Where: Asgabat, Turkmenistan

Erected: 1995

Turkmenistan first post-Soviet ruler, Saparmurat Niyazov was rather fond of himself. He slapped his face on the currency, named schools and airports after himself and even lent his name to a passing meteorite. He didn't like opera, ballet or dogs, so he banned them. When he gave up smoking, he forced the whole country to follow suit.

Niyazov declared himself president for life - a post that lasted until his death at the end of 2006. Most outrageous of all his personal monuments is the Neutrality Arch. It was built to recognise the UN's recognition of Turkmenistan's "permanent neutrality" in 1995.

And on top is a 12ft golden statue of Niyazov, arms outstretched, which revolves throughout the day so that it always faces the sun.