List of Countries with the Most National Parks

The country with the most number of national parks is Australia, which has over 776  parks. National parks are established to protect the natural habitats of flora, fauna, and scenic landscapes. They play a vital role in saving wildlife and nature by serving as sanctuaries for vulnerable species and ecosystems. The contributions of national parks are habitat protection, endangered species protection, ecosystem restoration and research opportunities. There are over 4500 national parks around the world according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The total area covered by national parks globally is estimated to be over 12 million sq km. Yellowstone National Park in the United States was the first national park to be established in 1972 and Northeast Greenland National Park covers 972,0000 sq km of land and was established in 1974 is the world’s largest national park.

List of Top 10 Countries with Most National Parks

Australia is the country with the most national parks followed by the United States, Canada, Russia, etc.

S. No.	Country	Location	Numbar	Area	Distinct species found there
1	Australia	Oceania	768	>768,000 sq km	Kangaroos, Koalas, Wombats, Kookaburras, Great Barrier Reef
2	United States	North America	423	>423,000  sq km	Grizzly bears, Bison, Bald Eagles, Giant Sequoia Trees
3	Canada	North America	400	>400,000 sq km	Polar Bears, Caribou, Moose, Rocky Mountain
4	Russia	Northern Eurasia	399	>399 sq km	Sibe
5	Democratic Republic of Congo	Central Africa	346	>346,000 sq km	Mountain Gorillas, Okapi, Chimpanzees, and Bonobos
6	Colombia	South America	270	>270,000  sq km	Spectacled Bears, Jaguars, Toucans, Andean Condors
7	India	South Asia	106	>44,400 sq km	Tigers, Elephants, One-Horned Rhinoceros, Ganges River Dolphins
8	Indonesia	South East Asia	54	>54,000 sq km	Komodo Dragon, Orangutans, Elephants,  Hornbills
9	Argentina	South America	36	>36,000 sq km	Jaguars, Pumas, Guanacos, Andean Flamingos
10	Sweden	Northern Europe	30	>30,000 sq km	Wolverine, Brown Bears, Moose, lynx

Tenth Country with Most National Parks: Sweden

Contains diverse landscapes like Abisko National Park in the north near the arctic circle features soaring mountains, vast lake Tornetrask and abundant wildlife like reindeer and arctic foxes.

• Kosterhavet national park, Sweden’s first marine park protects Archipelago with coral reefs and sea life. Down South Sodersens national park showcases beech forests and rolling hills. 
• Sweden has 30 national parks.
• Approximately 5 -6% of Sweden’s total area is covered by national parks which is >30,000 sq km of land.
• Most popular national parks of Sweden are Abisko National Park, Teresa National Park and Sarek National park.

Ninth Country with Most National Parks: Argentina

Argentina is a South American country and has 36 national parks which covers area of > 36,000 sq km famed for its diverse natural beauty, which is protected in numerous national parks. One of the most famous  is Iguazu national parks, it is home to Iguazu falls, a UNESCO world heritage sites.

• The park encompasses over 67,000 hectares and shelters a rich tapestry of plants and animal life, including jaguars, tapirs, and over 400 species of birds.
• Another park Los Glaciares is Argentina’s largest national park encompassing over 726 hectares. The park is known for its glaciers and it has other diverse ecosystems such as Guanacos, Andean Condors, and many bird species.
• The other popular national parks of Argentina are Iguazu National park and Nahuel Huapi National park.

Eighth Country with Most National Parks: Indonesia

A Southeast Asian nation consist of an impressive 54 national parks scattered across its many islands and covers >54,000 sq km. These parks encompass diverse landscapes from volcanic mountains and lush rainforests to pristine beaches and coral Reefs.

• The most popular national parks in Indonesia are Komodo National Park and Tanjung Puting National Park.

Seventh Country with Most National Parks: India

From the Himalayas to the tropical forests of south India’s national parks are home to mammals like Tigers, Elephants, One Horned Rhinos, Lions, a vibrant bird population with hundreds of species including eagles and hornbills, reptiles like crocodiles, gharials and various snakes, amphibians, fish and many invertebrate species.

