National Parks by Country 2024

National parks are important around the world because they help preserve the natural world. This is especially important as humans develop more and more land for housing, infrastructure, or resource collection. National parks ensure that no matter how much development takes place, people can still explore the natural environment.

In the United States, there are 63 national parks among 423 national park sites maintained by the National Park System. These parks include some of the most well-known landmarks in the country. The Grand Canyon is a desert dream bringing in around 5 million tourists each year. Tourists can camp at designated campgrounds in the park, but the park also has hotels at the bottom of the canyon that can be reached by hiking or riding a donkey. Another famous national park in the US is Yosemite National Forrest, which is home to ancient Sequoias. These trees draw tourists from all over the world due to their beauty, incredible height, and impressive age.

Belize may only have 17 national parks, but it stands out to conservationists for another reason. Over a third of Belize's land is designated as national parks, making it the country with the highest percentage of protected land. Tourists can get up close and personal with the wildlife by camping in a tree house hotel. These unique accommodations set Belize's national parks apart and attract many visitors each year.

Japan has some of the most interesting landscapes and national parks. Sadly, China also has one national park with a depressing reputation. A significant number of people have chosen to hang themselves in Aokigahara National Forrest, resulting in it being known as the "Suicide Forest." Most tourists respect the dead and their families, but one YouTube personality went viral in 2018 for showing footage of a dead body when he visited. It sparked a worldwide conversation about the eerily beautiful park.