The United States is not the only country with a national park system. Many countries have adopted similar practices to protect their animals, environment and natural resources. Indeed, there are a large number of national parks outside the United States. Some of those parks include:
Canaima National Park – Argentina
Canaima National Park, established in 1962, is the home of Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world. It is also one of the largest parks in the world. Roughly one third of the plants and birds living in the park are found nowhere else on the planet. The tabletop mountains of the park, including Mount Roraima, are some of the oldest geological structures on Earth, dating back approximately two billion years. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
BANFF – Canada
Canada’s first national park provides unparalleled mountain views in the Canadian Rockies. It’s 6500 square kilometers surround a resort town of the same name and contains a section of the Trans-Canada Highway. Banff is the highest town in Canada at an elevation of 4,540 feet. The park is one of the premier wildlife reserves in Canada, with grizzly bears, wolverines, elk and other animals calling it home. It also has the largest cave system in Canada, several national historic sites, and the highest permanent settlement in Canada (the Lake Louise hamlet). As a ski resort, it has one of the longest ski seasons in North America. The park is located 80 miles west of Calgary.
Berchtesgaden – Germany
Berchtesgaden is one of the oldest conservation areas in the Alps, located in Bavaria near the German border with Austria. The park contains Lake Konigssee, an emerald-green lake surrounded by steep walls of rock. It also is home to the Eagle’s Nest chalet used for government meetings by the Third Reich and presented to Adolf Hitler for his 50th birthday. Berchtesgaden was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1990.
Torres del Paine National Park – Chile
Torres del Paine National Park is one of the largest and most visited parks in Chile. It contains the (translated) Towers of Paine, three granite peaks of the Paine mountain range (Paine Massif), an eastern spur of the Andes Mountains. In 2016, National Geographic called the park one of the world’s most beautiful places.
Sagarmatha National Park – Nepal
Sagarmatha National Park is located in eastern Nepal and protects an area of the Himalayas including Mount Everest, the highest point on the Earth’s surface. With seven more high mountain peaks, deep valleys and glaciers inside the park, Sagarmatha is one of the most geologically interesting regions in the world. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Vatnajokull National Park – Iceland
Vatnajokull National Park is one of the largest national parks in Europe, covering 13% of Iceland. It protects the Vatna Glacier (translated), one of the largest ice caps (by area) in Europe. The combination of glaciers and volcanic activity in the area has created a diverse landscape. The park was established in 2008.
Jiuzhai Valley – People’s Republic of China
Jiuzhai Valley is a national park in the Min Shan mountain range in Southwest China. It is home to nine Tibetan villages, hundreds of birds, as well as endangered plants and animals including the giant panda and Sichuan golden monkey. The park contains Nuorilang Waterfall, which is the widest waterfall in Jiuzhaigou and one of the six most beautiful waterfalls in China.
Fuji-Hakone-Izu – Japan
Fuji-Hakone-Izu is a collection of protected locations ranging from the Izu Islands to Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan and one of Japan’s Three Holy Mountains . The park was originally established in 1936 and is the most visited national park in Japan due to its proximity to Tokyo. Camping, fishing, mountain climbing and scuba diving are popular activities in the park.
Canada National Parks
Canada is home to an impressive array of national parks, each offering unique landscapes and rich biodiversity. With 37 national parks and 11 national park reserves, Canada’s national parks cover approximately 343,377 square kilometers. These parks are managed by Parks Canada, a federal agency responsible for preserving and presenting Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.
Some of the most renowned national parks in Canada include:
Banff National Park: Located in the Rocky Mountains, Banff is Canada’s first national park and one of the most famous. It offers stunning mountain scenery, turquoise lakes, and a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and wildlife viewing.
Jasper National Park: Adjacent to Banff, Jasper is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including the Columbia Icefield and numerous hiking trails.
Gros Morne National Park: Situated in Newfoundland, Gros Morne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring dramatic fjords, mountains, and ancient rock formations.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve: Located on Vancouver Island, this park offers rugged coastal beauty, including beaches, rainforests, and the famous Long Beach.
Waterton Lakes National Park: Part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, this park features stunning lakes, mountains, and diverse wildlife.
Mexico National Parks
With 67 national parks managed by the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP), these protected areas cover approximately 1,432,024 hectares. Here are some highlights:
Notable National Parks in Mexico
Cabo Pulmo National Park: Located on the southeastern tip of the Baja California peninsula, this park protects the oldest coral reef in North America. It’s a haven for scuba divers and snorkelers, offering stunning coral gardens and a variety of marine life.
