodation: Book quality places even without months of advance planning (except major events)
• Shorter distances: Drive coast-to-coast in 3-4 hours

Vibrant Urban Centres, Peaceful Countryside

Wales offers the best of both worlds:

• Cardiff and Swansea provide cosmopolitan city experiences with excellent restaurants, museums, shopping, and nightlife
• Within 30-60 minutes of either city, you’re in stunning wilderness
• Rural areas offer genuine peace—you can wild camp, hike, or beach-hop with minimal crowds

Demographic Diversity: Modern Wales

Wales is becoming increasingly multicultural, enriching the travel experience:

Welsh identity remains strong: About 57% identify as “Welsh only” with deep pride in Celtic culture, language, and traditions.

International influences: Approximately 10% of Wales’ population was born outside the UK, with significant communities from:

• Poland and Eastern Europe
• South Asia (particularly in Swansea and Cardiff)
• Middle East and Africa
• Other European nations

What this brings travellers:

• Excellent international cuisine alongside traditional Welsh food
• Multilingual communities (English, Welsh, Polish, and more)
• Global perspectives mixed with Celtic traditions
• Welcoming attitudes toward international visitors

The Welsh Language Factor

About 29% of Wales’ population speaks Welsh (around 900,000 people), with much higher percentages in north and west Wales. All signage is bilingual, and you’ll hear Welsh spoken daily in many areas.

For travellers: You don’t need Welsh—everyone speaks English—but learning “bore da” (good morning) and “diolch” (thank you) earns you warm smiles. The language adds to Wales’ unique character and distinguishes it from England.

Age and Lifestyle

Median age: 43 years (slightly older than the UK average of 40)

What this means:

• Mix of youthful university cities (Cardiff, Swansea, Bangor) and quieter retirement towns
• Family-friendly attractions and facilities throughout
• Thriving arts and music scenes alongside traditional culture
• Generally safe, welcoming environment for all travellers

Population Growth and Trends

Wales has seen steady population growth over recent decades:

• 1801: 587,000 (pre-Industrial Revolution)
• 1921: 2.9 million (peak coal mining era)
• 1980s-90s: Slight decline as industries closed
• 2000s-present: Steady growth from migration and natural increase

Current trends:

• Young people moving to cities for work/university
• Retirees and remote workers moving to coastal and rural areas
• International migration adding diversity
• Rural depopulation in some mid-Wales areas

For travellers, this means coastal regions and national parks are seeing investment in tourism infrastructure while remaining unspoiled.

Comparing Wales to Other Destinations

To help frame your expectations:

Wales (3.1M) is more populated than:

• Iceland (376,000) – more services and infrastructure
• Faroe Islands (53,000) – much more developed tourism
• Scottish Highlands (less than 500,000 in comparable area)

Wales is less crowded than:

• Ireland (5.1M in slightly larger area)
• Scotland (5.5M in four times the area)
• Most European countries relative to its size

The sweet spot: Wales offers developed infrastructure and services of a modern nation without the overwhelming crowds of major European tourist destinations.

Best Times to Visit Based on Population Patterns

Consider these seasonal population factors:

Summer (July-August):

• School holidays mean Welsh families out exploring
• Tourist numbers peak but still manageable
• Book accommodation in advance for coastal areas

Spring/Autumn (April-May, September-October):

• Fewer tourists, locals at work/school
• Best time for exploring popular areas with minimal crowds
• Excellent value and availability

Winter (November-March):

• Quietest period for tourism
• Many attractions remain open (unlike more seasonal destinations)
• Perfect for experiencing “real” Wales

Practical Implications for Your Trip

Planning your itinerary:

• 1-2 days: Focus on one city (Cardiff or Swansea)
• 3-5 days: Add coastal or mountain region
• 1 week: Explore north and south Wales
• 2 weeks: Comprehensive tour including remote mid-Wales

Accommodation: With 3.1 million people supporting a tourism industry, you’ll find:

• Hotels and B&Bs in all towns and cities
• Boutique options in scenic areas
• Budget hostels in cities and national parks
• Rural cottages and farm stays

Services: Despite the modest population:

• Excellent transport links (trains, buses)
• Modern amenities in all towns
• English spoken everywhere
• Good mobile coverage (except remote mountains)

The Bottom Line for Travellers

Wales’ population of 3.1 million creates the perfect travel environment: enough people to support excellent infrastructure, services, and vibrant cities, but few enough to maintain authenticity, tranquility, and access to genuine wilderness.

