Statue of Unity, India

The world’s tallest statue is located in Gujarat, India. It honors Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Iron Man of India, who was one of the most prominent leaders of the Indian independence movement. The Statue of Unity was opened in 2018 when the country celebrated the 143rd anniversary of Sardar Patel's birth. Together with the lotus pedestal, the height of the statue totals 240 m. Inside the monument, there are 5 levels and in the middle on the third floor, there is an observation deck. Notably, the monument can withstand a hurricane up to 200 km/h, as well as an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 points.

Laykyun Sekkya Buddha, Myanmar

Before the completion of the Statue of Unity, the Buddha monument built in Myanmar topped the ranking of the tallest statues in the world. For 10 years, this monument has been the tallest one in the world. Nowadays it ranks second. The structure is 116 meters high and the pedestal is 13.4 meters. At its foot lies the largest reclining Buddha statue in the world. Its height reaches almost 90 m. It hides a temple inside. Besides, the monument has a rather complex internal structure. It has 27 floors with a museum of religion.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Indonesia

Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue is a 122-meter tall statue located in Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, Indonesia. It occupies the third line of the rating. Curiously enough, it took twenty-eight years and around $30 billion to build the statue. Construction began in 1990 but a couple of years later the construction was frozen due to the financial crisis in the country. The work started again only in 2013. The colossal statue was assembled from 800 brass and copper slabs, which are supported by 21,000 steel rods. Hence, the statue itself is made of 3,000 tons of copper and bronze slabsThe god Vishnu is depicted flying on the bird Garuda, whose wings extend for more than 60 m.

Motherland Monument, Ukraine

This year, the Motherland Monument celebrates its 40th anniversary. In the Soviet Union, this was the first experience of building such a majestic and tall monument. The monument is located in Kyiv, Ukraine. The monument consists of a 40-meter pedestal and a 62-meter figure of a woman holding a sword and shield. Previously, visitors could climb to 2 observation decks located at 32 m and 96 m. However, after a tragic incident in 2003, access was restricted. Since 2009, the monument has been under restoration. Now there is a heated debate about the possible replacement of the USSR coat of arms with a Ukrainian one.

Sendai Daikannon, Japan

The Daikannon statue in Sendai is currently the fifth tallest statue in the world. It represents the gem-bearing Nyoirin Kannon, a Japanese rendition of the Buddhist bodhisattva associated with compassion. Many monuments have been built in her honor in the East, but the monument in Sendai is considered the largest. At 328 feet (100 m) tall, it is constructed on a hill to the north of the city center and it can be seen from any part of the city. Visitors can get inside the monument through the entrance made in the form of a dragon's mouth. On the 12th (topmost) floor of the monument, there is a temple. Notably, tourists can get to it by elevator but the road back will have to be done on foot.

Guishan Guanyin, China

Like Kannon, Guanyin is the goddess of mercy and considered to be the physical embodiment of compassion. For this reason, it is always depicted with outstretched arms. According to legend, it helps everyone in need. The Chinese statue of the goddess, contrasted with the help of gilded copper, has 40 hands. However, people call this monument the Guishan Guanyin of the Thousand Hands as in the Chinese legends the goddess had a thousand hands. The omnipotent status of the patroness of people in need highlights the majestic height of the monument which comes in at 92 m.

Motherland calls, Russia

The reinforced concrete monument, which is a symbol of victory in World War II, has been constructed for 8 years. It was opened in 1967. At that time, the 85-meter sculpture depicting a woman with a raised sword became the tallest in the world. For twenty years, the Motherland Calls sculpture was the tallest in the world. It is situated in Volgograd, Russia. This impressive monument is located in the most emblematic part of the city, at the Mamayev Kurgan. However, its smaller copy can also be seen in Manchuria, China. The monument was built there in memory that the Soviet army liberated the country from the Japanese invaders.