A recent map created by Nazar in partnership with The World in Maps spotlights nations with zero UNESCO cultural heritage sites.

According to data from WorldAtlas , the following countries currently have no recognised cultural World Heritage Sites:

It’s important to note that some of these countries have natural World Heritage Sites or are on UNESCO’s Tentative List , which is the first step toward official designation.

UNESCO defines cultural heritage sites as those that exhibit masterpieces of human creative genius, have evidence of cultural traditions and architectural marvels.

Additionally, the site must have Historical urban centres and sacred monuments.

Sites such as Machu Picchu in Peru, the Pyramids of Egypt , or Angkor Wat in Cambodia are prime examples of what qualifies.

Why do some countries have none?

There are several reasons why countries might lack UNESCO cultural sites, and these include:

Tanzania’s Health Ministry has confirmed the country’s first two cases of mpox. The patients, who showed symptoms like rash, fever, headache, and throat pain, are now in isolation. One case involves a truck driver who entered from a neighbouring country. According to The Star , authorities said samples were tested at the national lab and confirmed on Saturday, March 8. The government is enhancing disease surveillance at borders, raising public awareness, and encouraging preventive measures.

UNESCO launches $8 million water initiative in Tanzania and Kenya

UNESCO has launched an $8 million project to improve groundwater management in Tanzania and Kenya, focusing on preserving 400 acres of Mount Kilimanjaro’s forest—a key water source for over two million people. Funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented with the FAO, the initiative aims to boost water security through aquifer mapping and community engagement, providing clean water access to 100,000 more people. Officials emphasised the urgency of protecting Kilimanjaro’s melting glaciers and ensuring long-term water sustainability, according to Atta Travels .

Unicef chief calls for greater investment in Tanzanian children

Unicef Executive Director Catherine Russell visited education and health programs in Tanzania’s Songwe Region, urging greater investment in children and adolescent girls to break the cycle of poverty. She praised Tanzania’s progress in expanding access to education, healthcare, and nutrition, especially for girls, and emphasized that investing in children is key to the country’s future. The Citizen reports that Unicef is working with the government to reduce child marriage and teenage pregnancies—affecting nearly 45% of girls in Songwe—through education, skills training, and health services.

NHIF’s new healthcare coverage to support 1.2 million poor Tanzanian households

The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has launched a new initiative to provide basic healthcare support to 1.2 million vulnerable Tanzanian households unable to afford medical costs. Implemented under Section 25 of the Universal Health Insurance Act, the program will be carried out with the President’s Office and the Tanzania Social Action Fund (Tasaf). Health Minister Jenista Mhagama noted that out of 14.8 million households in mainland Tanzania, 3.9 million are economically disadvantaged, with 1.2 million identified as extremely poor. NHIF Director General Dr. Irene Isaka said beneficiaries will be identified through local government authorities, reports The Citizen .

Tanzania to build mega-conference centre in Arusha to rival Nairobi’s KICC

Tanzania’s Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) has partnered with the Public Service Social Security Fund (PSSSF) to build the Mount Kilimanjaro International Conference Centre (MKICC), a Tsh385 billion state-of-the-art facility. NTV reported that the centre will include a 5,000-seat auditorium, a five-star hotel with 500 rooms, a 20,000-square-metre commercial space, parking for 2,000 vehicles, and a helipad. Set to be completed by 2027, MKICC aims to rival Kenya’s Kenyatta International Conference Centre.

Tanzania's political landscape has experienced significant developments recently. The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party expelled Reverend Godfrey Malisa for opposing the endorsement of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Hussein Ali Hassan Mwinyi. According to The Citizen , this decision, announced by Kilimanjaro Regional Secretary Merce Mollel, was attributed to Malisa's statements considered to breach the party's ethical standards and constitution, ultimately undermining party unity. His criticism during the National Congress held on January 19, 2025, contributed to his dismissal, highlighting the party's stringent adherence to its internal regulations in the lead-up to the general elections.