You’ll experience a real country where tourism enhances rather than dominates the economy, where locals welcome visitors without being tired of them, and where you can enjoy both cosmopolitan culture and wild nature within the same day.

Whether you’re seeking the energy of Cardiff’s streets or the solitude of Snowdonia’s peaks, Wales’ population size ensures you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for—often with fewer crowds than you’d encounter in comparable destinations elsewhere in Europe.

Quick Reference

• Total population: ~3.1 million (2024)
• Area: 20,779 km² (8,023 sq mi)
• Density: 150/km² (387/sq mi)
• Largest city: Cardiff (~370,000)
• Welsh speakers: ~900,000 (29%)
• Born outside UK: ~10%
• Median age: 43 years

Ready to explore Wales? Check out our guides 

What to Do in Wales? A Land of Castles, Coastlines and Celtic Spirit

Wales Population  Questions

How many people live in Wales?

As of 2024, approximately 3.1 million people live in Wales. This figure is based on the 2021 census which recorded exactly 3,107,500 people, with modest growth since then. Wales is the third most populous nation in the United Kingdom after England and Scotland.

What is the population of Wales in 2024?

The population of Wales in 2024 is approximately 3.1 million people. Projections suggest this will grow to around 3.15-3.2 million by 2030, driven primarily by international migration and longer life expectancy.

What is the population of Wales expected to be in 2026?

The projected population of Wales in 2026 is approximately 3.15 million people, representing steady but modest growth from the 2021 census figure of 3.1 million.

Is Wales densely populated?

No, Wales is not densely populated. With a population density of approximately 150 people per square kilometer (387 per square mile), Wales has significantly lower density than England (432/sq km). Large areas of Wales, particularly in mid and north Wales, are sparsely populated with vast wilderness areas.

What is the most populated city in Wales?

Cardiff is the most populated city in Wales with approximately 370,000 people within the city limits and around 1.2 million in the wider metropolitan area. Swansea is the second largest city with around 240,000 people, followed by Newport with approximately 160,000.

How many people live in Cardiff Wales?

Approximately 370,000 people live in Cardiff city, with around 1.2 million people in the greater Cardiff metropolitan area. Cardiff is Wales’ capital and largest city, accounting for roughly 12% of Wales’ total population.

What percentage of Wales speaks Welsh?

Approximately 29% of Wales’ population speaks Welsh, which equals around 900,000 people. Welsh language usage is highest in north and west Wales, particularly in counties like Gwynedd and Ceredigion where over 50% speak Welsh.

How big is Wales compared to other countries?

Wales has a population of 3.1 million, which is similar to Uruguay, Mongolia, or Lithuania. In terms of area, Wales covers 20,779 square kilometers (8,023 square miles), roughly the size of Slovenia or slightly smaller than Massachusetts.

Is Wales bigger than Scotland?

No, Scotland is bigger than Wales. Scotland has a population of 5.5 million (compared to Wales’ 3.1 million) and covers 78,772 square kilometers, making it nearly four times larger in area than Wales.

How does Wales’ population compare to England?

England has a population of approximately 57 million people, making it over 18 times more populous than Wales (3.1 million). England is also much more densely populated with 432 people per square kilometer compared to Wales’ 150 per square kilometer.

What is the population density of Wales?

The population density of Wales is approximately 150 people per square kilometer (387 people per square mile). This is significantly lower than the UK average and means Wales has large areas of sparsely populated countryside and wilderness.

How many people live in Swansea Wales?

Approximately 240,000 people live in Swansea, making it Wales’ second-largest city after Cardiff. Swansea serves as the urban centre for southwest Wales and the gateway to the Gower Peninsula.

How many people live in Newport Wales?

Approximately 160,000 people live in Newport, Wales’ third-largest city. Newport is located in southeast Wales and sits strategically between Cardiff and the English border.

What is the population of North Wales?

North Wales (including counties like Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, and Wrexham) has a combined population of approximately 700,000 people. This region is less densely populated than South Wales, with large areas of Snowdonia National Park having very few residents.

What is the population of South Wales?

South Wales is the most populated region of Wales with approximately 2.2 million people, representing about 70% of Wales’ total population. This includes the capital Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, and the former coal mining valleys.

