New 7 Wonders of Nature selected

Ha Long Bay, the Amazon and Table Mountain are among the newly named 7 Wonders of Nature

12 November, 2011

The Amazon, South America

Covering more than 566,000 hectares, the Amazon Basin is spread over nine countries. The Amazon River has a greater water flow than the next top 10 rivers combined. No bridges span the Amazon River.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

In Vietnam's Gulf of Tonkin, Ha Long Bay is dotted with more than 1,600 islands and limestone islets.

Steep rocks and thick jungle have helped the islands avoid human impact -- many contain mysterious grottoes and caves, the result of 500 million years of formation and erosion.

Iguazú Falls, Brazil/Argentina

The Iguazú River drops up to 82 meters over a 2.7 kilometer-wide ledge of the Paraná Plateau. The waterfalls are accessible from Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.

The 80-meter Devil's Throat falls sit astride the border of Argentina and Brazil. Coral trees, butterflies, toucans and hummingbirds are features of the area.

Jeju Island, South Korea

Created from volcanic eruptions two million years ago, South Korea's Jeju Island is a goldmine for nature and history buffs. It's best known for mysterious caves, lava tunnels, beaches, temples, waterfalls and more than 20 national parks.

Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Komodo National Park was founded to protect the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon, a possible cousin of dinosaurs. The island's dry savannah climate is punctuated by pristine, white sand beaches.

Land fauna is sparse, but even a shallow snorkel swim offshore reveals bountiful sponges, corals, crustaceans, reptiles and marine mammals.

Table Mountain, South Africa

South Africa’s Table Mountain is an icon in Cape Town, a magnificent backdrop for the city, with ocean spread in front.

The flat-topped mountain, formed by six million years of erosion, is home to one of the world’s most diverse floral kingdoms, with nearly 1,500 species of flower.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, Philippines

Beginning in a crystal clear lagoon at the mouth of a limestone karst cave on the Philippine island of Palawan, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is the world's largest underground river.

The 8.2-kilometer-long river flows through a cave before escaping into the South China Sea.

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The results of a poll to determine the New 7 Wonders of Nature are in.

Launched in 2007, the New 7 Wonders of Nature campaign is meant to raise awareness of the world’s most beautiful natural sites.

Using such criteria as unique beauty, ecological significance and historical legacy, millions of voters took part in the selection.

Based at the Heidi-Weber-Museum in Zurich, Switzerland, the New 7 Wonders Foundation was founded by Swiss-born Canadian filmmaker and author, Bernard Weber.

Don't forget to check out our list of the world's 50 most spectacular natural wonders.

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Tags:

New 7 Wonders of Nature selected

The Amazon, South America

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Iguazú Falls, Brazil/Argentina

Jeju Island, South Korea

Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Table Mountain, South Africa

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, Philippines

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