Top 10 Countries with the Most UNESCO World Heritage Sites (July 31, 2021 Update)
In this article World_Polity brings you the Top 10 countries having the most number of UNESCO World Heritage sites of 2020.
The World Heritage Site is a landmark or area with legal protection by a world Convention guarded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as being of special cultural or physical significance. The sites are specially classified as ‘Cultural’, ‘Natural’ and ‘Mixed’ sites.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The countries with the most UNESCO World Heritage sites are judged to contain "cultural and natural heritage" round the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.
UNESCO on 16th November 1972 adopted a convention that's "Convention Concerning the Protection of the planet Cultural and Natural Heritage" to preserve the world's superb natural and scenic areas and historic sites for this and therefore the way forward for the whole world.
The Convention came into force on 17 December 1975.
Well at present till July 31st, 2021 there are a total of 1154 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Among these 1154 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, here are the total list of Cultural & Natural sites and the Mixed properties of 167 countries.
* Cultural Sites - 897 nos
* Natural Sites - 218 nos
* Mixed Properties - 39 nos
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) has inscribed 33 new cultural and natural sites to its World Heritage List so far. A prehistoric solar observatory in Peru, an ancient Harappa city in India, and a railway connecting the Caspian Sea with the Persian Gulf were among the sites added to the list during the extended 44th session of Unesco’s World Heritage Committee.
Infact European countries with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites dominates in the top 10 countries with an impressive of 226 sites.
In Asia, it is China and India that house the most heritage sites.
Countries with the Most visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites are --
Well across the globe there are 3 countries who have the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are-
1. Italy - Total 58 World Heritage Sites
2. China - Total 56 World Heritage Sites
3. Germany - Total 51 World Heritage Sites
So now which Countries has the Most UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
The top 10 Countries with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites 2020 -
1. ITALY :
Total no. of UNESCO World Heritage Sites- 58
* Cultural World Heritage Sites: 53
* Natural World Heritage Sites: 5
* Mixed World Heritage Sites: 0
Italy had three sites inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage list in July 2021. With 58 cultural and natural landmarks & 5% of UNESCO’s global list Italy became the number one country in the world when it comes to UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The first Italian sites were included as World Heritage Sites in 1979.
The historic city of Verona consists of the Roman town in the loop of the Adige river, include the Porta Borsari, the Porta Leoni, the Arco dei Gavi, the Ponte Pietra, the Roman Theatre and the Amphitheatre Arena.
The Rome city considered as the cradle of European civilization. Ancient Florentia city gave birth to essential figures of art and literature in the 13th century, from Petrarch and Boccaccio to Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
2. CHINA :
Total no. of UNESCO World Heritage Sites- 56
* Cultural World Heritage Sites: 38
* Natural World Heritage Sites: 14
* Mixed World Heritage Sites: 4
China had one site inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage list in July 2021. Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China was added to the list.
The Great Wall of China was declared in World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1987. Forbidden City in Beijing, also called Imperial Palace Museum, is found within the very heart of Beijing.
In 1987, it became a World Heritage Site. Besides, it's also listed by UNESCO because the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures within the world.
Terracotta Warriors in Xian, referred to as the eighth wonder of the planet , now's a museum to display the terra-cotta warriors and horses which were made in Tang . It is declared in World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1987.
Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic site was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China in 1992. This remote region is additionally a World Biosphere Reserve (inscribed in 1997).
3. GERMANY :
Total no. of UNESCO World Heritage Sites- 51
* Cultural World Heritage Sites: 48
* Natural World Heritage Sites: 3
* Mixed World Heritage Sites: 0
Germany is an exciting mix of medieval castles, fairytale palaces, big city marvels and stunningly stirring scenery. Germany had 4 sites inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage list in July 2021.
German sites were first included on the World Heritage List in UNESCO's 2nd Session in 1978. The Pilgrimage Church is one of the most notable attractions of Germany. It was recognized by UNESCO together of Germany’s World Heritage Sites.
Aachen Cathedral is an iconic landmark in Germany for its architectural feat that spawned many copies. This cathedral was the first built vaulted structure.
The Old Town Regensburg has almost 1,000 individual, historic buildings. Sites range from fine merchant houses to patrician palaces, but the medieval ambiance of the town itself is the real attraction.
4. SPAIN :
Total no. of UNESCO World Heritage Sites- 49
* Cultural World Heritage Sites: 43
* Natural World Heritage Sites: 4
* Mixed World Heritage Sites: 2
Spain had one site inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage list in July 2021.
