2. The Welsh Language in Conwy
2.1.
The Welsh language is part of the social fabric and culture of Wales. It is spoken by 20.8% of the population whereas in Conwy, including Snowdonia National Park, 29.2% of the population can speak Welsh (source: 2001 Census). The proportion of Welsh speakers varies markedly. Of the 33 communities in the County Borough, Welsh is spoken by over 70% of the people in four communities, and by more than 50% of the people in a further 13 communities.
2.2.
The proportion of Welsh speakers is lowest along the coast. In Towyn & Kinmel Bay it is just 10.7%, however, even in this community, 814 Welsh speakers were recorded. The Welsh language is therefore critical to the identity of Conwy as a whole.