Table of World Heritage Sites by country facts for kids
Imagine a special list of places on Earth that are so important, they are protected for everyone to enjoy, now and in the future! These are called World Heritage Sites. They can be amazing natural wonders, like huge forests or mountains, or incredible human-made places, like ancient cities or famous buildings.
The idea behind World Heritage Sites is to keep these unique places safe. An organization called UNESCO helps countries work together to identify and protect them. When a place becomes a World Heritage Site, it means it has special value to all of humanity.
Contents
What are World Heritage Sites?
World Heritage Sites are places chosen by UNESCO because they are very important. They can be:
- Natural sites: These are places like national parks, unique islands, or special natural areas. They show off Earth's amazing nature.
- Cultural sites: These are places built by people, like old cities, temples, or historical buildings. They tell us about human history and art.
- Mixed sites: Some places are special for both their natural beauty and their cultural history.
How the List Grew
The list of World Heritage Sites is always growing! As of March 2012, there were 936 of these special places. They are found in 153 different countries around the world.
Many countries have agreed to protect these sites by signing something called the World Heritage Convention. This is like a promise to look after these important places.
Where are the Sites Located?
To help manage and understand all these sites, the World Heritage Committee has divided them into five main areas. These are like big geographic zones:
- Africa
- Arab States (countries in the Middle East and North Africa)
- Asia-Pacific (countries in Asia and the Pacific Ocean)
- Europe & North America
- Latin America & the Caribbean
Each zone has many unique sites, showing the rich history and nature of different parts of the world. For example, some countries have many cultural sites, while others might have more natural wonders.
Related pages
- World Heritage Site
- List of World Heritage Sites in Asia
- List of World Heritage Sites in the Arab States
- List of World Heritage Sites in Europe
