You’re playing trivia. The question pops up: "Name a sovereign country beginning with the letter W." You scan your brain. You think of Wales. Maybe you shout out "Western Sahara" or "Wallis and Futuna."
Here is the kicker: you’re probably wrong.
Actually, according to the United Nations, there are zero independent, sovereign states that start with the letter W. It’s a bit of a geographical prank. While we use names like Wales every day, the technicalities of international diplomacy mean the "W" section of the world map is surprisingly empty.
The Wales Dilemma
Honestly, most people consider Wales a country. It has a capital (Cardiff). It has a distinct language (Cymraeg). It even has its own national soccer team that competes in the World Cup.
But if you look at a list of UN member states, you won't find it.
Wales is a constituent country. It is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. While it has its own Senedd (Parliament) and controls things like its own health and education systems, it doesn't issue its own passports or have its own seat at the UN.
It’s a country within a country. Kinda confusing, right?
The name itself is a bit of a historical jab. "Wales" comes from the Old English word Wealh, which basically meant "foreigner" or "stranger." Imagine being native to a land and having the newcomers call you the foreigner. That is exactly what happened to the Celtic Britons when the Anglo-Saxons arrived. Today, the Welsh call their own land Cymru, which has a much friendlier meaning: "fellow-countrymen."
Why Wales is worth the trip anyway
- Castles everywhere: There are over 600 of them. That is more per square mile than anywhere else in Europe.
- The landscape: From the jagged peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) to the coastal paths of Pembrokeshire, it is rugged.
- The language: You’ll see bilingual signs everywhere. Don't even try to pronounce Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch on your first try. It’s a 58-letter village name designed to break your brain.
What about Western Sahara?
This is where things get messy. Western Sahara is often listed under "W," but its status is "undetermined."
It is a territory in North Africa. It’s mostly desert—vast, arid, and beautiful in a harsh way. For decades, it has been the center of a tug-of-war between Morocco and the Polisario Front, which represents the Sahrawi people.
The UN calls it a "Non-Self-Governing Territory."
If you travel there, you'll find that Morocco administers about 80% of the land. They’ve built a massive sand wall, known as "The Berm," to separate the area they control from the area held by the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). It is one of the most sparsely populated places on Earth.
If you are a map nerd, you’ll notice some maps show a dotted line between Morocco and Western Sahara, while others (especially those made in the US recently) show it as part of Morocco. It basically depends on who you ask and what their politics are.
The Island Outliers
Then there is Wallis and Futuna.
It sounds like a sovereign nation. It has its own flag. It sits in the South Pacific, tucked between Fiji and Samoa. But it’s actually an overseas collectivity of France.
Life there is a fascinating blend of Polynesian tradition and French law. There are three traditional kingdoms—Uvea, Sigave, and Alo—which still have kings who are recognized by the French state. You won't find many tourists here. There are no five-star resorts. It is one of the few places left where the local culture hasn't been completely packaged for Instagram.
A Note on Western Samoa
Wait, didn't there used to be a Western Samoa?
Yes.
From 1914 until 1997, that was the official name. It helped distinguish it from American Samoa. But the government eventually decided to drop the "Western" and just go by Samoa. This annoyed people in American Samoa because they felt it implied they weren't "real" Samoans, but the name stuck. So, another "W" country vanished from the books.
Why the "W" vacuum exists
Alphabetical quirks in geography usually come down to translation. Many places we call by "W" names in English have completely different names in their native tongues.
- Wien is what locals call Vienna.
- Warszawa is Warsaw.
- Walser people live in parts of Switzerland.
But as far as English short-form names for sovereign states go, W is just a lonely letter.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Trip
If you’re planning to visit these "W" regions, keep these realities in mind:
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- Check your passport rules: Since Wales is part of the UK, you need a UK visa (or waiver). Since Wallis and Futuna is French, you’re essentially entering the EU/Schengen-adjacent zone rules.
- Expect linguistic pride: In Wales, using a few Welsh words goes a long way. Start with Diolch (pronounced "dee-olch") for "thanks."
- Research Western Sahara carefully: It is not a standard tourist destination. Large parts of the interior are heavily mined. Stick to the coastal cities like Laayoune or Dakhla if you go, and always check your country's latest travel advisories regarding the "Berm."
- Cash is king in the Pacific: In Wallis and Futuna, they use the CFP Franc. Don't expect to find an ATM on every corner.
To truly understand these places, you have to look past the alphabet. Whether it's a constituent country like Wales or a disputed territory like Western Sahara, the lack of a "sovereign" label doesn't make their culture or history any less real.
Next Steps for You
- Verify your map sources: Check the UN's official list of member states to see how they categorize these regions.
- Explore Welsh tourism: Look into the "Wales Way," three national touring routes that cover the best of the country's coast and mountains.
- Watch a documentary on the Sahrawi people: Understanding the human side of the Western Sahara dispute is much more valuable than just knowing its border status.