When thinking about countries that start with the letter W, there are a few main options that come to mind. Some of the most notable countries beginning with W include Wales, Wallis and Futuna, Western Sahara, and West Germany. Let’s take a closer look at each of these countries to learn more about their histories, cultures, populations, and other key facts.
Wales
Wales is part of the United Kingdom and is located on the island of Great Britain, to the west of England. Wales has a population of over 3 million people and a total area of 8,023 square miles. The capital and largest city is Cardiff. Some key facts about Wales:
- The official languages are English and Welsh.
- Wales has over 600 castles – more per square mile than any other country in Europe.
- Sheep farming is a major industry and contributor to the economy.
- Wales is home to Snowdonia National Park, which features mountainous peaks, valleys, forests, rivers, and lakes.
- Major sports in Wales include rugby union, football, cricket, and netball.
Wales has a rich cultural history, with influences from Celtic, Roman, and English roots over the centuries. Music, myths and poetry are important parts of Welsh culture. The flag of Wales features a red dragon on a green and white field.
Wallis and Futuna
Wallis and Futuna is a French collectivity located in the South Pacific Ocean, made up of three main volcanic tropical islands along with some tiny islets. The total land area is 102 square miles and the population is around 11,000 people. Some key details:
- The capital is Mata-Utu which is located on Wallis Island.
- Wallis and Futuna has two official languages: French and Wallisian.
- The islands were first inhabited around 1500 to 500 BC by Polynesians.
- The chief industries are copra and fishing.
- Most of the population is Christian, predominantly Catholic.
The islands have a Polynesian culture mixed with French influences. Traditional dance, known as the fatele, remains an important art form. The tropical climate allows for productive agriculture, especially of yams, taro, bananas, and coconut palms.
Western Sahara
Western Sahara is a disputed territory in northwest Africa bordered by Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, and the Atlantic Ocean. The land area is 102,703 square miles with a population estimated around 538,000 people. Here are some key facts on Western Sahara:
- The largest city is El Aaiún.
- The official languages are Arabic and Spanish.
- The main natural resources are phosphates, offshore fishing, and potential oil reserves.
- The climate is hot and dry with very little rainfall.
- Most of the population follows Islam, with Sunni Muslims being the largest religious group.
Western Sahara was colonized by Spain in the late 1800s. Both Morocco and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic have claimed sovereignty over the territory since Spain withdrew in 1976. There has been ongoing conflict over the political status of Western Sahara.
West Germany
West Germany is the common historical name for the Federal Republic of Germany from 1949 to 1990. It was formed from the occupation zones of the Western Allies after World War II. Some key information:
- The capital was Bonn.
- West Germany had a population of about 63 million people.
- The major languages were German, plus minority languages like Danish and Sorbian.
- The deutsche mark was the official currency.
- West Germany was a democratic parliamentary republic with a capitalist market economy.
West Germany was a charter member of NATO and allied with the United States, France, and Britain during the Cold War. Reunification with East Germany occurred in 1990, forming the current nation of Germany as we know it today.
Other Countries Starting with W
Beyond those detailed above, there are a few other countries starting with the letter W worth a brief mention:
- W’zbekistan – A country in Central Asia formerly part of the Soviet Union. The capital is Tashkent.
- Wake Island – A small coral atoll in the North Pacific Ocean. It’s an unincorporated territory of the U.S.
- World – An inhabited planet, specifically Planet Earth on which we live.
Key Facts and Figures
Here is a table summarizing some key facts about the main countries starting with W discussed in this article:
| Country | Capital | Population | Official Language(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wales | Cardiff | 3.1 million | English, Welsh |
| Wallis and Futuna | Mata-Utu | 11,000 | French, Wallisian |
| Western Sahara | El Aaiún | 538,000 | Arabic, Spanish |
| West Germany (historical) | Bonn | 63 million | German |
Conclusion
In summary, the most prominent countries beginning with the letter W are Wales, Wallis and Futuna, Western Sahara, and the historical West Germany. Wales and West Germany are larger countries in Europe with populations in the millions, while Wallis and Futuna and Western Sahara are smaller territories with populations under 600,000. All have unique histories, cultures, and demographics. There are just a handful of other minor countries and territories starting with W as well. Hopefully this gives you a better overview of the countries of the world starting with the letter W!