• There are 106 national parks in India currently .
• They cover an area of approximately 44,402.95 sq km.
• They constitute roughly 1.35% of the country’s geographical area.
• Popular parks include Jim Corbett National Park, famous for its tiger safaris, and Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site known for its one horned rhinos.

Sixth Country with Most National Parks: Colombia

The soaring peaks of Andes mountain meet the Caribbean coastline and they create rich habitat. Spectacled bears, Jaguars, Toucans, and Majestic Andean Condors are the species found here. Conservation efforts focus on zoning within national parks, community outreach programmers to foster a sense of ownership and promoting sustainable eco-tourism practices.

• With over 270,000 sq km under national park protection.
• It has 270 national parks which shows remarkable geographical diversity.
• The most popular national parks in Colombia are Tayrona national park, El Cocuy national park and Los Nevados National Park.

Fifth Country with Most National Parks: Democratic Republic of Congo

Lush rainforests like Virunga and Garamba national parks are vital refuges for some of the world’s most endangered primates, including mountain gorillas, okapi, chimpanzees, and bonobos. Conservation efforts prioritise anti -poaching initiatives, empowering local communities to participate in conservation programs and expanding protected areas.

• Present in central Africa it has 346 national parks.
• It protects over 346,000 sq km within its national parks.
• The most popular national parks of democratic Republic of cong are Virunga National Park, Garamba National Park and Salong national park.

Fourth Country with Most National Parks: Russia

The national parks in Russia encompasses vast and remote landscapes across Northern Eurasia. It shows diversity from crystal waters of Lake Baikal, to the volcanic eruptions of Kronotsky Zapovednik. The Siberian Tiger, Amur Leopard, and rare Baikal seal are the species found here.

The key conservation efforts are anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration projects, and ongoing wildlife monitoring programs.

• The national parks in Russia are 399 in number.
• They are  spread over 399,000 sq km.
• The most popular national parks of Russia are Sochi national park, Valdaysky national park , and Shorsky national park.

Third Country with Most National Parks: Canada

The country’s mountainous regions are home for species like Polar Bears, Caribou, and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. National parks like Banff and Kluane have breathtaking scenery and diverse ecosystems.

Conservation efforts involve reintroducing lost species,managing protected areas effectively and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

• Canada’s north-american landscape consists of 400 national parks.
• It expands over 400,000 sq km.
• Banff National Park is the most popular national park in Canada.
• Other popular national parks of Canada are Jasper National Park and Yoho National Park.

Second Country with Most National Parks: United States

It has various ecosystems such as Yellowstone National Park, with its geysers and hot springs and the grand canyon showcases the natural erosion. From majestic grizzly bears and soaring bald eagles to the Sequoia trees it has varied diversity.

• The 423 national parks in the US.
• They span over 423,00 sq km across North America.
• Some popular national parks of the US are Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park.

First Top Country with Most National Parks: Australia

Occupying the top spot in Oceania, it has a diverse range of national parks. These protected areas contain everything like coastlines, mountains, deserts, and underwater. Species like kangaroos, koalas, and diversity of marine life are found.

• There are 768 national parks in Australia.
•  It expands over 768,000 sq km of protected landscapes.
•  Some popular national parks in Australia  are Kakadu National Park, Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park, and Daintree National Park, and Great Barrier Reef marine park.

Conclusion – List of Countries with the Most National Parks

The list shows numerous countries are looking for ways  to preserve their natural heritage through extensive national parks systems. These protected areas encompass a variety of landscapes and provide critical sanctuaries for countless species.

Climate change is a major threat to national parks so growing emphasis is given on conservation of national parks including habit restoration, endangered species protection and solving human wildlife conflict.

People Also View:

• Top 10 Beautiful Countries in the World
• Top 10 Bungee Jumps in the World
• Top 10 Ancient Lost Cities in the World

FAQs on List of Countries with the Most National Parks

Which country has the most national parks?

Australia has the most national parks with over 60 designated areas.

How many national parks does Canada have?

Canada is home to over 400 national parks.

Which country ranks third in terms of the number of national parks?

Canada ranks third with approximately 400 national parks.

Which Asian country has the most national parks?

India has the highest number of national parks in Asia, totaling around 106.

Which South American country has the most national parks?

Argentina has the highest number of national parks in South America, with around 36.