Top 10 Countries with the Most UNESCO Global Geoparks
This ranking is based on data from the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development.
Interesting Facts & Summary
As of 2026, China holds an undisputed lead in the global rankings, boasting over 45 UNESCO Global Geoparks—a number that roughly equals the sum of the second and third-ranked countries combined. This achievement underscores China's massive commitment to geological conservation and public education. These sites serve as more than just 'open-air museums'; they are engines of local sustainable tourism. With an average growth rate of nearly two new parks annually, China continues to unveil its billions of years of geological history to the world, showcasing what can be termed as the 'China Speed' in the realm of global heritage preservation.
| Rank | Country | Number of Geoparks | Regional Representative |
|---|---|---|---|
China | 47 | Changbaishan, Zigong, Mount Tai, etc. | |
Spain | 16 | Sobrarbe, Canary Islands, etc. | |
Italy | 12 | Tuscany, Sardinia, etc. | |
| 4 | France | 11 | Provence, Alps, etc. |
| 5 | Japan | 10 | Toyako, Izu Peninsula, etc. |
| 6 | Greece | 8 | Lesvos, Vikos, etc. |
| 7 | South Korea | 6 | Jeju Island, Cheongsong, etc. |
| 8 | Brazil | 6 | Seridó, Araripe, etc. |
| 9 | Germany | 6 | TERRA.vita, Bergstrasse, etc. |
| 10 | United Kingdom | 5 | North Pennines, NW Highlands, etc. |