Air France resumes flights to Tanzania after 28 years

Air France has reinstated its flights to Tanzania after a 28-year hiatus, with three weekly services connecting Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Kilimanjaro International Airport via Zanzibar. The airline employs an Airbus A350-900 for this route, aiming to accommodate the rising number of French tourists and business travellers keen on exploring Tanzania's renowned attractions. KATA reports that this return to the Tanzanian market not only strengthens the tourism sector but also fosters local development, as evidenced by a recent $4,000 donation to a local primary school from a French organisation.

Crypto scammers target Tanzanian billionaire's followers, net $1.48M

Tanzanian billionaire Mohammed Dewji's social media platform was compromised by crypto scammers, who exploited his account to promote a fake digital asset known as the “Tanzania token.” Utilising advanced deepfake technology, the fraudsters deceived Dewji's 2.2 million followers into investing in the scheme, resulting in an estimated loss of $1.48 million. As reported by News Bitcoin , Dewji managed to regain control of his account within 24 hours and cautioned his followers against similar scams, although the damage had already been inflicted. This incident underscores the vulnerability of high-profile individuals to cyber threats.

Cassava seed business changes women farmers’ lives in Tanzania

Tanzania is making strides in promoting sustainable cassava seed systems with a focus on empowering women farmers. The initiative aims to dismantle traditional barriers such as limited access to land, capital constraints, and societal norms that hamper women's participation in seed entrepreneurship. CGIAR reports that The Muhogo Bora project, a collaborative effort involving the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute, and Cornell University, has adapted selection criteria to facilitate more inclusive engagement. Testimonies from beneficiaries like Saada Mkuyu, a 47-year-old farmer, illustrate the project's transformative impact on women's livelihoods.

UNESCO strengthens efforts to tackle gender-based violence in media and technology

UNESCO has forged a partnership with Tanzanian ministries to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in digital and media settings, aiming to weave this critical concern into the National Plan of Action for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Children (2025-2029). According to UNESCO , this strategic approach seeks to shield women and children from various forms of violence, both online and offline, as technological advancements shape public discourse. The initiative prioritises the enhancement of policies, stakeholder capacity building, public awareness campaigns, and the cultivation of safer online environments. Given the rising concerns surrounding AI influence on GBV—particularly about deepfakes and cyber harassment—UNESCO is committed to promoting ethical technology use and advancing gender equality through collaborative efforts with government bodies, media, tech firms, and civil society in Tanzania.

The restoration began in June 2024 and was completed in December. Before the repairs, the temple's walls and roof had been badly damaged by rain, age, and plant growth.

The temple is on a hill near Phnom Krom, a site known for its beautiful views of rice fields, nearby villages, and the Tonle Sap Lake. It is expected to attract more visitors now that it has been restored.

The Angkor Archaeological Park, where the temple is located, is one of Cambodia’s most important historical sites.

It has 91 temples built between the ninth and 13th centuries. In 2024, the park welcomed over a million international tourists, bringing in nearly $48 million from ticket sales.

Luang Prabang, Laos, has been named the top destination in Asia for 2025 by Lonely Planet, known for its scenic beauty, old temples, and vibrant festivals. It ranks first, followed by Bangkok, Angkor Wat, and Hội An. The province recently received recognition in the 2024 Green Destinations Top 100 for its commitment to responsible tourism and the preservation of its architectural heritage, becoming the only selected site from Laos. According to Viet Nam News , Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, attracted over 1.9 million visitors in 2023, generating over $1 billion in revenue. Popular attractions include the Phu Si stupa and Kuangxi waterfall.

Suspected fraud ring member arrested in Osaka

Kento Yoshida, a 28-year-old suspected member of a fraud ring, was arrested in Osaka after fleeing from Laos five years ago. He is accused of defrauding two women in Japan out of approximately 500,000 yen ($3,181.04) via false emails related to unpaid website fees. The fraud ring operated in Thailand until its bust, affecting 26 victims and totalling around 300 million yen ($1.9 million) in losses. Police have made 28 arrests related to the case as reported by Tokyo Reporter .

