UNSECO World Heritage Sites – UPSC GS3

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place that is listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as of special cultural or physical significance.

The list is maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, composed of 21 UNESCO member states which are elected by the General Assembly.

Each World Heritage Site remains part of the legal territory of the state wherein the site is located and UNESCO considers it in the interest of the international community to preserve each site.

The List of recorded sites on the World Heritage include natural or man-made area or a structure that is of international importance and requires special protection.

Italy is home to the greatest number of World Heritage Sites with 50 sites.

India now has 40 world heritage sites, including 32 cultural heritage sites, 7 natural sites and 1 mixed site.

It makes India seventh ranked country in the list of world heritage properties.