Segovia's remarkably well-preserved aqueduct was built by the Romans in A.D. 50 and consists of 221 pillars, running 813 metres long .
Madrid city was awarded the title of World Heritage site for its beautiful city centre and university in 1998. The city is that the world's first planned university city and thus a model for other university towns worldwide.
The most famous landmark is the Grand Mosque or mezquita in Spanish. In 784 A.D., when Spain was under Islamic rule, the big mosque was constructed. After the conquest by the Catholic Kings, a Roman Catholic cathedral was built in and around the mosque in the 13th century.
5. FRANCE :
Total no. of UNESCO World Heritage Sites- 49
*Cultural World Heritage Sites: 42
*Natural World Heritage Sites: 6
*Mixed World Heritage Sites: 1
France had 3 sites inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage list in July 2021.
France accepted the Convention Concerning the Protection of the planet Cultural and Natural Heritage on June 27, 1975.
The Palais des Papes may be a historical palace located in Avignon, Southern France. It is one among most vital, the biggest, the most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe. Once a fortress and palace, the papal residence was the seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century.
The WHS designated historic centre of Avignon lies in the north of the walled city.
It includes the following monuments:
• Place du Palais
• Palais des Papes
• Cathedral of Notre-Dame des Doms
• The Petit Palais
• The Tour des Chiens
• The Ramparts
• Saint-Benezet Bridge
The city of Le Havre , on English Channel in Normandy, was severely bombed during the Second war .
The destroyed area was rebuilt consistent with the plan of a team headed by Auguste Perret, from 1945 to 1964. The site forms the executive , commercial and cultural centre of Le Havre .
Le Havre is outstanding among many reconstructed cities for its unity and integrity.
6. INDIA :
Total no. of UNESCO World Heritage Sites- 40
* Cultural World Heritage Sites: 32
* Natural World Heritage Sites: 7
* Mixed World Heritage Sites: 1
India has a rich culture and an abundance of art and architecture and it is home to 40 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the 6th most UNESCO listed country in the world and the UNESCO jewel of Asia. India had two sites inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage list in July 2021. Rudreshwara Temple, also known as Ramappa Temple, located 200km north-east of Hyderabad was added to the list. The ancient city of Dholavira: a Harappan City was also added.
One of Seven Wonders of the World, White Marble Mughal Architecture, the Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
Taj Mahal was completed in 1653 with the estimated cost of 32 million Indian rupees.
The Red Fort was also built by Emperor Shah Jahan in Delhi. One of the most famous World Heritage Sites in India, the Qutub Minar was built in 1193 by the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, Qutub-ud-din Aibak.
THE Kaziranga Wild Life Sanctuary and National Park of Assam Famous for Worlds 2/3 rd Great One-Horned Rhinoceroses, Highest Density of Tigers in World, Elephants, Wild Water Buffalo, Swamp Deer.
The Elephanta caves also famous as Hindu and Buddhist Caves are located on an island in the Arabian City.
7. MEXICO :
Total no. of UNESCO World Heritage Sites- 35
* Cultural World Heritage Sites: 27
* Natural World Heritage Sites: 6
* Mixed World Heritage Sites: 2
Historic Town of Guanajuato and Adjacent Mines
Founded by the Spanish within the early 16th century, Guanajuato became the world's leading silver-extraction centre within the 18th century.
The churches of los angeles Compañía and La Valenciana are considered to be among the foremost beautiful samples of Baroque architecture in Central and South America. Guanajuato was also witness to events which changed the history of the country.
On July 8, 2008, San Miguel de Allende was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
A remarkable example of 16th-century Spanish Colonial Baroque architecture, also as an area of important importance during the Mexican War of Independence, San Miguel de Allende was added to the UNESCO Cultural Heritage list under the Historical City category.
The city's colonial authenticity and cultural integrity, and therefore the excellent condition of its historic downtown (Centro Historico,) were key elements that contributed to the UNESCO designation.
8. UNITED KINGDOM :
Total no. of UNESCO World Heritage Sites- 33
* Cultural World Heritage Sites: 28
* Natural World Heritage Sites: 4
* Mixed World Heritage Sites: 1
The UK had two sites inscribed and one site removed from the UNESCO World Heritage list in July 2021.
The Royal Crescent row of 30 terraced houses laid call at a sweeping crescent within the city of Bath, England. Designed by the architect John Wood, the Younger and built between 1767 and 1774, it's among the best samples of Georgian architecture to be found within the United Kingdom and is a Grade I listed building.
The City of Bath was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site (WHS) in 1987.