Vientiane surpasses poverty reduction target

Vientiane, the capital of Laos, has achieved a significant milestone in poverty reduction, with 99.43% of its 156,392 families now above the poverty line. Only 899 families remain below this threshold. According to The Star , over 140,000 families and nearly 380 villages have reached developed status, although more than 10,000 families and over 100 villages still face developmental challenges. In 2023, Vientiane's economy grew by 5.85%, exceeding the National Assembly's target of 0.3%.

South Korea funds bridge upgrade and national road safety in Laos

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has granted US$13 million for upgrading six bridges and enhancing road safety on National Road No. 8 in Laos. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in Vientiane, attended by key officials from both countries. The project aims to improve infrastructure along a crucial international route connecting Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, and is part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations, coinciding with the upcoming 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties. As reported by The Star , the initiative includes design consultancy, construction, installation of safety equipment, and training programmes, significantly enhancing trade and travel safety in the region.

Meuangfeuang district aims to attract visitors with ethnic festivals

Meuangfeuang district in Vientiane province is hosting the Sam Meun Toup Feuang festival from December 27 to January 1 to attract tourists. The festival features traditional thatched house displays representing various ethnic groups, local food stalls, live performances, and a night market. Visitors can dress in traditional costumes and experience living in straw-built houses. Entrance is free, and with picturesque scenery reminiscent of Guilin, China, Meuangfeuang has become a rising tourist destination. The district aims for 30 billion kips (over $1.4 million)in tourism revenue this year, having attracted 146,000 visitors in the first ten months of 2024, reports The Star .

The traditional preparation process includes peeling, grating, and mixing cassava roots with fermented cassava before pressing to remove starch, drying, and steaming to achieve a couscous-like texture.

Known for its affordability and accessibility, attiéké is often served as an alternative to rice, accompanied by chicken, fish, or spicy tomato-based sauces.

Earlier this year, the African Intellectual Property Organization granted a collective trademark for attiéké, protecting its name from misuse outside Côte d’Ivoire.

This is a landmark achievement, being the first time a Rwandan cultural performance has been added to this esteemed list.

"What good news at the end of a year rich in emotions, memories and symbols for Rwanda!" Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of Francophone, expressed her joy.

The Intore dance is characterised by its dynamic movements performed by a troupe, symbolising warriors on the battlefield. Dancers, arranged in lines, mimic a combat scenario against an unseen foe, utilising spears and shields, all while synchronising their movements with traditional drumming and horn music.

This dance serves as a powerful community expression during significant celebrations, including harvest festivals and receptions for distinguished guests.

The addition of the Intore dance to UNESCO's list complements other recognitions of Rwandan heritage, which include sites like genocide memorials and Nyungwe National Park, further showcasing the richness and resilience of Rwandan culture.

The term "Intangible Cultural Heritage" refers to various practices and expressions that communities identify as part of their heritage, encompassing knowledge, skills, and cultural instruments.

UNESCO established this list to safeguard traditions that have been transmitted through generations, currently including 678 elements from 140 countries.

The work is taking place in a UNESCO World Heritage site, Cairo’s centuries-old "City of the Dead."

Ahmed el-Meligui, a 43-year-old architect was one of the victims who had to dig up the remains of 23 family members from his family’s tomb. Generations of his relatives were buried together in a single tomb.

"We had already buried them once, but now it’s as if we are awakening the memories. It was very painful," he told the AFP.

The government has offered new burial plots outside the capital Cairo, but many of these are further away and much smaller.

Many families have been devastated and frustrated about the move.

Beyond this, 71-year-old Sayyed al-Arabi, who has lived as a cemetery caretaker for 25 years, told the AFP that the move has affected him and left him homeless.

"They informed me that they plan to demolish the cemeteries and transfer the bodies. They told me to find somewhere else to live. They offered a new resting place for the dead, but no place for me. Where am I supposed to go?" he said.

These sites are legally protected by international treaties and are considered important to the collective interests of humanity.

