The Tallest Statues of Each Country: A Global Tour of Gigantic Monuments

Across the world, countries have built towering statues to honor gods, historical leaders, national pride or spiritual traditions. These monuments don't just rise above landscapes. They become part of a nation's identity, drawing tourists, symbolizing beliefs, and showcasing engineering marvels.

If you’ve ever stood at the base of a statue so tall your neck strained to take it all in, you already know the kind of awe these creations can inspire. From Asia to Europe and Africa to the Americas, here's a look at the tallest statue each country has ever built.

India: Statue of Unity

Height: 182 meters (597 feet)

Location: Kevadiya, Gujarat

India is home to the world's tallest statue, the Statue of Unity. Built to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister of independent India, this monument is 182 meters tall. The site includes a museum, a viewing gallery at 153 meters, gardens and exhibition spaces. Positioned near the Sardar Sarovar Dam, the statue offers sweeping views of the Narmada River and surrounding hills.

China: Spring Temple Buddha

Height: 128 meters (420 feet)

Location: Henan Province

The Spring Temple Buddha held the record as the tallest statue in the world until India’s Statue of Unity surpassed it. Located in Henan, it depicts Vairocana Buddha and stands atop a massive lotus throne and layered base. The statue’s name comes from a nearby hot spring known for its therapeutic properties.

Myanmar: Laykyun Sekkya

Height: 115.8 meters (380 feet)

Location: Khatakan Taung, Sagaing Region

Myanmar’s tallest statue is the Laykyun Sekkya, a depiction of Gautama Buddha. Completed in 2008, it briefly held the world record before being overtaken by other projects. The statue stands next to a giant reclining Buddha and offers panoramic views of the countryside.

Japan: Ushiku Daibutsu

Height: 100 meters (330 feet)

Location: Ibaraki Prefecture

Ushiku Daibutsu in Japan is one of the tallest statues in the country and the world. It represents Amitābha Buddha and features a lotus base and pedestal that bring the total height to 120 meters. Inside, visitors can explore multiple floors that include a museum and observation deck.

Philippines: Mother of All Asia – Tower of Peace

Height: 98.15 meters (322 feet)

Location: Batangas City

This massive statue of the Virgin Mary is both a religious and cultural site. It contains chapels, mini theaters, restaurants, and even commercial and residential spaces. It also holds the title of the tallest statue of the Virgin Mary in the world.

Thailand: Great Buddha of Thailand

Height: 93 meters (305 feet)

Location: Ang Thong Province

Known as the Big Buddha, this statue sits within Wat Muang temple and is constructed from concrete painted in gold. It is one of Thailand's most recognizable religious monuments and a popular destination for both tourists and devotees.

Russia: The Motherland Calls

Height: 85 meters (279 feet)

Location: Volgograd

This dramatic sculpture represents a symbolic call to defend the motherland during World War II. It is the tallest statue in Europe and once held the record for the tallest in the world. Located on Mamayev Kurgan, the site is a memorial to those who died in the Battle of Stalingrad.

Indonesia: Garuda Wisnu Kencana

Height: 76 meters (249 feet)

Location: Bali

This statue shows Vishnu riding Garuda, a mythical bird. Built from copper and brass over a steel frame, it reaches 122 meters in total height including its pedestal. It is located in a cultural park in Bali and has become one of the most prominent icons in Indonesia.

Vietnam: Son Tay Buddha Statue

Height: 72 meters (236 feet)

Location: Khai Nguyen Pagoda

This towering Buddha statue in Son Tay, near Hanoi, sits on a lotus throne atop a multi-story complex that exhibits Buddhist art and iconography. The interior is designed to promote both worship and cultural education.

Taiwan: Great Standing Maitreya Buddha

Height: 56.7 meters (186 feet)

Location: Hsinchu County

Taiwan’s tallest statue is a standing representation of Maitreya Buddha. It is situated in a township known for its religious significance and hosts exhibitions inside its base.

Ukraine: Mother Ukraine

Height: 62 meters (203 feet)

Location: Kyiv

Mother Ukraine is a national monument commemorating the Soviet Union's involvement in World War II. It stands on a 40-meter pedestal, bringing its total height to 102 meters. The statue holds a sword and shield, representing strength and protection.

Senegal: African Renaissance Monument

Height: 52 meters (171 feet)

Location: Dakar

This bronze statue represents a man, woman, and child reaching toward the future. Positioned on a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, it was built to celebrate African independence and renewal. It is the tallest statue in Africa and a major tourist attraction.

Mexico: Guerrero Chimalli (Chīmalli Warrior)

Height: 50 meters (160 feet)

Location: Chimalhuacán

This warrior statue was completed in 2014 and stands as a symbol of indigenous Mexican heritage. Designed with a bold geometric aesthetic, it represents courage, strength, and cultural identity.

Countries with the Most Tall Statues

While the tallest statue is found in India, other countries have created multiple monumental figures. Here’s a quick summary:

China: 14 statues over 50 meters

Thailand: 10 statues

Japan: 9 statues

India: 5 statues

Philippines: 3 statues

Myanmar, Vietnam, Taiwan: 2 statues each

These countries often use statues to represent religious beliefs, historical figures, or national pride. Many of these monuments are located in places of worship, pilgrimage, or national remembrance.

Why Do Countries Keep Building Bigger Statues?

If you're wondering what drives this global trend of ever-taller statues, it's not only about size. These projects reflect cultural values, economic aspirations, and a desire to create lasting legacies.

For some countries, it's about honoring religious figures and inspiring faith. For others, it serves as a symbol of national strength or political ideology. And of course, large statues can significantly boost tourism, creating local jobs and international attention.

The competition to build taller statues also carries a subtle message. Nations are not only building landmarks. They are making statements to the world, declarations of identity, power and vision.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s the towering Buddha statues of Asia or national icons like the Statue of Unity, these massive structures offer more than just impressive dimensions. They represent values, stories and aspirations that stretch far beyond their foundations.

When you travel to any of these destinations, take a moment to stand beneath one of these giants. Look up. Feel the scale. And think about the centuries of culture, history and vision that brought each one into being.