Jodrell Bank Observatory becomes world heritage site. Unesco recognises Cheshire home of Lovell telescope for contribution to astronomical research.
This observatory, which remains operational , includes several radio telescopes and dealing buildings, including engineering sheds and therefore the Control Building.
Jodrell Bank has had substantial scientific impact in fields like the study of meteors and therefore the moon, the invention of quasars, quantum optics, and therefore the tracking of spacecraft.
9. RUSSIA :
Total no. of UNESCO World Heritage Sites- 30
* Cultural World Heritage Sites: 19
* Natural World Heritage Sites: 11
* Mixed World Heritage Sites: 0
Baikal (also pronounced as Buy-KAL) is one of Russia's natural wonders, a crescent moon setting in the vast forest of southern Siberia.
Lake Baikal is one of the main wonders in Russia the oldest, most beautiful, purest and deepest freshwater lake in the world... with a surface area bigger than Belgium, it contains nearly one quarter of all the world's freshwater, which is more than the five American Great Lakes combined.it's on the Olkhon Island, the heart of Lake Baikal.
The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is that the most vital Russian monastery and therefore the spiritual centre of the Orthodox Church.
The monastery is situated within the town of Sergiyev Posad, about 90 km to the north-east from Moscow by the road resulting in Yaroslavl.
The monastery was founded in 1345 by one among the foremost venerated Russian saints, Sergius of Radonezh, who built a wooden church in honour of the Trinity at the Makovets Hill.
10. IRAN :
Total no. of UNESCO World Heritage Sites- 26
* Cultural World Heritage Sites: 24
* Natural World Heritage Sites: 2
* Mixed World Heritage Sites: 0
Iran was awarded two new sites in the 2021 UNESCO listings.
Shushtar Historical mechanism is an island city from the Sassanid era with a posh irrigation system, situated in Iran’s Khuzestan Province.
It has been registered on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 2009, as Iran’s 10th cultural heritage site to be registered on the United Nation’s list.
The Shushtar system was a homogeneous mechanism, designed globally and completed within the 3rd century CE. It is as rich in its diversity of engineering structures and its constructions as within the diversity of its uses.
The Historic City of Yazd may be a traditional earthen city where life has been adapted to its desert location, most notable via the water system of the qanats.
Yazd may be a city with an extended history dating back to the Achaemenid era, and was located along the Silk and Spice Roads was recently inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List on July 9th, 2017.
Here is a complete list of UNESCO’s newly designated World Heritage sites, by region :
1. Africa -
• Sudanese Style Mosques in Northern Ivory Coast
• Ivindo National Park, Gabon
2. Asia -
• Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China
• Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan
• Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, Northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island, Japan
• Getbol, Korean Tidal Flats, South Korea
• Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex, Thailand
• Dholavira: a Harappan City, India
• Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana, India
3. Europe -
• Colonies of Benevolence, Belgium/Netherlands
• Cordouan Lighthouse, France
• Nice, Winter Resort Town of the Riviera, France
• Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt, Germany
• Frontiers of the Roman Empire—The Lower German Lines, Germany/the Netherlands
• ShUM Sites of Speyer, Worms and Mainz, Germany
• The Porticoes of Bologna, Italy
• The Works of Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana - Human Centered Urban Design, Slovenia
• The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales, United Kingdom
• Petroglyphs of Lake Onega and the White Sea, Russia
• Padua’s Fourteenth-Century Fresco Cycles, Italy
• Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a landscape of Arts and Sciences, Spain
• Roșia Montană Mining Landscape, Romania
• The Great Spa Towns of Europe, Austria, Belgium, Czechia, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom
• Colchic Rainforests and Wetlands, Georgia
4. Middle East -
• As-Salt—the Place of Tolerance and Urban Hospitality, Jordan
• Trans-Iranian Railway, Iran
• Cultural Landscape of Hawraman/Uramanat, Iran
• Ḥimā Cultural Area, Saudia Arabia
• Arslantepe Mound, Turkey
5. South America -
• Settlement and Artificial Mummification of the Chinchorro Culture in the Arica and Parinacota Region, Chile
• Sítio Roberto Burle Marx, Brazil
• Chankillo Archaeoastronomical Complex, Peru
• The Work of Engineer Eladio Dieste: Church of Atlántida, Uruguay
The recent announcement of 33 newly inscribed UNESCO World Heritage sites is larger than usual because it covers two years, 2020 and 2021. (The committee that selects the sites did not meet in 2020 because of the pandemic.) They join a list of more than 1,000 natural and cultural sites around the globe. Culture, especially modern - rather than nature - rules in these choices.
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