Countries with most UNESCO World Heritage sites – See where India ranks

By Priyanka Deshpande

CNBC-TV18.com

Published August 1, 2024

The 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) held in India drew to a close on July 31, 2024 after 10 days of deliberations with delegates from several countries.

Image: Ministry of Tourism/X

During the WHC meeting, 24 sites were designated with the prestigious World Heritage title. After the new inscriptions, take a look at the countries with the most UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Image: Shutterstock

With the inclusion of the Via Appia, a 650-kilometer ancient Roman road, Italy now boasts a total of 60 World Heritage Sites, the highest number of any country in the world.

1. ITALY

Image: Shutterstock

China saw two additions to its extensive list of World Heritage Sites: the Beijing Central Axis and the Badain Jaran Desert. These inscriptions bring China’s total to 59 sites.

2. CHINA

Image: Shutterstock

With the addition of the Schwerin Residence Ensemble to Germany’s list of heritage sites, the country’s total now stands at 54.

3. GERMANY

Image: Shutterstock

The inclusion of France’s Te Henua Enata (The Marquesas Islands) to its list of heritage sites brings the country's total to 53.

4. FRANCE

Image: Shutterstock

Spain has a total of 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Alhambra, Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Seville Cathedral, and Segovia Aqueduct are some of the major attractions.

5. SPAIN

Image: Shutterstock

Moidams, the 700-year-old burial structures of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam, have been named a World Heritage Site, bringing India's total to 43.

Image: Govt of Assam

6. INDIA