GK: Top 10 Countries With Most UNESCO World Heritage Sites, What Is India's Rank?
Italy is at the top of the UNESCO World Heritage List 2025 with 60 sites, while India has secured the sixth position with 44 such sites. Check the full list here.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are far more than ancient landmarks—they're vibrant symbols of human ingenuity, natural wonder, and cultural legacy. According to the organisation, world heritage sites are 'outstanding universal value to humanity". From the Pyramids of Egypt and Australia's Great Barrier Reef to Ecuador's Galápagos Islands, and the iconic Taj Mahal, there are many remarkable cultural and natural sites recognised on the UNESCO World Heritage List. As of 2025, there are 1,248 such sites.
'The World Heritage List includes 1248 properties forming part of the cultural and natural heritage which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value. These include 972 cultural, 235 natural and 41 mixed properties in 170 States Parties. As of October 2024, 196 States Parties have ratified the World Heritage Convention," states the official website.
Rank 1 – Italy: 60 sites
Italy leads the list with 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a rich blend of Roman ruins, Renaissance art, medieval cities, and natural beauty. Noteworthy sites include the Renaissance treasures in Florence and Venice, the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and Roman wonders such as the Colosseum.
China holds the second position with 59 UNESCO-listed sites, featuring landmarks like the Forbidden City, Great Wall, sacred Mount Tai, and classical gardens of Suzhou. The Great Wall of China, spanning nearly 13,000 miles, is one of the world's most iconic structures.
Germany ranks third with 54 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing its rich cultural heritage. Notable sites include Gothic cathedrals, castles, and modern industrial locations. Highlights include the Wadden Sea, Cologne Cathedral, and Bauhaus buildings, reflecting a nation balancing medieval traditions and modernity.
Rank 4 – France: 53 sites
France holds the fourth position with 53 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a vast cultural and historical legacy. Key locations include Mont Saint-Michel with its medieval abbey, the Palace of Versailles, and Paris, home to iconic buildings such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum.
Rank 5 – Spain: 50 sites
Spain ranks fifth with 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing its rich cultural legacy. Important sites include the Alhambra in Granada, Gaudí's architectural masterpieces in Barcelona, and the Mezquita-Catedral of Córdoba.
India, with 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, spans diverse ecological, cultural, and linguistic zones. Key ancient sites include Ajanta Caves, Sun Temple, and Nalanda, while medieval sites feature Qutub Minar and Agra's Taj Mahal.
Mexico and the UK both share the seventh spot with 35 World Heritage Sites each. Mexico's notable sites include the historic heart of Mexico City and the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. The UK boasts famous locations such as Stonehenge, Bath with its Roman baths, and the Tower of London, representing British history and Georgian architecture.
Rank 8 – Russia: 33 sites
Russia, with 33 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, blends rich cultural history with natural beauty. Important sites include the architectural splendour of Saint Petersburg, the political and cultural significance of Moscow's Kremlin and Red Square, and the pristine Lake Baikal.
Iran holds the ninth spot with 28 sites reflecting its ancient Persian roots. Key sites include Golestan Palace, Persepolis, and the Bam Citadel, showcasing advanced engineering, Persian art, and religious architecture.
Rank 10 – Japan: 26 sites
Japan, known as the 'Land of the Rising Sun,' ranks tenth with 26 sites, including 21 cultural locations such as temples and historic villages, and 5 natural sites like Yakushima Island. This ranking highlights Japan's rich heritage and commitment to preserving global cultural and ecological treasures.
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First Published:
July 30, 2025, 14:12 IST
News education-career GK: Top 10 Countries With Most UNESCO World Heritage Sites, What Is India's Rank?
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