UNESCO: World Heritage, 1978-2017

This graph shows the number of items registered by UNESCO, at the request of states, on the lists of cultural and natural heritage (1972 Convention) and of intangible cultural heritage (2003 Convention) for the purpose of protecting them. In both cases, the countries of Africa and Latin America have the lowest numbers, with slow development. Asia, on the other hand, occupies an intermediary position with a rapid increase, while North America and Europe together remain dominant (even though Asia outstrips them by a few points for intangible cultural heritage). These very substantial differences are partly explained by differences in the ability of states to identify, safeguard and protect their heritage.