As at 2020, there are 1,1121 UNESCO World Heritage Sites dotted across the globe and something we often research when planning upcoming trips is which countries have the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world!
With 55 sites Italy takes the crown as the country with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites alongside China. Europe dominates in the top 10 UNESCO countries with an impressive 226 sites across Italy, Germany, Spain, France and the UK. In total, there are 15 countries with over 20 UNESCO sites so if, like us, you are on a mission to visit every UNESCO in the world these countries are a good place to start!
This list reflects the latest count of countries with the most UNESCO World Heritage sites. It includes the 29 sites granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2019.
Countries with the most UNESCO sites: while this list is only intended to cover the countries with the most UNESCO sites it is worth noting that there are smaller countries with a high concentration of sites. If your goal is to visit as many sites as possible in a short space of time we’ve managed to visit 13 in Belgium during a three day visit, 14 during a week long South Korea road trip and ticked off hundreds while exploring Europe on a series of road trips.
Which countries have the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
1) Italy: 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Italy and China take the crown as the countries with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. As the birthplace of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance, Italy has an abundance of culture: 50 of its 55 sites are cultural and 5 are natural.
2) China: 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
A late starter to the UNESCO game, China has powered up the UNESCO ranks with 55 sites now listed. When excluding UNESCO sites shared with other countries, China is the country with the highest number of unique sites.
3) Spain: 48 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Europe still dominates the UNESCO listings with 5 of the top 10 countries with the most UNESCOs being based in Europe. Spain has a compelling mix of culture and a diverse range of stunning natural landscapes and boasts 48 UNESCOs.
4) Germany: 46 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Stunning monuments, parks, cities and palaces throughout Germany help secure its spot as one of the most UNESCO heavy countries in the world with 46 sites.
5) France: 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
History, culture and well-preserved sites make France number 5 in the list of countries with the most UNESCO sites. France has 45 sites: 39 cultural, 5 natural and one mixed.
6) India: 37 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
India has a rich culture and an abundance of art and architecture and it is home to 38 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the 6th most UNESCO listed country in the world and the UNESCO jewel of Asia.
7) Mexico: 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
A mix of nature and culture mean Mexico has been awarded 35 UNESCO World Heritage Site listings, the highest number in the Americas and the 7th in the world.
8) UK: 32 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The UK has an impressive 32 UNESCO World Heritage Sites with 29 located on the mainland and 3 in its overseas territories. The UK is home to some of the hardest to reach UNESCOs – Gough and Inaccessible Islands are part of the Tristian a Cunha archipelago, the most remote archipelago in the world. Henderson Island is part of the Pitcairn Islands in the South Pacific and is remote, only accessible by boat and requires explicit permission from the Pitcairn Island Council to visit.
9) Russia: 29 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Russia is number 9 with 29 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its forests, mountains, volcanoes and lakes mean it has the fourth highest number of natural sites in the world with 11 natural sites and its intricate history has resulted in 18 fascinating cultural sights.
10) Iran and USA: 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The United States is due to withdraw from UNESCO so its time on the list might be limited. At the moment it’s the joint 10th most UNESCO rich country alongside Iran with 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites listed.
Brazil and Japan also have over 20 UNESCO each
Brazil and Japan boast 22 and 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites within their borders respectively making them a rich choice for UNESCO hunters.
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