Protecting natural land through national parks is a policy nearly every country practices to some degree, but the countries with the most national parks stand out either for sheer number of protected areas or the scale of land they cover.
Countries with the Most National Parks
- United States — 63 national parks under the National Park Service, from Yellowstone (the world’s first national park, established in 1872) to Yosemite and the Grand Canyon
- United Kingdom — 15 national parks across England, Wales, and Scotland, covering a substantial share of protected countryside
- Australia — hundreds of national parks when state and territory parks are counted, covering a large share of the world’s sixth-largest country by area
- South Africa — home to Kruger National Park, one of the largest and most visited game reserves in the world
- Canada, Brazil, and India also maintain extensive national park systems protecting huge areas of wilderness
See area figures for these countries on our Rankings page.
Yellowstone and the Birth of the National Park Idea
The modern concept of a national park — land permanently protected by national government specifically for conservation and public enjoyment — began with the creation of Yellowstone National Park in the United States in 1872. The idea spread globally over the following century, and today virtually every country maintains some form of protected natural area, even if not all use the specific “national park” designation.
National Parks and Tourism
National parks are often significant economic drivers through tourism, particularly in countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania, where wildlife parks anchor a major share of national tourism revenue, alongside their core conservation purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the first national park in the world?
Yellowstone National Park, established in the United States in 1872, is widely recognized as the first national park in the world.
How many national parks does the US have?
The United States has 63 official national parks managed by the National Park Service, in addition to many other types of protected federal land.
Which country has the most protected land overall?
Depending on the measure used, countries like Australia, Brazil, and the United States rank among the highest for total land area under some form of official environmental protection.
Compare land area for any of these countries using our Compare tool.
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