A concerning trend has emerged in Wales, where the number of Welsh speakers is on a downward spiral. The Annual Population Survey, released on January 21, 2026, paints a worrying picture. It reveals that despite a general increase over the past decade, the last two years have witnessed a continuous decline in the number of Welsh speakers residing in Wales.
The survey, covering the period from October 2024 to September 2025, estimates that there are approximately 828,500 Welsh speakers in Wales. This figure, while seemingly high, represents a fall from previous years. And here's where it gets controversial: when compared to census data, the survey's results cannot be used to measure progress towards the Welsh Government's ambitious target of a million Welsh speakers by 2050.
But why the decline? Well, it's a complex issue. While the overall trend since 2010 has been positive, with a 25.2% growth, there's been a slight dip in recent years. And this is the part most people miss: the decline is most prominent among children and young people aged 3 to 15. Despite being more likely to report speaking Welsh, the percentage of this age group who can do so has been decreasing since the beginning of 2019.
The Welsh Government is aware of this issue and is taking action. They're implementing a range of measures, including the Welsh Language and Education Act, free Welsh lessons for 16-25 year olds, and increasing Welsh language technology. But with the Office for Statistics Regulation temporarily removing the accreditation of these statistics due to a fall in sample size, there's uncertainty about the data and the true extent of the problem.
So, what does this mean for the future of the Welsh language? It's a delicate balance, and the Welsh Government is working hard to achieve its goal. But with a target as ambitious as a million Welsh speakers by 2050, it's clear that more needs to be done. The question remains: will these efforts be enough to reverse the decline and preserve the Welsh language for future generations? What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share your opinions and engage in a discussion in the comments below!
