A controversial list was unveiled at the weekend detailing the new Seven Wonders of the World, following a comprehensive online poll of some 100 million people.

Launched on the seventh day of the seventh month in 2007, the new list was designed to reflect the true nature of the modern world. Of the ancient seven wonders, only the Pyramids of Giza are still standing and the new list aims to acknowledge the changes that have taken place in the last 2,000 years.

In no particular order, the list includes the Great Wall of China, Petra in Jordan, Brazil's statue of Christ the Redeemer, Peru's Machu Picchu, Mexico's Mayan ruins, Rome's Colosseum and the Taj Mahal in India.

The Statue of Liberty, Stonehenge, Sydney Opera House and the Eiffel Tower were among the other short-listed candidates, but global voters ultimately decided that the seven listed above were the most deserving of a place.

The Pyramids of Giza were controversially left out, which will doubtlessly irritate tourism officials in Egypt. Voters had a chance to choose the pyramids in their list, but it seems they were more taken by the likes of the Colosseum and the Mayan ruins.

Actress Hilary Swank was present in Portugal to add a little glitz and glamour to the unveiling of the new list and she was keen to draw attention to the democratic nature of the online poll.

"Never before in history have so many people participated in a global decision," she enthused.

The original list included the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Colossus of Rhodes and the ancient lighthouse outside Alexandria. Historians suggest that it was compiled by a single man in Greece, who picked the seven based on his travels.

While there has been a degree of support for the democratised version, many are critical about the way the entire project has been carried out.

The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), for example, believes that the list is unnecessarily restrictive, given the sheer number of exceptional constructions around the world.

But others are supportive of the fact that New 7 Wonders will use half of its revenues to fund a number of restoration projects. Work is likely to get underway on a recreation of Afghanistan's Bamiyan Buddha statue before long.

© Adfero Ltd

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