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World Heritage sites are any cultural or natural areas or objects located worldwide designated as having "outstanding universal value." Because of their value, (1) ___________ have been placed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) World Heritage List (2) ___________.

The foundation of a World Heritage List was decided upon in an international treaty called the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, (3) ___________. The Convention provides a framework outlining international cooperation for preserving and protecting cultural (4) ___________ and natural areas worldwide. Almost all the countries in the world have signed the Convention and agreed to (5) ___________ its guidelines.

There are nearly 1,000 sites listed on the World Heritage List. Nominations are accepted from member countries that wish to protect valuable sites within their territory. Once a site is designated a World Heritage site, tourism often spikes, which boosts local economies. (6) ___________, UNESCO funds numerous efforts to preserve and restore sites in developing countries. Sites subject to unusual levels of pollution, natural hazards, or other problems may be placed on the associated List of World Heritage in Danger until (7) ___________ are made.

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More than 100 million people around the world voted to declare the New Seven Wonders of the World. The following list of seven winners is presented without ranking, and aims to represent the vast expanse of our global heritage.

Great Wall of China (China)

Constructed from the 5th century B.C. to the 16th century, the Great Wall of China is a fortification made of stone and earth. It was built to defend the borders of the Chinese Empire from Mongol invasions. The Great Wall consists of several walls that stretch around 4,000 miles in total, earning it the title of the world's longest manmade structure.

Christ the Redeemer Statue (Rio de Janeiro)

The Christ the Redeemer statue, designed in the Art Deco style, has stood tall on Corcovado mountain, blessing Brazilians with a sense of wonder since 1931. The statue, made of reinforced concrete and soapstone and reaching a height of 130 feet, was created by Heitor da Silva Costa and required around $250,000 for its construction, with much of the funds coming from donations. This iconic statue has become a well-known symbol for both Rio and Brazil.

Machu Picchu (Peru)

Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan city made of shining granite, situated carefully between two tall Andean peaks. Scholars believe it was a sacred archaeological center for the nearby Incan capital, Cusco. Constructed during the height of the Incan Empire in the mid-1400s, this mountain fortress was left by the Incas. The location stayed undiscovered, known only to locals, until 1911, when archaeologist Hiram Bingham found it again. You can reach the site on foot, by train, or by helicopter. Most tourists choose the train from nearby Cusco for their visit.

Chichen Itza (Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico)

The genius and adaptability of Mayan culture can be seen in the magnificent ruins of Chichen Itza. This powerful city, a trading center for cloth, slaves, honey, and salt, flourished from approximately 800 to 1200 and acted as the political and economic hub of the Mayan civilization. El Caracol is the most familiar ruin at the site, a sophisticated astronomical observatory.

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The Roman Colosseum (Rome)

Rome's, if not Italy's, most enduring symbol is undoubtedly the Colosseum. Constructed between A.D. 70 and 80, it was actively used for about 500 years. The oval-shaped building accommodated almost 50,000 spectators who came to witness gladiatorial contests and other public events, such as battle reenactments, animal hunts, and executions. Due to earthquakes and stone theft, the Colosseum is now partially in ruins, but some sections are accessible to tourists. Its design continues to influence the construction of modern amphitheaters, even after two millennia.

Taj Mahal (Agra, India)

The Taj Mahal, created as a mausoleum for the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, was constructed from 1632 to 1648. Recognized as the finest example of Muslim art in India, the white marble building incorporates various architectural styles, including Persian, Islamic, Turkish, and Indian influences. Additionally, the Taj Mahal includes well-arranged gardens with elevated pathways, sunken flower beds, and a straight reflecting pool.

Petra (Jordan)

Recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1985, Petra served as the capital of King Aretas IV's Nabataean empire and probably thrived from 9 B.C. to A.D. 40. The people of this civilization were skilled at using water technology early on, building complex tunnels and water chambers that made a kind of fake oasis. The site gained fame for its impressive stone-carved structures, a large theater with 4,000 seats, and the El-Deir monastery.

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1. Whether an American backpacker or a wealthy traveler, Danish, British, French, we all saw that sunset over Uluru, or Ayer Rock, in what seems to be the prescribed tourist manner: mouth full of corn chips, glass full of Château Somewhere, and a loved one posing in a photo's foreground, as the all-time No 1 Australian icon behind us glowed briefly red.

2. Back on the bus, our guide called the sunset 'pretty good,' though not the best she'd seen in six years. Adam from Manchester returned his earphones, saying, 'Well, that's enough of that rock.' Tired from waking up early to see Uluru at dawn, I felt bored and questioned the significance of the rock's sunset. Well, I suppose I should remember it always.

3. So now I've visited four of the "25 Wonders of the World", as decreed by Rough Guides. And I think this will be the last. While in my heart, I can see myself wandering enchanted through China's Forbidden City, in my head, I know I would be standing grumpily at the back of a group listening to some Imperial Palace Tour Guide. At the Grand Canyon, I would get angry with tourists watching it through cameras, eyes are not good enough since they lack a recording facility.

4. As we get richer, and things we buy lose charm fast, travel becomes our choice for lasting experiences. These make our lives unique, distinguish us from those who stay home, and bring happiness and meaning. Bestselling books like "1,000 Places to See Before You Die" reflect this trend. I'd bet many backpacks on the Machu Picchu Inca Trail are filled with copies, with little tikes penciled in the margins after each must-see sight has been visited.

5. In Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef reproached us. How could we travel 15,000 miles without seeing it? How would we explain back home that we were too lazy and preferred to stay playing a ball game in our hotel pool? Ultimately, we went to the reef, and it was fine. But it won't rank highly in the things I'll never forever remember.