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Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Top 10 countries with most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2025; check where India ranks
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are not just monuments from the past—they're living symbols of culture, history, architecture, and biodiversity. From Italy's iconic Roman ruins to India's majestic palaces and sacred temples, these landmarks reflect a nation's soul and legacy. As of 2025, there are 1,223 UNESCO World Heritage Sites globally, spanning continents and civilisations. Countries with the most such sites attract travellers, historians, and conservationists alike. While Italy leads the global list, India stands strong in fifth position, showcasing its cultural diversity. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or a heritage enthusiast, these countries offer timeless experiences etched in stone and story. What is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and how many are there A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a location designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its outstanding universal value. These can be cultural, natural, or mixed sites that showcase the world's rich history, artistic achievement, ecological diversity, and scientific heritage. Examples range from temples, forts, and archaeological ruins to rainforests, mountain ranges, and marine reserves. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo Such recognition ensures international protection and encourages sustainable tourism and conservation. As of July 2025, UNESCO World Heritage Sites are spread across 168 countries worldwide, reflecting the rich cultural and natural heritage of humanity. During the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Paris, 26 new sites were officially inscribed, further expanding the global heritage list. Top 10 countries with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites (2025) Italy – 60 Sites Source: Vogue Italy holds the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a rich tapestry of Roman ruins, Renaissance art, medieval cities, and natural beauty. From the Colosseum and Venice to Sicily's archaeological zones, each site reflects centuries of cultural, architectural, and historical influence across Europe and the Mediterranean. China – 59 Sites China's UNESCO sites highlight its imperial heritage, religious architecture, and breathtaking landscapes. From the Forbidden City and Great Wall to the sacred Mount Tai and classical gardens of Suzhou, these sites reflect China's long-standing civilization, philosophical depth, and artistic expression spanning over 5,000 years of recorded history. Germany – 54 Sites Germany's UNESCO list includes Gothic cathedrals, castles, and modern-era industrial sites. Sites such as Cologne Cathedral, the Wadden Sea, and Bauhaus buildings showcase a nation balancing medieval traditions with cutting-edge innovation, reflecting its complex history, architectural advancements, and commitment to natural preservation. France – 53 Sites France's heritage includes grand palaces, prehistoric caves, Gothic cathedrals, and natural wonders. With landmarks like the Palace of Versailles, Mont-Saint-Michel, and Vézère Valley, France's sites highlight its impact on global art, science, monarchy, and religion throughout centuries of European development. Spain - 50 sites Source: Vogue Spain ranks in the top five with 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites showcasing its rich cultural legacy. Highlights include the Alhambra in Granada, Gaudí's architectural masterpieces in Barcelona, and Córdoba's Mezquita-Catedral. The Camino de Santiago, a historic pilgrimage route, offers scenic and spiritual experiences across Spain's diverse landscapes and towns. India – 44 Sites Source: Britannica India's UNESCO sites span ancient temples, Mughal forts, Buddhist caves, and diverse ecological zones. With iconic locations like the Taj Mahal, Hampi, Kaziranga National Park, and Sanchi Stupa, India presents a vivid mix of spirituality, architecture, biodiversity, and centuries-old cultural heritage rooted in civilization and philosophy. United Kingdom – 35 Sites The UK's UNESCO heritage ranges from prehistoric monuments