The Welsh national identity performs quite well in the 2011 Census results that have been released today by the Office for National Statistics. 65.9% of the inhabitants of Wales have said that their national identity is Welsh, while 26.3% have stated that it is British and 13.8% have answered English. All other national identities combined have reached 4.3%.

Adding all the figures results in more than 100%, meaning that some people have decided to declare two or more national identities at the same time. For example, and in the case of the Welsh national identity: "Welsh only" has been chosen by 57.5% of the respondents, while "Welsh and British" has been the option for 7.1%.

Highest levels of Welsh identity are found in Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly and Neath Port Talbot, all of them in the south east, surrounding the Welsh capital city Cardiff. The north eastern region shows the lowest levels (and the highest of English identification).

Big contrast with England

Welsh results come in sharp contrast with those from England, that have been released today, too. English people have said that their national identity is English (70.1%), British (29.3%) or another one (11%).

Britishness is high in London (38.3%, where it almost matches Englishness, at 43.7%) but is relatively low elsewhere in England (nowhere it reaches 30%, while Englishness surpasses 70% and even 80% in the North East).

Cornish national identity emerging

Data about the Cornish national identity have also been revealed. According to people's responses, 13.8% of inhabitants of Cornwall have stated a Cornish national identity (9.9% Cornish only, 1% Cornish and British, and 2.9% Cornish and another identity).

On the other hand, 69.5% of residents in Cornwall have stated an English national identity, and 24.5% British national identity.

These date were much expected, since it was the first time ever that the census included a question on the national identity.

(Picture: Welsh flags. Image by the National Assembly for Wales.)

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