Are there more sheep than people in Wales?

Yes, there are significantly more sheep than people in Wales. Wales has approximately 9-10 million sheep compared to 3.1 million people, giving a sheep-to-human ratio of approximately 3:1. Sheep farming is a major part of Welsh agriculture and rural economy.

Is Wales’ population growing or declining?

Wales’ population is growing slowly. The 2021 census showed growth from previous decades, and projections suggest continued modest growth to around 3.2-3.24 million by 2030, driven primarily by international migration and natural population increase.

What is the biggest town in Wales?

The biggest town in Wales is Cardiff, though it’s technically a city. If excluding cities, Merthyr Tydfil (population ~60,000) and Wrexham (population ~65,000) are among the largest towns, though Wrexham was recently granted city status in 2022.

How many cities are in Wales?

Wales has 7 cities: Cardiff (capital), Swansea, Newport, Bangor, St Davids (Britain’s smallest city), St Asaph, and Wrexham (granted city status in 2022). City status in the UK is granted by royal charter and doesn’t depend solely on population size.

What percentage of Wales was born outside the UK?

Approximately 10% of Wales’ population was born outside the United Kingdom. The largest groups include people born in Poland, India, Ireland, Germany, and various other European and Commonwealth countries, contributing to Wales’ growing cultural diversity.

Why is Wales’ population so small?

Wales’ population is relatively small due to its geography (mountainous terrain limits habitable areas), its historical economic base (coal and steel industries that declined), and limited urbanisation compared to England. However, Wales’ population has grown steadily since 2000 due to migration and longer life expectancy.

What is the median age in Wales?

The median age in Wales is approximately 43 years, slightly higher than the UK average of 40 years. This reflects an aging population with some rural areas having significantly higher median ages due to young people moving to cities and retirees moving to coastal areas.

How multicultural is Wales?

Wales is becoming increasingly multicultural. While 90% of residents were born in the UK, major cities like Cardiff and Swansea have significant international communities including Eastern European, South Asian, Middle Eastern, and African populations. About 27% of Welsh residents identify with ethnic backgrounds other than “White British.”

What is the population of mid Wales?

Mid Wales (primarily Powys and Ceredigion counties) has a population of approximately 200,000 people across the largest geographic area, making it the most sparsely populated region of Wales. Powys alone covers about 25% of Wales’ land area but contains only 4% of its population.

Is Wales crowded for tourists?

No, Wales is not crowded for tourists compared to many European destinations. Even popular attractions like Snowdonia National Park and Pembrokeshire Coast remain manageable. The low population density and relatively modest tourist numbers mean travellers can find solitude and authentic experiences easily, especially outside peak summer months.

How many people visit Wales each year?

Wales receives approximately 10-12 million visitors annually (both domestic and international). This tourism figure is significant but spread across the country and year, meaning Wales rarely feels overcrowded compared to destinations like London or major European cities.

What is the population of the Welsh Valleys?

The South Wales Valleys region (including Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent, and Caerphilly) has a combined population of approximately 600,000-700,000 people. This historically industrial area once had higher populations during the coal mining era but has seen decline and recent stabilisation.

How many Welsh people are there in the world?

Estimating the total number of Welsh people worldwide is difficult, but millions have Welsh ancestry, particularly in the United States (estimated 2 million with Welsh heritage), Argentina (Welsh Patagonian community), Australia, and Canada. Wales itself has 3.1 million residents, with approximately 57% identifying as “Welsh only.”

Is Wales rural or urban?

Wales is mixed but predominantly rural by area. While approximately 70% of the population lives in urban areas (mainly South Wales cities and towns), about 80% of Wales’ land area is rural. This creates a unique mix where cities offer urban amenities while countryside remains accessible within minutes.

What is the population of Wrexham Wales?

Wrexham has a population of approximately 65,000 in the town itself, with the wider Wrexham County Borough containing around 135,000 people. Wrexham is the largest town in North Wales and was granted city status in 2022.

How has Wales population changed over time?

Wales population has grown from 587,000 in 1801 to 3.1 million today. Major growth occurred during the Industrial Revolution (coal and steel), reaching 2.9 million by 1921. Population declined slightly in the late 20th century as industries closed, but has grown steadily since 2000 due to migration and improved life expectancy.