to industrial revolution landmarks. Stonehenge, Hadrian's Wall, and Blenheim Palace illustrate the nation's royal, scientific, and military history. Natural sites like the Giant's Causeway underscore the geological and mythological richness of the British Isles. Russia - 33 sites Source: National Geographic Kids Russia's 32 UNESCO World Heritage Sites reflect a blend of rich cultural history and natural beauty. Key highlights include the architectural splendor of Saint Petersburg, the political and cultural significance of Moscow's Kremlin and Red Square, and the pristine Lake Baikal—Earth's deepest freshwater lake and a globally recognized ecological treasure. Iran – 28 Sites Iran's heritage reflects its ancient Persian roots, with sites such as Persepolis, Golestan Palace, and the Bam Citadel. The country's UNESCO entries showcase advanced engineering, Persian art, and religious architecture, making Iran a crossroads of cultural, historical, and architectural significance in the Middle East. Japan – 26 Sites Source: State Department UNESCO is renowned for recognising World Heritage Sites—places of exceptional cultural or natural significance. Japan boasts 26 such sites, including 21 cultural locations like temples and historic villages, and 5 natural sites such as Yakushima Island. These designations highlight Japan's rich heritage and its commitment to preserving global cultural and ecological treasures. Also Read | Germany's iconic and most-visited fairytale castle is now officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Skill ministry eyes 1990s-style reforms for vocational education
The new national policy on skill development will be 'transformative' and akin to the liberalisation reforms of the 1990s in terms of vocational education and training in the country, said Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, on Tuesday. The skill ministry is currently working on introducing a new national policy on skilling, replacing the previous version launched in 2015. A draft was released last month, inviting suggestions from the general public and domain experts. 'Like the new education policy launched in 2020 was a landmark for the education sector, the new skilling policy will achieve the same results for vocational education in the country and transform it. It will be a significant step and akin to the liberalisation reforms [of the 1990s.] It will redefine the way we skill, upskill, and reskill our people — preparing them to thrive and lead in an increasingly dynamic global economy,' Chaudhary said, responding to a query on the objective of the new policy. The new policy aims to have 50 per cent of the country's labour force skilled (including skilling, upskilling, and reskilling), assessed, and certified by 2035, with 50 per cent participation from women and other minority groups. Among other changes, the new policy proposes to tweak the definition of skilling to align with international standards. 'A critical starting point is to reflect on the definition of skilling,' the draft says. It cites the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's definition of skilling, which also emphasises technical, transversal, and behavioural skills — collectively enabling lifelong learning. The policy also suggests financial and non-financial incentives such as Skill MUDRA, Skill Impact Bond 2.0, a corporate patronage programme, and grassroots engagement programmes to encourage all stakeholders to undertake large-scale, outcome-oriented skilling, with an emphasis on quality and employability. Chaudhary also called on industry to participate in the ₹60,000 crore Industrial Training Institute (ITI) revamp scheme approved by the Cabinet, which includes ₹10,000 crore from corporate social responsibility contributions. He added that nearly 99,000 ITI seats that have remained vacant for more than two consecutive years will be de-affiliated. 'We want to move beyond funding — we want the industry to shape the curriculum, certification, and training standards. This is how we create employable youth and make ITIs future-ready,' he added. Highlighting the ministry's vision for 2047, Chaudhary said India is on track to emerge as the global skilling hub, with sectors such as pharmaceutical, artificial intelligence, and machine learning leading the way.
