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Italy Leads China in 2026 UNESCO World Heritage Ranking
UNESCO keeps a list of special places that are important to all humanity.
In 2026, Italy has the most listed places, with 62.
China is close behind with 61.
These places can be old buildings, archaeological sites, forests, mountains or special landscapes.
France, Germany and Spain also have many sites.
India has 45 sites and ranks sixth.
Countries suggest places, but the World Heritage Committee makes the final decision.
Being on the list does not always keep a place safe from war, disasters or construction.
UNESCO added six places to its danger list in 2026 to encourage more help with protecting them.
Italy ranks first with 62 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, narrowly ahead of China’s 61.
France, Germany and Spain follow with 56, 55 and 50 sites respectively.
India ranks sixth globally with 45 sites, while Mexico leads countries outside Europe and East Asia with 36.
The ranking covers 173 countries, counting transboundary properties for each participating country.
UNESCO sites can be cultural, natural or mixed, but World Heritage status does not guarantee protection from conflict, disasters or development.
- Who
- Italy, China and other countries included in UNESCO’s World Heritage ranking.
- What
- A 2026 ranking of countries by the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites they have.
- Where
- The ranking covers 173 countries worldwide, with Europe and Asia accounting for over 70% of the sites shown.
- When
- 2026.
- Why
- UNESCO recognizes places with outstanding universal value under at least one of 10 selection criteria and seeks to support their conservation.
Key facts
- Top-ranked country
- Italy, with 62 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Second-ranked country
- China, with 61 sites
- India’s position
- Sixth globally, with 45 sites
- Highest-ranked country outside Europe and East Asia
- Mexico, with 36 sites
- Countries covered
- 173
- World Heritage categories
- Cultural, natural and mixed
- Sites added to the danger list in 2026
- Six, including three nominated through an emergency procedure
Sources
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