The Brazilian city of Rio has been added to the UNESCO list

Saint Petersburg - The landscape of the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro and four coal mines in the Walloon part of Belgium have been newly added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The UNESCO committee made this decision at its meeting in Saint Petersburg today.
The second largest city in Brazil derives its unmistakable charm from its setting in the rugged, hilly region along the Atlantic Ocean coast. The picturesque landscape, which partially retains its original rainforest character, has been included on the prestigious list under the designation Paisagem Cariocas.
The UNESCO committee cited the most famous postcard-worthy landmarks of Rio such as Sugarloaf Mountain, the peak of Corcovado with the famous statue of Christ, Copacabana beach, and Guanabara Bay as reasons for its decision.
Rio de Janeiro was the capital of Brazil until 1960. Now it is home to more than six million residents. The city will host the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the Summer Olympic Games two years later.
The World Heritage List now also includes four southern Belgian mines: Grand-Hornu, Bois-du-Luc, Bois du Cazier, and Blegny-Mine. According to Belgian authorities, they represent the most well-preserved examples of the history of coal mining in Belgium from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century.
The UNESCO decision pleased Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo, who tweeted that it is "an acknowledgment of Wallonia's historical wealth and an amazing opportunity for tourism."
According to Walloon Minister of Culture Carlo Di Antonio, the four Belgian mines encompass all aspects of coal mining and serve as exemplary testament to the industrial revolution on the European continent.
UNESCO also added the French coal basin in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region to the World Heritage List on Saturday.
This week, UNESCO registered, for example, the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Palestine, the Portuguese city of Elvas, and the Margravial Opera House in Bayreuth, Bavaria, on its list.