A journey through the world’s most iconic shopping streets
In a world facing rapid urbanization and climate change, preserving natural ecosystems has never been more important. National parks play a crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity, protecting endangered species, and maintaining ecological balance. From dense tropical forests to arid deserts and icy mountain ranges, these protected spaces serve as sanctuaries for wildlife and for people to reconnect with nature.
Many countries around the world have stepped up their conservation efforts, dedicating large swaths of land to national parks and reserves. These efforts not only preserve precious habitats but also celebrate the beauty and diversity of our planet. In this list, we highlight the countries that are leading the way in conservation by establishing and maintaining the highest number of national parks globally. Intrigued? Click on to find out!
Finland has some of the most stunning national parks in the world. And, if you visit them at the peak of the summer season, you might have the unique experience of 24 hours of sunlight. There are several hiking trails, camping sites, lakes, and grasslands within the national parks that allow you to immerse yourself in the pristine arctic wilderness.
Some of the popular national parks include Nuuksio National Park, Pyhä-Luosto National Park, Oulanka National Park, Urho Kekkonen National Park, and others. The total number of parks is 41.
Venezuela is home to incredible biodiversity and myriad flora and fauna. One can find rainforests, caves, savannahs, and flat-topped mountains called tepuis. The most famous national park in the country, the Canaima National Park, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It harbors the world’s tallest waterfall, the legendary Angel Falls, and 115 tepuis.
The Henri Pittier National Park, established in 1937, is the oldest in the country, with 500 bird species and cloud forests at higher altitudes. A must-visit is the Cueva del Guácharo National Park, with an intricate and elaborate underground cave system stretching for 6 miles (9.6 kilometers), and a natural habitat for the nocturnal oilbird. Venezuela has 43 national parks in all.
National parks in Chile cover 20% of the country’s landmass. And each one is starkly different from the other. Torres del Paine is immensely popular with its gorgeous turquoise lakes, pristine glaciers, and towering granite spires. Located in the Patagonia region of southern Chile, it is a well-known spot among trekkers.
Rapa Nui National Park on Easter Island, about 2,200 miles (3,450 kilometers) from Chile, is popular for its mysterious Moai statues. Pan de Azúcar National Park, Parque Nacional Lauca, and Parque Nacional Patagonia are very popular among nature enthusiasts. The total number of national parks in Chile is 46.
The Great White North has several picturesque national parks with their captivating landscape. Be it the lush grassy dunes and the red sand beaches of Prince Edward Island, the mesmerizing bay with the world’s highest tides at the Fundy National Park, or the surreal rainforest coastline of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, there’s a lot to discover.
Canada has several iconic national parks, with Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, and Waterton Lakes National Park topping the list. These scenic destinations are celebrated for their breathtaking landscapes, ecological diversity, and the wide range of outdoor adventures they offer. Home to 48 stunning national parks, Canada embraces nature at its most wild and beautiful.
Norway’s scenic tundra has several exquisite fjords, glaciers, and snowy peaks, making its national parks some of the most unique in the world. Some of the most popular wildlife spots are in the Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, which serves as a natural habitat for arctic foxes, reindeer, wolverines, lynxes, and wild musk oxen, among others.
Jotunheimen National Park, Rondane National Park, Folgefonna National Park, and Femundsmarka National Park are some must-visit destinations. With a total of 48 national parks, Norway’s incredible beauty makes it a dream destination for eco-tourists and adventurers.
Indonesia is an archipelago consisting of an estimated 18,000 islands with unique plants, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and marine life. One can find exotic wildlife species such as orangutans, Sumatran tigers, Komodo dragons, pythons, rhinos, elephants, and more.
Some of the famous national parks include Komodo National Park, Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting, Kerinci Seblat National Park, and West Bali National Park. Spread across varied terrains, Indonesia’s 57 national parks safeguard some of the most unique ecosystems in the world.
The country has one of the most diverse landscapes, which includes the Andes mountains, the Caribbean coastline, and lush green tropical forests. Decades of effort to conserve the natural beauty of the region have paid off, with national parks and protected reserves covering 77,220 square miles (roughly 200,000 square kilometers).
Columbia’s national parks shelter an astonishing array of wildlife species such as tapirs, deer, spectacled bears, jaguars, ocelots, numerous monkey species, and others. Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, Los Nevados National Park, Parque Nacional Natural Chingaza, and El Tuparro National Park are some of the places to spot them. The country boasts 59 national parks, underscoring its global standing as a center of biodiversity.
America’s national parks are every tourist's dream. The nation has many historic sites, monuments, canyons, volcanoes, seashores, geysers, rivers, and more. They also include hiking trails, recreational spots, camping areas, museums, and galleries.
Yellowstone National Park, Yosemite National Park, Zion National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are a few of the many places that offer stunning vistas and unforgettable experiences. Spread across varied terrains, the United States’ 63 national parks safeguard some of the most unique ecosystems in the world. Adventure meets ecology in the United States’ 63 national parks, where biodiversity thrives across every type of terrain.
