A new snapshot of life in Wales suggests that residents take greatest pride in their communities and surroundings, with people and place dominating the positives of living in the country.
The findings come from Beaufort Research’s Wales Omnibus survey, based on a representative sample of 1,000 adults across Wales interviewed in March 2026. The survey asked people to name what they thought was the best (and worst) things about living in Wales. Importantly, respondents were not given a list of options to choose from - instead, they were asked to answer in their own words, with spontaneous responses later coded into key themes.
At the top of the list are the people of Wales. Nearly half (45%) spontaneously mention friendly people as one of the best things about living in the country.
The natural environment also stands out strongly. Around a third (32%) highlight scenery and views, while others point to the countryside (24%) and coastline (21%), underlining the importance of Wales’ landscapes to quality of life.
Alongside this, many describe Wales as offering a positive way of life. Themes such as peace and quiet, quality of life and safety, and a strong sense of community are among the more common responses. Cultural identity also plays a role, with references to Welsh culture, heritage and language reinforcing a sense of pride and belonging.
While Wales’ natural environment is one of its biggest draws, one small detail lets it down - the weather (!!), which (perhaps unsurprisingly) tops the poll of things people like least about living in Wales.
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