Only about 30 such obelisks are still in existence worldwide; figures vary between sources with different definitions of extant Egyptian obelisks.

That’s an excellent question, but it’s impossible to give a precise, definitive number. The total count of obelisks worldwide is in the thousands, if not tens of thousands.

The reason for the uncertainty is the definition of an “obelisk” and the sheer number of modern monuments.

Here’s a breakdown of the categories and some known numbers:

1. Ancient Egyptian Obelisks

These are the original, monolithic stone pillars carved from a single block of granite. They are the rarest and most historically significant. Still standing in Egypt: Approximately 30. Known to exist worldwide: Around 29 ancient Egyptian obelisks are known to have been transported or re-erected outside of Egypt. Rome, Italy: Has 13 ancient Egyptian obelisks (more than any other city, including Egypt itself). Other locations: Famous examples include Cleopatra’s Needles in London and New York, the Luxor Obelisk in Paris, and others in Istanbul, Wimborne (England), and Urbino (Italy).

2. Modern & Contemporary Obelisks (19th Century - Present)

This is where the number explodes. The obelisk form became a popular motif for monuments, memorials, and gravestones. War Memorials: Nearly every town in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand has a war memorial, and a very high percentage of them are in the form of an obelisk. This alone accounts for thousands. Washington Monument, USA: The world’s tallest stone obelisk and