Basaseachic Falls National Park: Known for its breathtaking waterfall that plunges 246 meters, this park features beautiful forests, distinctive rock formations, and diverse fauna and flora. The panoramic views from the cliff tops are truly mesmerizing.
Isla Contoy National Park: This secluded island is lined with pristine palm-lined beaches and turquoise waters. It’s a paradise for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Bahía de Loreto National Park: Located in Baja California Sur, this park encompasses both land and marine areas. It’s famous for its warm waters, sandy beaches, and diverse ecosystems, including dolphins and sea lions.
Sumidero Canyon National Park: Situated in Chiapas, this park is known for its dramatic canyon carved by the Grijalva River. Visitors can enjoy boat tours through the canyon, hiking trails, and stunning views.
South America
Brazil’s national park system, managed by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio), encompasses a vast array of ecosystems, including the Amazon rainforest, Atlantic Forest, Pantanal wetlands, and Cerrado savannas. With 68 national parks covering millions of hectares, Brazil’s parks are dedicated to preserving the country’s unique biodiversity and natural heritage. These parks offer a range of recreational activities, such as hiking, wildlife observation, and ecotourism, while also playing a crucial role in scientific research and environmental education. Efforts to protect endangered species and combat deforestation are central to the management of Brazil’s national parks.
Colombia’s national park system, overseen by the National Natural Parks System (PNN), comprises 59 national parks that protect diverse habitats, from tropical rainforests and Andean mountains to coastal areas and deserts. These parks are vital for conserving Colombia’s rich biodiversity, which includes numerous endemic and endangered species. The national parks also provide opportunities for ecotourism, sustainable tourism, and environmental education. Initiatives to engage local communities in conservation efforts and promote sustainable practices are key components of the park management strategy, ensuring the protection of Colombia’s natural treasures for future generations.
Venezuela’s national park system, managed by the National Parks Institute (INPARQUES), consists of 43 national parks that preserve a wide range of ecosystems, including the Gran Sabana, the Andean highlands, and coastal marine environments. These parks are essential for protecting Venezuela’s diverse wildlife and natural landscapes, including unique tepui formations and the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls. The national parks offer various recreational activities, such as hiking, bird-watching, and adventure tourism, while also serving as sites for scientific research and conservation initiatives. Efforts to address challenges such as deforestation and habitat degradation are integral to the management of Venezuela’s national parks.
National Parks in Africa
Africa is home to some of the world’s most stunning national parks, each offering unique landscapes and wildlife experiences. From the vast savannahs of Kenya to the lush forests of Zambia and the dramatic deserts of Namibia, these parks are a testament to the continent’s incredible biodiversity.
Kenya boasts 24 national parks, including the famous Masai Mara National Park, known for its Great Migration, and Amboseli National Park, which offers breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro. The parks are managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service and play a crucial role in wildlife conservation and tourism.
Zambia is home to 20 national parks, such as the South Luangwa National Park, renowned for its walking safaris, and Kafue National Park, one of the largest in Africa. The parks are administered by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, focusing on preserving the country’s rich wildlife heritage.
Namibia features over 20 national parks, including the iconic Etosha National Park, known for its vast salt pan and diverse wildlife, and the Namib-Naukluft National Park, which boasts the world’s highest sand dunes7. These parks are managed by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, promoting sustainable tourism and conservation
Asia National Parks
China leads with 208 national parks, including famous parks like Jiuzhaigou National Park and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
India has 102 national parks, such as Jim Corbett National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park.
Thailand boasts 138 national parks, including Khao Yai National Park and Doi Inthanon National Park.
Australia National Parks
Australia boasts a vast network of national parks, managed by both federal and state governments. With over 500 national parks spread across the country, these protected areas showcase Australia’s diverse landscapes, from the iconic red deserts of the Outback to lush rainforests and stunning coastal regions. Some of the most famous parks include Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, known for its massive sandstone monolith and domes, and Kakadu National Park, which offers ancient rock art and rich biodiversity. These parks provide opportunities for activities like hiking, camping, wildlife watching, and learning about Aboriginal culture.
New Zealand National Parks
New Zealand is home to 13 national parks, each offering unique natural beauty and outdoor adventures. These parks are managed by the Department of Conservation and cover a variety of ecosystems, from the Southern Alps to pristine coastlines. Fiordland National Park is renowned for its dramatic fjords and waterfalls, while Tongariro National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site with active volcanoes and stunning landscapes. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, skiing, and exploring the rich Maori culture that is deeply connected to these lands.
