The Annual Population Survey has revealed a concerning trend: the number of individuals who speak Welsh in Wales has experienced a decline over the last two years. This data, which was made public on January 21, 2026, encompasses findings from the period spanning October 2024 to September 2025 regarding the Welsh language.
A line graph created to illustrate these results shows a significant drop in the number of Welsh speakers between 2001 and 2007; however, there was a notable increase in numbers thereafter, aside from a minor decrease around 2018 and 2019. Following this brief dip, the figures stabilized until 2023. Unfortunately, the past two years have not been as promising, reflecting a continued decrease in Welsh speakers. According to the latest estimates, approximately 828,500 people were identified as Welsh speakers living in Wales by the end of September 2025.
The line chart that accompanied the survey data clearly indicates this downward trend over the recent two-year span. Despite this recent decline, it’s essential to recognize that since March 2010, the broader trend has been one of growth—an increase of 25.2% from 731,000 speakers—following a gradual fall from 2001 to 2007.
The statistics show that the estimated number of Welsh speakers in Wales for the year ending September 30, 2025, stands at around 828,500. Previous census figures reflect a decreasing trend with numbers recorded at 582,400 in 2001, 562,000 in 2011, and 538,300 in 2021.
It is important to note that face-to-face interviews were halted in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to all data collection being conducted via telephone interviews. In autumn 2023, face-to-face interviews resumed, resulting in the latest data drawing from both methods of interaction.
For the year ending September 30, 2025, the Annual Population Survey indicated that 26.9% of residents aged three years and older reported being able to communicate in Welsh, which translates to around 828,500 individuals.
Among children and young people aged 3 to 15 years, a higher percentage claimed they could speak Welsh—46.5%, or about 227,300—compared to other age groups. While this figure has remained relatively consistent over time, there has been a general trend of decline in Welsh-speaking ability among this younger demographic since early 2019.
However, it should be noted that the Office for Statistics Regulation has decided to temporarily withdraw the accreditation of these statistics due to a decrease in sample size over time, leading to increased uncertainty surrounding the data. Therefore, these results should not be directly compared to census results, nor should they be used to evaluate progress towards the ambitious goal set by the Welsh Government to reach one million Welsh speakers by 2050. The language strategy, Cymraeg 2050, explicitly states that this target relies on census data, and progress will be tracked through population census information.
Key Findings
- The largest concentrations of Welsh speakers are located in Gwynedd (89,400 speakers), Cardiff (88,000), and Carmarthenshire (85,100).
- Conversely, the areas with the fewest Welsh speakers are Blaenau Gwent (7,100) and Merthyr Tydfil (9,100).
- The highest percentages of Welsh speakers are found in Gwynedd (73.4%) and the Isle of Anglesey (61.8%).
- Blaenau Gwent (10.6%) and Merthyr Tydfil (15.0%) show the lowest percentages.
In terms of usage, 14.0% (approximately 431,700 individuals) of those aged three years and older indicated that they spoke Welsh daily, while 4.9% (152,100) reported using it weekly and 6.6% (204,000) less frequently. About 1.3% (40,400) stated they never use Welsh despite having the ability, with the remaining 73.1% unable to speak the language.
Additionally, 31.2% (961,700) reported they could understand spoken Welsh, 24.2% (746,100) could read it, and 21.6% (666,000) could write in Welsh.
Welsh Government Response
The Welsh Government considers these data in conjunction with various other sources related to Welsh speakers, including the National Survey for Wales and school census data. They state: "We are actively pursuing numerous initiatives aimed at reaching our target of one million Welsh speakers by 2050 and enhancing opportunities for individuals to utilize their Welsh language skills.
This commitment includes the introduction of the Welsh Language and Education Act, a response to the Commission for Welsh-speaking Communities report, the second phase of which addresses the Welsh language in regions with fewer Welsh speakers, offering free Welsh lessons for those aged 16 to 25, and expanding the availability of Welsh language technology.
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