The population growth in Welsh villages has been influenced by various factors over time. Historically, during the Industrial Revolution, the development of mining and metallurgical industries led to significant population increases in certain areas. For instance, the exploitation of the South Wales Coalfield caused a rapid expansion of Wales’s population, with two-thirds residing in South Wales, including cities like Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport.
In more recent times, population changes in rural Welsh villages have been affected by migration patterns. Studies indicate that population growth in Wales is maintained by net in-migration, as deaths exceed births. This trend varies geographically, with some rural areas experiencing population decline due to youth out-migration, while others see growth fueled by people moving in.
Additionally, the establishment of Welsh settlements abroad, such as “Little Wales” in Patagonia, Argentina, highlights the global spread of Welsh culture and population. This community, founded by Welsh settlers seeking to preserve their identity, has grown over time and continues to uphold Welsh traditions and language.