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Business Standard
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
New skill policy to transform vocational education: Jayant Chaudhary
The new national policy on skill development will be 'transformative' and akin to the liberalisation reforms of the 1990s in terms of vocational education and training in the country, said Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, on Tuesday. The skill ministry is currently working on introducing a new national policy on skilling, replacing the previous version launched in 2015. A draft was released last month, inviting suggestions from the general public and domain experts. 'Like the new education policy launched in 2020 was a landmark for the education sector, the new skilling policy will achieve the same results for vocational education in the country and transform it. It will be a significant step and akin to the liberalisation reforms of the 1990s. It will redefine the way we skill, upskill, and reskill our people — preparing them to thrive and lead in an increasingly dynamic global economy,' Chaudhary said, responding to a query on the objective of the new policy. The new policy aims to have 50 per cent of the country's labour force skilled (including skilling, upskilling, and reskilling), assessed, and certified by 2035, with 50 per cent participation from women and other minority groups. Among other changes, the new policy proposes to tweak the definition of skilling to align with international standards. 'A critical starting point is to reflect on the definition of skilling,' the draft says. It cites the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's definition of skilling, which also emphasises technical, transversal, and behavioural skills — collectively enabling lifelong learning. The policy also suggests financial and non-financial incentives such as Skill MUDRA, Skill Impact Bond 2.0, a corporate patronage programme, and grassroots engagement programmes to encourage all stakeholders to undertake large-scale, outcome-oriented skilling, with an emphasis on quality and employability. Chaudhary also called on industry to participate in the ₹60,000 crore Industrial Training Institute (ITI) revamp scheme approved by the Cabinet, which includes ₹10,000 crore from corporate social responsibility contributions. He added that nearly 99,000 ITI seats that have remained vacant for more than two consecutive years will be de-affiliated. 'We want to move beyond funding — we want the industry to shape the curriculum, certification, and training standards. This is how we create employable youth and make ITIs future-ready,' he added. Highlighting the ministry's vision for 2047, Chaudhary said India is on track to emerge as the global skilling hub, with sectors such as pharmaceutical, artificial intelligence, and machine learning leading the way.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
TN's Gingee Fort is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site
It is among the 11 forts built, adapted, or expanded by the Marathas between the late 17th and early 19th centuries that have been clubbed together as the Maratha Military Landscapes, and declared as 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site of India. Gingee Fort, or Senji Fort, the largest fort in Tamil Nadu, covering 2,700 acres and three hillocks in the Pakkamalai range in the Villupuram district, has been named a World Heritage Site by (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). It is among the 11 forts built, adapted, or expanded by the Marathas between the late 17th and early 19th centuries that have been clubbed together as the Maratha Military Landscapes, and declared as 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site of India. The fort now joins the Great Living Chola Temples (the Brihadisvara temples at Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram, and the Airavatesvara at Darasuram), the monuments at Mamallapuram, and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the state. Tamil fort or Marathi fort... the debate continues While many have welcomed UNESCO's move to honour the historical site, some have pointed towards the logical fallacy in calling it a Maratha military landscape, especially since the fort predates the Marathas. The history The construction of the Gingee Fort is said to have begun by Ananta Kon of the Konar dynasty, who built the initial citadel around 1190 AD, followed by Krishna Kon, who fortified it further in 1240 AD. Enhancements were later made by the Nayaks from the Vijayanagara Empire, the Marathas, and the Mughals, among others. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Birla Evara 3 and 4 BHK from ₹ 1.75 Crore* Birla Estates Learn More Undo From Indian to Thanga Meenkal... History on screen The fort has been featured in several Tamil films. The song Kappaleri Poyachu ( Indian , 1996) was shot at the fort, and so were the numbers Kokku Meena Thinguma ( Kovil , 2004) and Vaa Nanba ( Saatai , 2012). The fort was also prominently featured in the movie Thanga Meengal (2013).
Filipino Times
5 days ago
- Filipino Times
UNESCO lauds UAE's leadership in global heritage preservation
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has praised the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its leading role in preserving cultural and natural heritage at both national and international levels. UNESCO President Simona-Mirela Miculescu described the UAE as a key partner and a global model for heritage conservation. In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), she commended the country for the recent inscription of the Faya Palaeolandscape in Sharjah on the UNESCO World Heritage List. She said the listing reflects the UAE's commitment to protecting shared human history and fostering intercultural dialogue. 'It's inscription on the World Heritage List is a highly significant step, made possible by meticulous scientific work and long-term efforts by the UAE in collaboration with international experts, all in accordance with UNESCO's rigorous standards,' Miculescu said. The Faya site is considered significant for its connection to early human development and migration. Miculescu also recognized the UAE's efforts to link heritage preservation with sustainable development through investments in tourism and community involvement. She said the country demonstrates how heritage sites can drive both cultural and economic growth. She reaffirmed UNESCO's strong partnership with the UAE, citing the country's contributions to cultural policy and international heritage initiatives. She concluded by expressing hope for continued cooperation and the future inscription of more UAE heritage sites.