UNESCO's top 10 list highlights the countries with the most recognised cultural and historical landmarks, out of a total of 1,223 heritage sites spread across 168 countries.

Here’s a look at the countries with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2024:

Italy

Italy tops the list with 60 World Heritage Sites, reflecting its rich history as the birthplace of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance. Notable sites include the Colosseum, the historic centre of Florence, and the archaeological areas of Pompeii.

China

China closely follows with 59 sites, showcasing its ancient civilisation and diverse landscapes. Key sites include the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army.

Germany

Germany's 54 sites highlight its cultural and architectural heritage. Famous sites include the Cologne Cathedral, the castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust, and the historic centres of Bamberg and Regensburg.

France

France boasts 53 sites, reflecting its historical and cultural richness. Iconic sites include the Palace of Versailles, Mont-Saint-Michel, and the prehistoric sites and decorated caves of the Vézère Valley.

Spain

Spain's 50 sites illustrate its diverse cultural history. Noteworthy sites include the Alhambra, the historic city of Toledo, and Antoni Gaudí's works in Barcelona.

India

India has 43 sites, showcasing its ancient history and natural beauty. Prominent sites include the Taj Mahal, the Qutub Minar, and the Sundarbans National Park.

Mexico

Mexico's 35 sites reflect its rich pre-Columbian and colonial history. Key sites include Chichen Itza, the historic centre of Mexico City, and the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.

United Kingdom

The UK also has 35 sites, highlighting its historical and cultural landmarks. Important sites include Stonehenge, the Tower of London, and Bath.

Russia

Russia's 32 sites showcase its vast cultural and natural heritage. Notable sites include the Kremlin and Red Square, the historical centre of Saint Petersburg, and Lake Baikal.

Iran

Iran's 28 sites reflect its ancient Persian history and architectural marvels. Key sites include Persepolis, the historic city of Yazd, and the Golestan Palace.

UNESCO is also taking steps to preserve the world's languages out of concern that they could be entirely lost due to natural disasters, climate change, or other man-made crises such as global conflict.

"Language serves as the connective tissue of humanity, facilitating interaction, collaboration and shaping our perceptions of the world. Its preservation in all its diversity is essential to safeguarding human identity," UNESCO's press release in May stated .

UNESCO announced that a nano-engraved, nickel-plated memory disc will be sent to the moon in late 2024 aboard an ispace spacecraft. This disc will contain 275 versions of the 362-word preamble to UNESCO’s constitution, which advocates for the “wide diffusion of cultures” and “the education of humanity for justice, liberty, and peace.”

"In a joint initiative with Barrelhand, UNESCO has co-created a "Memory Disc", a nano-engraved nickel plate that will be sent to the Moon on board ispace's HAKUTO-R Mission 2 RESILIENCE lunar lander to be launched in Winter 2024. The disc bears the UNESCO Constitution's Preamble "Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men and women that the defences of peace must be constructed" translated into 275 languages. This symbolic gesture underscores global unity and the imperative of preserving linguistic diversity and culture," it added.

The disc will also feature a selection of cultural treasures, UNESCO stated, including "Le Petit Prince" by French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Additionally, it will hold images of 100 paintings from various cultural backgrounds and historical periods.

"The Memory Disc also serves as a repository of cultural heritage, featuring an array of treasures including “Le Petit Prince” by the renowned French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry - one of the world's most translated books. Furthermore, it houses a curated collection of 100 paintings, representing artists from diverse cultural backgrounds and historical epochs," adds UNESCO.

“We budgeted for the construction of the Museum this year. I came to know that the museum is important for keeping legacy and history or objects for the coming generation,” Kitab Biimo told reporters during a national event held in the nation’s capital, Juba.

While speaking of additional plans to learn from fellow African nations; Rwanda, Egypt, South Africa and Uganda on museum management, the government official said that construction of the country’s first museum would have begun earlier had the nation not been embroiled in a civil war.

“We failed to build the Museum all these years because of the conflict,” he said.

