The population of Cornwall in 2011 was 536,000 people meaning it’s the 40th most populated of the 47 counties in the UK. Cornwall is the 41st most densely county in the UK with only 151 people per square kilometre meaning there is plenty of space for you while on holiday in Cornwall. The population was relatively steady during the 20th century but has been gradually increasing since 1961 when the population was 342,000.

The Cornish flag is known as the Flag of St Piran and is a white cross on a black background. The Duchy of Cornwall shield has 15 gold bezants in the shape of a triangle on a black shield. There are several flowers which can lay claim to being the Cornish natural flower including, broom, furze, rhododendron, Cornish heath and daffodils. The national tree is a sessile oak which is known locally as a Cornish oak.

Cornwall developed its own language during pre-Roman times and had close ties to the Celtic nations who also had their own languages. Cornwall finally became part of England around the time of the Norman Conquest but kept powers over their most valuable exports namely tin. Tin plays a key part in the story of the formation of Cornwall’s flag with the white representing tin metal against black tin ore which is the black section of the flag. In the 18th-century Cornwall became a part of Great Britain marking the start of a steep decline in the use of the Cornish language.

• By car The majority of visitors to Cornwall use their own cars to get around. Although the car is usually the most convenient way to travel in Cornwall, during the main holiday seasons traffic volumes mean journeys take longer and may require patience on major routes and on arrival at popular destinations.
• By rail Many of Cornwall’s coastal towns are linked to the main railway line which runs through Cornwall by the scenic branch lines to Looe, Falmouth, Newquay and St Ives.
• By bus Cornwall’s extensive network of bus services is run by two main operators, First Devon and Cornwall and Western Greyhound. Smaller operators also offer services in specific areas. Timetables for all services and maps can be accessed online.

• By taxi If you want to get somewhere extra quickly or have a journey to make that isn’t served by public transport and you don’t want to drive then consider it, but be prepared for it to be expensive.