As we embark on this journey to explore the 7 natural wonders of the world, we are reminded of the awe-inspiring beauty and diversity of our planet. From the majestic mountains to the vast oceans, each of these natural wonders has captivated human imagination for centuries.
What are the 7 Natural Wonders of the World?
In November 2011, a organization called NOWC (New7Wonders) conducted a worldwide poll to choose the new 7 natural wonders of the world. After much discussion and debate, the list was finalized, and the following seven natural wonders were chosen:
Baia of Ha Long – Vietnam
The majestic Ha Long Bay in Vietnam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. With over 3,000 calcareous islands, karst caves, and lush vegetation, this bay is a treasure trove of natural beauty.
Island of Komodo – Indonesia
Located in the Flores Sea, the Island of Komodo is home to the largest living lizards in the world, the Komodo varans. This enchanting island boasts hills high above sea level, giant palms, and an equatorial forest that’s rich in biodiversity.
The Table Mountain – South Africa
Dominating the city of Città del Capo in South Africa is the iconic Table Mountain, a flat summit shaped by over six million years of erosion. This natural wonder is home to over 1,500 species of Mediterranean plants and trees, as well as small rodents-like animals that frequent its areas.
Amazon Rainforest – Amazon
The Amazon Rainforest is the largest tropical forest in the world, covering an area of nearly 4,500 km quadrated across nine countries in South America. This lush environment is home to the Amazon River, the world’s largest river by volume, and boasts a vast and unique biodiversity.
Volcanic Island of Jeju and lava tunnels – South Korea
Located in the sea bordering South Korea is the Volcanic Island of Jeju, a volcanic wonder that attracts thousands of tourists every year. With over 300 extinct volcanoes, this island features tunnels made of lava that present themselves today as real caves.
Iguazú Falls – Argentina/Brasil
Located at the border between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazú Falls is a beautiful system of approximately 275 falls with heights ranging from 70 meters. This U-shaped gorge called “Garganta del Diablo” is 150 meters deep and 700 long, making it one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world.
Parco nazionale del fiume sotterraneo Puerto-Princesa – Philippines
This park in the Philippines features a very particular carst environment with an underground navigable river for about 5 km of its length. The watercourse empties into the South China Sea, passing through a system of karst caves rich in stalactites and stalagmites.
Other Finalists
While these seven natural wonders have been chosen as the new 7 Wonders of the World, there were many other finalists who didn’t make it to the top. Some of these include:
- Kilimangiaro, Tanzania
- Baia di Fundy, Canada
- El Yunque, Porto Rico
- Galapagos, Ecuador
- Grand Canyon, United States
- Salto Angel, Venezuela
- Grotta di Jeita, Lebanon
- Islands of the Maldive, Maldives
- Iles de Bu Tinah, United Arab Emirates
- Dead Sea, Israel and Jordan
- Sundarbans, Bangladesh and India
- Volcanoes of Lodo, Azerbaijan
- Yushan, Taiwan
- Forest Black Forest, Germany
- Terra dei laghi della Masuria, Poland
- Monte Cervino, Switzerland and Italy
- Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
- Vesuvio, Italy
- Milford in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
- Great Barrier Reef, Australia and Papua New Guinea
- Uluru, Australia
Conclusion
As we conclude our journey to explore the 7 natural wonders of the world, we are reminded of the awe-inspiring beauty and diversity of our planet. Each of these natural wonders has captivated human imagination for centuries, and they continue to inspire us today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Amazon Rainforest?
The Amazon Rainforest is the largest tropical forest in the world, covering an area of nearly 4,500 km quadrated across nine countries in South America. - Why was Ha Long Bay chosen as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World?
Ha Long Bay was chosen for its unique geological features and rich biodiversity, making it a treasure trove of natural beauty. - What is the Iguazú Falls?
Iguazú Falls is a beautiful system of approximately 275 falls with heights ranging from 70 meters, located at the border between Argentina and Brazil. - How did the Volcanic Island of Jeju form?
The Volcanic Island of Jeju formed as a result of volcanic activity over millions of years, resulting in tunnels made of lava that present themselves today as real caves. - Why was the Grand Canyon chosen for the final list?
The Grand Canyon was chosen due to its unique geological features and vast biodiversity, making it one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. - What is the Parco nazionale del fiume sotterraneo Puerto-Princesa?
This park in the Philippines features a very particular carst environment with an underground navigable river for about 5 km of its length, passing through a system of karst caves rich in stalactites and stalagmites. -
How was the list of 7 Natural Wonders of the World chosen?