Accusations by South Sudan President Salva Kiir against former Vice President Riek Machar of an attempted coup set the nation on course in a protracted civil war spanning from 2013 to 2020, resulting in approximately 50,000 casualties and displacing 1.6 million people.

Currently, a mobile community-based national museum launched by the UN cultural agency UNESCO in 2014 serves as the South Sudan National Museum .

Old City in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku has earned a place in the UNESCO World Heritage Calendar for 2024, making the city the first location in Azerbaijan to receive this distinction. Approximately 12 monuments within the Old City were selected from a pool of 1,157 historical monuments across 168 countries on the UNESCO World Heritage List, reports local media Azer News . Dating back to 2000, the Old City, including landmarks like the Palace of the Shirvanshahs and Maiden Tower, holds immense cultural and historical significance for Azerbaijan. Old City’s unique monuments, including mosques, minarets, caravanserais, and bathhouses, make it a top tourist attraction in Baku.

Azerbaijan-Turkey sign partnerships

On February 19, a signing ceremony of Azerbaijan-Turkey documents took place in Turkey’s capital, Ankara, attended by President Ilham Aliyev and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Among the key agreements signed was the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Council of Higher Education of the Republic of Turkey. This agreement paves the way for the establishment of the Turkey-Azerbaijan University. Additionally, an Agreement on cooperation in the field of veterinary medicine was signed, along with an Agreement between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Turkey on eliminating double taxation and preventing tax evasion, local media 525.AZ reported.

European Weightlifting Champion

Azerbaijani weightlifter Dadash Dadashbeyli claimed victory at the European Championship in Sofia, Bulgaria, showcasing his 109 kg weight class prowess. Dadashbeyli demonstrated his strength by lifting 176 kg in the deadlift, securing the European Championship title in this category. He repeated his success in the push-up discipline, lifting 212 kg above his head to clinch another gold medal, reports local media Xalq Qazeti . With a total lift of 388 kg (176+212), Dadashbeyli stood atop the podium ahead of everyone else in Europe.

Azerbaijan's Corruption Perception

Azerbaijan was ranked 154th with 23 points out of 180 countries and territories in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) by Transparency International. This index, released on January 20, reflects expert and business perceptions of corruption levels in the public sector. Compared to the previous year's ranking of 157th with 23 points and 128th with 30 points in 2022, Azerbaijan's position has remained relatively stagnant, with last year's score being deemed an anti-record. Alongside Tajikistan (162nd place with 20 points) and Turkmenistan (170th place with 18 points), Azerbaijan is among the countries with the lowest corruption index in the region, reports local media Azadliq . The index employs a scale where 100 points indicate the absence of corruption in the public sector, while 0 points signify a very high level of corruption.

Azerbaijan will chair the Asian Parliamentary Assembly

In a notable development signalling the evolving dynamics of Asian geopolitics, Azerbaijan is poised to assume the chairmanship of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) by the end of February. The announcement was made by Mohammad Reza Majidi, the Secretary General of the APA, during a press conference held in Baku on February 8, 2024, local media Azer News reported. This transition of chairmanship from Türkiye to Azerbaijan will coincide with the 14th plenary session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) in Baku from February 21 to 24 .

Libya's Minister of Education, Mousa Al-Magaryef, announced the country is working on registering 21 archaeological sites on the UNESCO World List. "We are working to register these sites on the UNESCO World List, through ISESCO, and we call for the formation of technical committees and workshops to preserve and protect this heritage,” Al-Magaryef is quoted by the Libya Observer . The Minister disclosed this in a ceremony detailing a presentation of all the approved sites. The event was attended by ambassadors, heritage enthusiasts and representatives of the accredited sites.

Reconstruction of damaged cities

The Libyan House of Representatives has unanimously approved a request for 500 million Libyan dinars ($104 million) for the reconstruction of damaged cities in the western region of the country. According to Libya Aakhbar spokesman for the House of Representatives, Abdullah Balihaq said that the Council decided to assign the funds to the Reconstruction and Stabilization Committee, which will oversee and carry out the reconstruction efforts in the western area.

