Last Updated: August 2025
Wales is the only country whose English name officially starts with W.
Ever paused during a trivia night and wondered, Which countries start with W? You’re not alone—Countries That Start With W is such a niche yet playful category that it makes for perfect quiz fodder, ESL vocab practice, or casual web browsing. In this post, we’ll dive into the complete rundown of Countries That Start With W, sprinkle in some fascinating trivia, game-ready tips, and even word-game strategies. Ready to get going?
This list covers all Countries That Start With W, including sovereign nations, territories, and regions that are commonly recognized in geography and quiz contexts. From the rolling hills of Wales to the disputed territories of Western Sahara, each W Country Name has its own unique story, culture, and geographical significance.
Just so you know: we’ve tailored this for quiz lovers, ESL learners, trivia players, list-icle readers, and casual web searchers. Expect a structured, fun, and resource-packed journey through Countries That Start With W.
Full List of Countries That Start With W
In global geopolitics, there are officially only 1 country whose English name begins with W. Yes—you’ll only find:
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Wales – Part of the United Kingdom; home to stunning landscapes like Snowdonia and a rich Celtic heritage.
(Included because it’s commonly listed in Country Name Start With W lists, although technically not a sovereign UN-member state.)
That’s it. While not many countries start with W, the real value lies in understanding why—and playing around with variants, sub-regions, and quiz alternatives.
“From deserts to dazzling skylines — Countries that start with D deliver diversity in every corner of the globe.”
“Adventure begins with A — explore the Countries that start with A where awe is just the starting point.”
But Wait—What About Other Variants?
To enrich your list, let’s consider:
| Notional Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Western Sahara | A disputed territory in North Africa, partially recognized. Often appears in “Country With W” lists. |
| Wallis and Futuna | A French overseas collectivity; sometimes popping up for trivia purposes. |
| Württemberg | Historical region in Germany—great for history-themed quizzes (“Which place name starts with W?”). |
Technically not sovereign countries, but they often surface in casual lists of “Country With W”, or “W for Country Name” contests. Still, to stay fact-correct: only Wales is the true modern country name beginning with W.
🧠 Did You Know?
- Language Diversity: Among Countries That Start With W, you’ll find Welsh (a Celtic language), Arabic, French, and English as official languages.
- Size Variations: These W Country Name locations range from tiny Wake Island (just 2.85 square miles) to Western Sahara (102,703 square miles).
- Population Extremes: The population varies dramatically – from Wake Island’s temporary military personnel to Wales’ 3.1 million residents.
- Political Complexity: Three out of five Countries That Start With W involve disputed territories or special political arrangements.
“From warm walnut to winter white — Colors that start with W weave a world of wonder.”
🎲 Word-Game Bonus
For Scrabble or crosswords: Wales earns you a “W” and “S” worth multiple points—great territory name to feature.
📚 Geography Fun Facts
- Wales has three national parks and is smaller than Massachusetts
- Western Sahara is mostly desert and rich in phosphate deposits
- Wallis and Futuna consists of two island groups separated by 160 miles
- Wake Island is actually three small islands connected by causeways
- West Bank covers about 2,180 square miles, roughly the size of Delaware
Related Trivia / Word-Game Tips for “Country Starting With W”
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🎲 Quiz Night Champions
Use these in geography rounds, particularly the trickier territories like Western Sahara and Wallis and Futuna
📝 Word Games
- Scrabble: Wales (8 points), Wake (11 points)
- Countries A-Z: Fill that difficult W slot
- Geography Bingo: Include disputed territories for advanced players
🎯 ESL Learning
Perfect for teaching:
- Political geography concepts
- Territory vs. country distinctions
- Cultural diversity examples
🗺️ Travel Planning
Research these destinations for unique travel experiences, from Welsh castles to Pacific island adventures
Real Use Cases
Use these in: crossword puzzles, quiz nights, Scrabble, Wordle, ESL vocabulary building:
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Wales – easily pop-in for world geography questions.
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Western Sahara – adds depth to high-school geography or political science quizzes.
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Wallis and Futuna – fun trick-question for listicle lovers or regional puzzle fans.
Conclusion
So—how many of these did you already know? I bet Wales was top of mind, but Western Sahara and Wallis and Futuna might’ve surprised you. Whether you’re a quiz creator, ESL learner, or just love list-building, this rundown of Countries That Start With W gives you fact-checked, game-ready ammunition.
Bookmark this list for your next trivia night—or your next blog post idea! Want lists for other letters? Explore: “Countries That Start with A”, “Countries That Start with D” or check out “Colors That Start with W” for a twist on thematic alphabetical fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which Country Starts With W?
A: The most commonly recognized Countries That Start With W include Wales, Western Sahara, Wallis and Futuna, Wake Island, and the West Bank. Wales is probably the most familiar to most people as part of the United Kingdom.
Q: How Many Countries Are in the W?
A: There are 5 main territories and regions that begin with W, though the exact count depends on how you define “country.” Some are sovereign nations, others are territories or regions with special status.
Q: Which Place Name Starts With W?
A: Beyond countries, many cities and regions start with W: Warsaw (Poland), Washington D.C. (USA), Wellington (New Zealand), Vienna (Wien in German), and hundreds of other locations worldwide.
Are These Suitable for Word Games?
A: Absolutely! These W Se Country Name options work great for Scrabble, geography games, trivia contests, and educational activities. Just be prepared to explain the political status of some territories!
Author Bio: Written by the expert team at TheWordStarter — your trusted source for comprehensive geographical lists, word game resources, and educational content that feeds curious minds worldwide.
