Countries Beginning With W | Did You Know About Them?
The fun trivia of countries beginning with W will take you on a tour of three continents. In the continent of Europe, you will find Wales, the first country on our list of countries that start with W.
The next one, Western Sahara, is in the continent of Africa. Further, Western Samoa and Wallis and Futuna, two countries beginning with W, are in Oceania.
So, exploring these countries is nothing short of a world tour, and our Dream and Travel team is always ready for it! Do you also want to join?
Countries Beginning With W | Know The Nations At A Glance
Are you already familiar with the countries beginning with W? If not, the table below will help you know the nations at a glance.
| Countries | Area | Capital | Language | Population | Currency | Celebrated Dates |
| Wales (UK Constituent Country) | 20,761 km² | Cardiff | Welsh, English | 3,164,000 (2023) | Pound Sterling | 1st March – St David’s Day |
| Western Sahara | 266,000 km² | Laayoune | Hassaniya Arabic, Berber, Spanish, French | 565,000 (2024) | Moroccan Dirham (MAD) | 1. 27th February – Proclamation of Independence 12th October – National Unity Day |
| Western Samoa | 2,831 km² | Apia | Samoan | 216,663 (2023) | Samoan Tala and Sene | 1st June – Independence Day |
| Wallis and Futuna | 264 km² | Matā’utu | Wallisian, or Uvean and French | 11231 (2024) | Pacific Franc (CFP Franc) | 14th July – Fête Nationale (National Day) |
Countries Beginning With W | Did You Know How They Got Their Names
Among the four countries beginning with W, Western Samoa is now officially known as the Independent State of Samoa. Further, the official name of Western Sahara is Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic.
Nevertheless, the names of each country bear intriguing stories, and I would love to share them.
1. Wales
Wales, one of the four constituent countries of the UK, gets its name from the old English word “Wealh.” “Wealh” meant foreigners or strangers, and the term Wales came after the Indigenous people started calling the Anglo-Saxons here by the same name.
Even today, Wales maintains its Celtic heritage. Moreover, it continues to create intrigue with the stories of King Arthur and dragons still doing rounds.
2. Western Sahara
Western Sahara gets its name from the Arabic word “Saḥrā,” which means desert. Despite Moroccan endeavors to establish an authority, Western Sahara is a “non-self-governing territory” identified by the United Nations. However, it is yet to be identified as a sovereign country.
Today, Western Sahara remains a melting pot for history, heritage, and culture.
3. Western Samoa
The name “Western Samoa” was first mentioned in 1914. Further, people of the country started calling it Western Samoa to differentiate it from American Samoa (a nearby US territory), and the name Western Samoa remained till 1997.
The word Samoa is a fusion of “Sa” (sacred) and “Moa” (Polynesian chief). Also, the country has a Polynesian culture that older than 3,000 years.
Moreover, in 1962, it became the first Polynesian country to gain independence. The country still practices “The Samoan Way” or the “Fa’a Samoa.” It focuses on village life and a distinct family structure.
4. Wallis And Futuna
Wallis and Futuna is a collectivity of Futuna or “Hoorn Islands” and Wallis or “Uvea.” The name Futuna is derived from the local name, “futu,” which means “fish-poison tree.”
Willem Schouten and Jacob Le Maire, two Dutch navigators discovered Alofi and Futuna in 1616 and they coined the name, “Hoorn Islands.”
Further, in 1767, English navigator Samuel Wallis visited Uvea, which he named Wallis.
Again, in 1837, Marist missionaries came here as evangelists. Moreover, years later, Queen Amelia made an appeal for French protectorship in these areas.
The endorsement of the same happened for Wallis in 1887 and Futuna in 1888.
| Did You Know? The USA used Wallis as a rear base in 1942 to combat the Japanese troops in the Pacific. At least 6000 soldiers were present here to respond to the advancing Japanese troops. Migrated Austronesians made colonies in Wallis and Futuna in 1500 B.C. Further, in the 15th century, The Tongans occupied the Island of Uvea. Moreover, in the 17th century, Samoans settled here. |
A Tour To The Countries Beginning With W | A Tale Of Three Continents
It’s time to fly to these four beautiful countries beginning with W. So, here is a brief note on the tourist attractions in Wales, Western Sahara, Western Samoa, and Wallis and Futuna.
1. A Trip To Wales | The Land Of Dramatic Mountains And Castles
- Airport: Cardiff Airport
- Best Time to Visit: May to September
The phrase, “beauty is everywhere,” is perfect for Wales with its stunning coastline and diverse flora and fauna. The country is also home to more than a hundred castles and mountains, which are the most dramatic.
Further, the country has beautiful waterfalls and hills. Moreover, Cardiff and other cities in Wales are vibrant and have a well-knit community life.
| “Wales received 892,000 visits in 2023, down 13% on 2019 but up 30% on 2022, whilst spend reached £458m in 2023, down 11% on 2019, but up 16% on 2022.” International Inbound Visits and Spend to Wales, A Government of Wales Report |
Today, the tourist attractions in Wales are Cardiff, Tenby, Great Orme, Cardiff Castle, and St Fagans National Museum of History.
2. Western Sahara | Home To Rich Fishing Grounds And Phosphate Reserves
- Airport: El Aaiun
- Best Time to Visit: November to May
Western Sahara is the “last colony of Africa.” Also, despite the UN identifying it as a “non-self-governing territory,” Morocco is leaving no stone unturned to maintain its colonial presence in the country.
Further, Morocco has been using tourism in Western Sahara to oppress the local Sahrawi people. Nevertheless, Dakhla, a city in Western Sahara, has all the potential to become a major tourism hub.
Moreover, blessed by the Atlantic Sea and the Sahara Desert, Dakhla promises the ultimate “Robinson Crusoe” experience. Also, Ranch Des Dunes, Assona Mosque, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church are some important tourist attractions in Dakhla.
3. Western Samoa | The Cradle of Polynesia
- Airport: Faleolo International Airport
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
Samoa was under the spotlight in 2024 for hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla also attended the event.
Moreover, Western Samoa is a land of natural abundance with places like Lalomanu Beach, To Sua Ocean Trench, Apia, and Savaia. You must also visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum which houses the poet’s burial site. Furthermore, this country exhibits vibrant Polynesian culture.
4. Wallis And Futuna | A Great Watersports Hub
- Airport: Hihifo Airport
- Best Time to Visit: May-September
Wallis and Futuna is a famous destination for kitesurfing sports. You can also participate in scuba diving, fishing, SUP boarding, and sea kayaking here.
Further, Lac Lalolalo, a small volcanic lake, and Ilot Saint Christophe, a beautiful island are some top tourist attractions in Wallis and Futuna.
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