The new seven wonders were announced at a televised ceremony in Lisbon's Stadium of Light, attended by the British actor Sir Ben Kingsley and US actress Hillary Swank. Latin Americans can celebrate three winners: Brazil's statue of Christ Redeemer, Peru's Machu Picchu, and Mexico's Chichen Itza pyramid.

India's Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, Jordan's Petra and the colosseum in Rome are the other four chosen wonders.

A private Swiss foundation launched the notation in 1999. Almost 200 nominations were narrowed to a shortlist. The poll was taken during the last six years, but only became highly popular recently, when the website was inundated by tens of millions of votes.

The money raised by the New Seven Wonders organization will be used to recreate the giant statues of Buddha destroyed by the Taliban in Afghanistan. That's really good. I was so incredibly sad when the statues were destroyed.

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