Italy, China, Germany… Which countries have the most UNESCO World Heritage sites?

Italy Italy holds the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites with a total of 59 sites in 2024. Italy’s UNESCO journey began in 1979 with its first site with several places declared as world sites. It houses some of the most famous wonders in Rome, Florence and Venice among others.

China China with 57 UNESCO World Heritage Sites comes in close second. It became a member of the World Heritage Convention in 1985. The Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Army are some of the important sites. 

Germany With 52 sites, Germany has the third highest number of World Heritage Sites. Out of these, 48 are cultural sites while three are natural sites. Cologne Cathedral and Berlin’s Museum Island are some of the landmarks.

France France occupies the fourth position with 52 sites. Some of the sites are the renowned Eiffel Tower, Mont-Saint-Michel and the Palace and Park of Versailles. 

Spain Spain, with 50 World Heritage Sites and 50 UNESCO sites, showcases its diverse cultural heritage influenced by various civilisations, including the Romans and Moors.

India India has 42 World Heritage Sites with a mix of 34 cultural, seven natural, and one mixed site. Being the sixth-highest number of sites globally, it ratified the convention in 1977. These sites include the Taj Mahal, Ajanta-Ellora caves, the Western Ghats and Sundarbans among others. 

Mexico Mexico has 35 World Heritage Sites, including 27 cultural, 6 natural, and 2 mixed sites, ratified in 1984. These include pre-Hispanic cities like Teotihuacan and natural reserves like the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.

United Kingdom The UK has 33 World Heritage Sites, including 18 in England, five in Scotland, four in Wales, and one each in Northern Ireland, Bermuda, Gibraltar, the Pitcairn Islands, and Saint Helena. The Tower of London is one of the most famous of these.

Russia The first five was added in 1990, during the Soviet Union. Today, Russia has 31 World Heritage Sites, including St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Kizhi Pogost among others.

Iran Iran has 27 World Heritage Sites and was ratified by the UNESCO convention in 1975.  Sites like Persepolis, Persian Garden, and Tabriz Bazaar offer insights into the country’s historical depth.

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