The African country with the most pyramids in the world - not Egypt

When people think about pyramids, most automatically think of Egypt-Ancient Egypt, to be precise, as the massive structures were often built as tombs for pharaohs and their consorts.

Egypt is home to 118 pyramids, including the Giza pyramid complex, a national treasure recognised as one of the world's most important historical and cultural sites. The UNESCO World Heritage Site draws millions of visitors every year, making it a major tourist attraction. However, despite their global fame, the iconic monuments are outnumbered elsewhere, and another African country is home to the most pyramids in the world.

Sudan has the most pyramids in the world. The northeast African country is home to around 240 pyramids, according to World Population Review, built by the Kushite kingdoms.

The pyramids in Sudan are called the Nubain pyramids. They were constructed by the ancient rules in the region of the Nile Valley known as Nubia, which is presdent-day northern Sudan.

Similar to Egyptian pyramids, the Nubian structure where cruical parts of burial customs for royalty and other wealthy figures of the Kushite Kingdom, with the practice dating back to as early as the 7th cenutry BC.

Though the number of pyramids in Sudan is more than in Egypt, the Nubian pyramids were influenced by the designs and building techniques that were used in Egpyt during the New Kingdom period between the 16th and 11th century BC.

The pyramids were once a popular tourist destination for the few visitors that Sudan welcomed. However, with the ongoing conflict, the UNESCO-protected pyramids in Meore, around 124 miles north of Khartoum, have been left in ruins.

The civil war has made it particularly impossible for maintenance efforts to take place, leaving it vulnerable to further damage from natural causes and neglect.

Other pyramids can be found in Al-Kurru, Nuri and Jebel Barkal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to a field of well-preserved pyramids and temples.

Though few pyramids have managed to be preserved the series of battles Sudan faces including violence, political instability, and economic struggles has overshadowed the country's world record and rich history.