Revealed: World’s Best Countries For Cultural Heritage Influence, 2021

When it comes to cultural heritage influence, Italy took the prestigious number one spot, according to the CEOWORLD magazine 2021 report, while Greece and Spain placed second and third, respectively. The 2021 rankings placed India in fourth ahead of Thailand; while Portugal ranked sixth, and Japan seventh.

While the progress and economic point of view make a nation profound internationally, it is the heritage that acts as a major standalone feature. The heritage of a country is the remnant of its glorified culture, historical struggles, and plays a major role in attracting tourists from all across the globe.

Countries Impacting Global Cultural Heritage: CEOWORLD magazine has determined the world’s best countries for cultural heritage influence, by measuring their global influence in 9 country attributes: architecture, artistic legacy, fashion, food, music, literature, history, cultural attractions, and culturally accessible. Rather than economic, political, or military might, it’s the cultural heritage of these countries that most strongly impacts the wider world.

Overall, among the world’s top 10 best countries for cultural heritage influence, the eighth, ninth, and tenth positions are held by the United Kingdom, China, and Germany.

World’s Best Countries For Cultural Heritage Influence, 2021

So, next time you want to take a quick peek into the glorified history, choose from the above nations and spend your time by visiting the various heritages that lie within.

Detailed findings & methodology: In order to determine the rankings, researchers at the CEOWORLD magazine analyzed and compared 165 countries across 9 key attributes: architecture, artistic legacy, fashion, food, music, literature, history, cultural attractions, and culturally accessibility.

Raw data for countries were normalized on a 1-100 scale according to the following: Each individual indicator was given equal weighting within each of 9 categories with some indicators being comprised of 2-3 sub-indicators that were also weighted equally. Each category was weighted equally to arrive at the overall index.

Sources: CEOWORLD magazine put together a panel of experts to go over data points culled from sources like the EIU Index, World Economic Forum, Global Insight, the Global Gender Gap Index, Gini, and Gender Gap index, The Legatum Prosperity Index, Transparency International, Environmental Performance Index, Better Life Index, CIA World Factbook, World Bank, UNDP Annual Report, as well as CEOWORLD magazine research. They then used that information to compare the world’s best countries for cultural heritage influence. Based on a consensus from these sources, the final choice of cities was judged editorially, as was their position on the list. All data is for the most recent period available.

The margin of sampling error for the full sample of 196,300 respondents is plus or minus 1.2 percentage points. In addition to sampling error, one should bear in mind that as in all survey research, there are possible sources of error—such as coverage, nonresponse, and measurement error——that could affect the results.

Italy: Filled with vibrant wonders, Italy is one of the special places when it comes to heritages. The boot-shape nation has a long list of Roman ruins that are a mute spectator to the ancient history of the place. Popular places such as Rome, Sicily, Venice, Milan, Genoa have a key role in amassing various cultural heritages. Also, the must-see ruins to visit while on a trip to the exotic nation are Pantheon and Colosseum along with ancient cities like Pompeii.

Greece: Another of the top-listed nation when it comes to heritage sites, is Greece. The history development and culture of Greece has been a flagbearer for the whole world as a whole. There are many ancient ruins scattered across the nation that help people to look into its past clearly. From the Acropolis of Athens, Meteora to Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, the impressive architectural monuments make Greece a definite visit in many ways.

Spain:  This charming country in Europe has a list of amazing destinations that ooze with character. Filled with integral beauty and style, these heritage sites amidst the bustling cities charm every visitor. From the El Escorial in Madrid, Old quarter of Avilla to the old and historical city of Salamanca and Toledo respectively, the list of jewels in Spain capture every traveler towards them. With over 20 UNESCO listed heritage sites, the country not only shines brightly on our list but is also one of the best places to revisit history.

India: The Indian Subcontinent is truly a miraculous wonder in many ways. Dotted with a list of spectacular heritages across the perimeters, these memorandums are a witness to the glorious past. Although there are many architectural prodigies in the country, only a few of them hold international importance. From Konark in the east to Ellora caves, and similarly from the Taj Mahal in the north to the Chola Temple in the west, the nation remains a top pick for travelers and archaeologists for its precious inheritances.

Thailand: When we speak of countries rich in heritage, the first name that pops into our mind is Thailand. Although the nation is home to stunning beaches, a fascinating culture, and crazy nightlife, the heritage of the landmass is also an exception in terms of beauty. There are myriad places across the country that posses the rich earthiness of village life, influences of local traditions, and remnants of a splendid culture. From Sukhothai, Ayutthaya to Ban Chiang, visitors flock to these places to appreciate the ancient history of the Thai culture.

Portugal:  One of the oldest countries in Europe has to name an endless list of heritage marvels. There are over 15 heritage sites listed in the country which encompasses of monasteries, rock sites, universities, and historic monuments. All these together make this European nation a favorite of travelers from all across the globe. Also, the culture and heritage of the nation stems from the historical events and are an unmissable sight from all aspects.