Land mines in South Tripoli

Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah has urged military officer and the commander of the Libyan National Army Khalifa Haftar and his allies to provide maps of mines planted south of Tripoli. During a visit to a citizen who was injured in a mine explosion in Ain Zara, a town in western Libya, Dbeibah is quoted by the Libya Observer saying, "The dirty war that was launched recently is still impacting the people… playing with the lives of civilians and children unless they provide mines' maps." According to the Libya Observer, the prime minister also instructed the victim to be transferred to Tunisia for treatment and artificial limbs.

$9.9 billion deficit in foreign exchange

The Central Bank of Libya (CBL) in its most recent monthly report verified that the North African state's foreign exchange earnings for 2023 totalled $25.4 billion, compared to its expenditures of $35.3 billion, resulting in a US$ 9.9 billion deficit. Despite a $5 billion gain in 2022, the CBL also warned over the depletion of foreign exchange reserves. State revenues and spending are expected to reach 125.9 billion dinars ($26.2 billion) and 125.7 billion dinars ($26.2 billion) respectively, the Libya Herald reported.

Legal proceedings against Israel

Under Palestine's supervision, Libya has entered into legal proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) scheduled for February. The United Nations General Assembly has requested the holding of the sessions to obtain the International Court of Justice's legal opinion about the Israeli occupation of Palestine, the Libya Observer reported. "According to the progress of the lawsuit and to prevent disruption, it was agreed to intensify statements of political support from countries to ensure that a ruling is issued in the urgent aspect to stop the genocide and the dangers of mass displacement as well as settlement to which the Palestinian people are exposed," said the embassy in a statement. According to the Libya Observer, 75 members of the Libyan High Council of State (HCS) called for legal support for South Africa's lawsuit against Israel for genocide against Palestinians, including horrific crimes and the use of prohibited weapons.

The festival was inscribed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the eighteenth session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage from December 5 to December 9 in Botswana.

Following the inscription of the Shuwalid festival, the city of Harari became the first city in the East African nation to become home to two cultures included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List after the inscription of the Fortified Historic Town, Jugol in 2006.

The 2023 list also included nominations of cultures from other African countries such as Nigeria’s Sango Festival, Procession and celebrations of Prophet Mohammed's birthday in Sudan, Angola’s Sona, drawings and geometric figures on sand, Morocco’s popular poetic and music art Malhun, Madagascar’s Hiragasy a performing art of the Central Highlands of Madagascar, and Mauritania’s Mahadra, a system for transmission of oral knowledge, among others.

Officials maintain that approximately 10,000 families have willingly agreed to move to Run Ta Ek, a new community situated about 25 kilometers away on former paddy fields. Last month, Amnesty International called for an immediate halt to the evictions, claiming they were forced.

In response to the criticism, Prime Minister Hun Manet asserted that the relocations were necessary to preserve the "soul of our nation," referring to Angkor Wat. During a ceremony presenting land titles to nearly 5,000 families, he urged more villagers to participate, emphasizing the importance of preserving the cultural heritage.

"We in the 21st century must unite to preserve and take actions so that this soul will remain vivid for thousands more years," he stated, adding, "This is the first step. We will continue." The Prime Minister ordered authorities to prevent people from settling within the Angkor Wat site.

While acknowledging the difficulty of relocating, Hun Manet pledged to develop essential infrastructure at Run Ta Ek and provide 10 free daily shuttle buses between the new and old sites. He attributed the relocations to "some conditions" from UNESCO, without specifying details, necessary for Angkor Wat to maintain its World Heritage Site status.

Amnesty International alleges that Cambodian officials are using UNESCO to justify the relocations. In November, UNESCO expressed deep concern over the relocations, clarifying that they had neither requested nor supported the program.

The Angkor Wat temple complex, dating back to the ninth century, drew over two million foreign visitors annually before the pandemic. The influx of tourists led to the growth of a local economy around the site, but Cambodian authorities argue that informal settlements have harmed the environment through waste production and overuse of water resources.