Country That Starts With W: 4 Countries and Territories

When reviewing the list of countries by English names, most start with letters like “S,” “C,” or “A.” However, a country that starts with W is exceptionally rare. Wales, a constituent country of the United Kingdom, is the only widely recognized name starting with W.

Additionally, a few non-sovereign territories—Western Sahara and Wallis and Futuna—also begin with W. Out of the 195 sovereign countries in 2025, Wales stands out for its distinct cultural and political identity.

While scanning the Countries List A to Z, this article also explores W-starting regions, historical cases like Württemberg, and confirms that no country ends with W in English.

Countries and Territories That Start with W: Summary Table

Below is a comprehensive table featuring the country that starts with W and related territories, along with key data points such as population (2025 estimates), currency, and region. We have also included a section to confirm that no countries end with the letter W in English.

Countries That End with the Letter W

When examining countries by their English-language spellings, there are no sovereign countries that end with the letter ‘W’. 

Conclusion: A Rare But Meaningful Letter

To conclude, identifying a country that starts with W leads us primarily to Wales, a culturally rich and politically significant part of the United Kingdom. While it is not a sovereign state, Wales holds a unique status in international affairs and domestic governance. In addition, territories like Western Sahara and Wallis and Futuna enrich the “W” category with their complex political situations and cultural heritages.

We also explored the historical entity of Württemberg, providing additional context for “W” in geopolitical nomenclature. Lastly, a linguistic look at country names reveals that no countries end with the letter W in English—a rarity that sets this letter apart in the world of geography.

Though limited in number, countries and territories that start with “W” are diverse in geography, culture, and status. Whether it’s the medieval castles of Wales, the contested sands of Western Sahara, or the Polynesian traditions of Wallis and Futuna, each offers a unique window into global diversity.

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