The list was chosen by a worldwide poll conducted by the organization NOWC (New7Wonders) in November 2011. -
What is the Dead Sea?
The Dead Sea is a saltwater lake located between Israel and Jordan, known for its unique geological features and high salt concentration. -
Why was Mount Kilimangiaro not chosen as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World?
Mount Kilimangiaro was not chosen due to lack of international recognition and limited accessibility, despite being a majestic mountain in Tanzania. -
What is the Great Barrier Reef?
The Great Barrier Reef is a coral reef system located off the coast of Australia, known for its vibrant coral and diverse marine life. -
Why was Uluru (Ayers Rock) chosen as one of the finalists?
Uluru was chosen due to its unique geological features and cultural significance to the indigenous Anangu people. -
What is the Terra dei laghi della Masuria?
This park in Poland features a unique landscape with numerous lakes, including Lake Dąbrowa and Lake Wielkopolskie. -
Why was Monte Cervino not chosen as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World?
Monte Cervino was not chosen due to lack of international recognition and limited accessibility, despite being a majestic mountain in Switzerland and Italy. -
What is the Cliffs of Moher?
The Cliffs of Moher are a stunning natural wonder located on the west coast of Ireland, known for their rugged beauty and unique geological features. -
Why was Vesuvio not chosen as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World?
Vesuvio was not chosen due to lack of international recognition and limited accessibility, despite being a majestic volcano in Italy. -
What is Milford in Fiordland National Park?
This national park in New Zealand features stunning fjords, waterfalls, and mountains, making it one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. -
Why was the Great Barrier Reef chosen for the final list?
The Great Barrier Reef was chosen due to its unique geological features, vibrant coral, and diverse marine life, making it one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. -
What is the Sundarbans?
The Sundarbans is a vast mangrove forest located along the border between Bangladesh and India, known for its unique ecosystem and diverse wildlife. -
Why was Lodo Volcanoes not chosen as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World?
Lodo Volcanoes were not chosen due to lack of international recognition and limited accessibility, despite being a unique geological feature in Azerbaijan. -
What is Yushan?
Yushan is a mountain located in Taiwan, known for its unique geological features and cultural significance to the indigenous people of the region. -
Why was the Forest Black Forest not chosen as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World?
The Forest Black Forest was not chosen due to lack of international recognition and limited accessibility, despite being a beautiful natural wonder in Germany. -
What is Terra dei laghi della Masuria?
Terra dei laghi della Masuria is a park in Poland featuring a unique landscape with numerous lakes, including Lake Dąbrowa and Lake Wielkopolskie. -
Why was Monte Cervino not chosen as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World?
Monte Cervino was not chosen due to lack of international recognition and limited accessibility, despite being a majestic mountain in Switzerland and Italy. -
What is the Cliffs of Moher?
The Cliffs of Moher are a stunning natural wonder located on the west coast of Ireland, known for their rugged beauty and unique geological features. -
Why was Vesuvio not chosen as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World?
Vesuvio was not chosen due to lack of international recognition and limited accessibility, despite being a majestic volcano in Italy. -
What is Milford in Fiordland National Park?
This national park in New Zealand features stunning fjords, waterfalls, and mountains, making it one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. -
Why was the Great Barrier Reef chosen for the final list?
The Great Barrier Reef was chosen due to its unique geological features, vibrant coral, and diverse marine life, making it one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. -
What is the Sundarbans?
The Sundarbans is a vast mangrove forest located along the border between Bangladesh and India, known for its unique ecosystem and diverse wildlife. -
Why was Lodo Volcanoes not chosen as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World?
Lodo Volcanoes were not chosen due to lack of international recognition and limited accessibility, despite being a unique geological feature in Azerbaijan. -
What is Yushan?
Yushan is a mountain located in Taiwan, known for its unique geological features and cultural significance to the indigenous people of the region.
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Additional Facts
- The Amazon Rainforest is home to over 40,000 plant species.
- Ha Long Bay is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, with over 2,000 species of fish and many other types of plants and animals.
- Iguazú Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world by volume.
- The Volcanic Island of Jeju is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique geological features.
- The Parco nazionale del fiume sotterraneo Puerto-Princesa is home to many rare and endangered species.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 7 Natural Wonders of the World are truly awe-inspiring sights that inspire wonder and curiosity in people from all over the world. Each one has its own unique features and characteristics that make it a special place on our planet. We hope that by learning more about these natural wonders, we can appreciate their beauty and importance even more.