Being the largest country in the world by land area, Russia has huge expanses of land that have been converted into national parks. They are home to a diverse array of wildlife species, such as moose, brown bears, wolves, foxes, Siberian tigers, Persian leopards, and many birds and marine animals.
Many regions have spectacular geographical marvels such as mineral springs, extensive cave systems, snowy mountains, and picturesque coastlines, among others. Losiny Ostrov National Park, Kenozyorsky National Park, Vodlozersky National Park, and Sochi National Park are some of the most popular ones. Russia has 64 national parks covering an area of 60,105 square miles (155,672 square kilometers).
Brazil is an ecological paradise with immense biological diversity. It has breathtaking natural contrasts, home to the Amazon Rainforest, Pantanal wetlands, dramatic Atlantic coastlines, and the rugged highlands of Chapada Diamantina. Years of environmental conservation and preservation efforts have led to the protection of vast tracts of land, with national parks and reserves.
The country’s national parks are sanctuaries for an extraordinary range of biodiversity, hosting species like giant anteaters, capybaras, jaguars, howler monkeys, toucans, macaws, and river dolphins. Adventurers and nature lovers can experience this richness in Chapada Diamantina National Park, Iguaçu National Park, Serra da Capivara National Park, and Jaú National Park. In total, Brazil has 73 national parks, each contributing to the nation’s status as one of the most ecologically diverse and environmentally significant countries on Earth.
Israel boasts an impressive range of natural landscapes. Some of the ecological wonders include the lush green hills of the Galilee and the stark beauty of the Negev Desert, the Mediterranean coastline, and the saline expanse of the Dead Sea. Over the decades, Israel has made significant efforts to protect its natural treasures, resulting in a network of national parks and nature reserves that span more than 1,000 square miles (over 2,500 square kilometers).
These parks offer a glimpse into the region’s unique biodiversity and rich ecological heritage, providing a haven for animals such as ibexes, gazelles, jackals, and hundreds of bird species that migrate through the country. Some of the most visited sites include Beit She'an National Park, Masada National Park, Gan HaShlosha National Park, Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, Mount Carmel National Park, and the Hula Valley Reserve. In all, Israel has 81 national parks and 400 sites deemed nature reserves.
India is a land of remarkable contrasts with snow-capped mountains, arid deserts, lush forests, and tropical coastlines that coexist within its vast borders. The national parks in such a varied landscape are naturally home to a staggering array of wildlife, including iconic species such as Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, Indian elephants, leopards, and rhinoceroses.
Jim Corbett National Park, Ranthambhore National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Kanha Tiger Reserve, and Sundarbans are quite popular. With one of the most biologically rich ecosystems on the planet, India’s 106 national parks and reserves offer a spectacular vista of its incredible biodiversity.
Thailand’s landscape is a delightful combination of misty mountains in the north, lush rainforests in the south, and serene coastal ecosystems lining the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand. The national parks serve as a habitat for a diverse range of species, from elephants, tigers, and gibbons to hornbills, sun bears, and exotic amphibians.
Popular spots like Khao Sok National Park, Khao Yai National Park, Kaeng Krachan National Park, Erawan National Park, and Doi Inthanon create an unforgettable experience with waterfalls, caves, limestone cliffs, and dense jungle. The widespread appeal of Thailand’s 156 national parks reflects its rich natural heritage.
Australia’s wild terrain is legendary. The Land Down Under is known for its sun-scorched outback, rainforests, alpine ranges, and radiant coral reefs. Its biodiversity is as unique and distinct as its geography. It is home to species found nowhere else on Earth, such as kangaroos, koalas, wombats, platypuses, kookaburras, and echidnas, to name a few.
Australia has the most national parks in the world, about 726, covering an area of 13.5 million square miles (roughly 35 million square kilometers). Kakadu National Park, Freycinet National Park, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and Cape Le Grand National Park are some of the iconic national parks with breathtaking views and landscapes.
Sources: (World Population Review) (Daily Passport) (NationMaster.com) (WORLDOSTATS)
Countries that have the most national parks
These nations are leading the charge in protecting our precious ecosystems
TRAVEL Nature
In a world facing rapid urbanization and climate change, preserving natural ecosystems has never been more important. National parks play a crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity, protecting endangered species, and maintaining ecological balance. From dense tropical forests to arid deserts and icy mountain ranges, these protected spaces serve as sanctuaries for wildlife and for people to reconnect with nature.
Many countries around the world have stepped up their conservation efforts, dedicating large swaths of land to national parks and reserves. These efforts not only preserve precious habitats but also celebrate the beauty and diversity of our planet.
In this gallery, you'll explore the countries that are leading the way in conservation by establishing and maintaining the highest number of national parks globally. Intrigued? Click on to reveal them.