The Top 10 Countries With the Most National Parks (#1 Has 10x as Many as the U.S.)

Written by Rob Hayek
Published: October 27, 2023
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National parks are always a fun place to visit. Ultimately, they possess so much history and intrigue that makes exploring them incredibly enjoyable. Whether you are hiking in the United States or Australia, each park possesses something interesting that makes it unique. But which countries have the most national parks? If you guessed the United States, you would be incorrect. Today, we are here to bring you the top 10 countries with the most national parks while detailing how many each nation possesses. Our top 10 list will bring you fun facts you never heard of.

10. Russia: 48

Katun Range in Russia

The Katun Nature Reserve is one of the best national parks to visit in Russia.

©Yuri Taranik/ via Getty Images

Russia is 10th on this list with 48 national parks. Amazingly, there are many national parks located throughout the country, including the Katun Nature Reserve, which is a strict nature reserve. Other parks are open to the public, such as the Krasnoyarsk Pillars.

When you visit the Krasnoyarsk Pillars, you can climb mountains, as more than 200,000 climbers have visited yearly. Additionally, you might see animals like the golden eagle or peregrine falcon hovering above the land. Other parks include the Sochi National Park and the Ruskeala Mountain Park. Ultimately, Russia earns its spot on this list of 10 Countries with the most national parks

9. Indonesia: 54

Mount Rinjani National Park in Indonesia

Mount Rinjani National Park in Indonesia produces scenic views and a peaceful environment.

©1488146946/ via Getty Images

The next country on our list is Indonesia. When you go to Indonesia, you will find many national parks with scenic views and a peaceful environment. Mount Rinjani National Park is one of the 54 national parks that India features. Ultimately, it is a national park with many trails and waterfalls to explore.

Kerinci Seblat National Park is another well-known park that is home to a lot of flora and fauna, along with some animals. Additionally, you might encounter a Malaysian Sun Bear or a Sumatran Tiger. Indonesia has 52 other national parks that are worth exploring. Thus, Indonesia ranks ninth among the top 10 countries with the most national parks.

8. Colombia: 60

Red-crowned woodpecker well hidden on bark of tropical tree foraging in Tayrona National Natural Park in Magdalena Province Colombia

Tayrona National Park is a popular spot among tourists who visit Colombia.

©Pascal Vosicki/Shutterstock.com

Colombia is a country with so much wildlife, along with 60 national parks. Significantly, Tayrona National Park is a good park to visit among the 60 choices across the country. The Tayrona Park stretches across the coastline of Colombia. Amazingly, you may explore at least six beaches to relax or explore the wilderness. You will see many marine life and reptiles, including the chicken snake.

If you want to explore the Eastern Andes, Chingaza National Natural Park is an option. But remember to wear a coat because it can get cold, as temperatures range between 4-21 degrees Celsius. These two national parks are among the 60 you can explore. Moreover, they rank eighth on this list of the top 10 countries with the most national parks.

7. United States: 62

Grand Canyon West: Witness to the Great Unconformity-A Geological Enigma

The Grand Canyon is one of the most massive national parks in the United States.

©Thiago de Paula Oliveira/Shutterstock.com

The United States has 62 national parks from the east side to the Pacific Ocean. The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, and Zion National Park are among the most popular national parks in the country. Whether you are in Wyoming or Utah, there are a plethora of options in the United States to visit.

The National Park Service is the place to go when you want to discover more information about each place to visit across America. Yet, the United States only finishes sixth on this list, as there are six countries with more national parks.

6. Mexico: 67

"Desierto de los Leones" National Park Mexico City

“Desierto de los Leones” National Park is a marvel to visit in Mexico City.

©JorgePM/Shutterstock.com

Mexico is a country with 67 national parks. Therefore, there are plenty of options if you are exploring the country and everything it has to offer. Arrecife Alacranes National Park, also known as Scorpion Reef, is the largest national park in the country. Amazingly, you will see magnificent frigatebirds flying around the reef.

Deseirto de Los Loines National Park is the oldest park in Mexico, as the government created it in 1917. It, along with 65 other national parks, helps Mexico land sixth on the list of the top 10 countries with the most national parks.

5. Israel: 69

Dead Sea in Southern Israel

The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve provides people with many pathways to explore in Southern Israel.

©1332138543/ via Getty Images

Israel lands fifth on this list, with 69 national parks to see. The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is one of the best places to visit when looking for a national park in Israel. Ultimately, it is a place that offers hiking, wildlife, as well as a peaceful environment.

Israel has 68 other national parks to explore. Significantly, they all have good value to experience. It is another reason why it landed fifth on our list of top 10 countries with the most national parks.

4. Brazil: 72

Bride's Veil Waterfall, at Itatiaia National Park, in Mantiqueira Mountains, the first federal conservation area, created in 1937 - Itatiaia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Bride’s Veil Waterfall, at Itatiaia National Park in the Mantiqueira Mountains, was the first federal conservation area that Brazil created.

©Caio Pederneiras/Shutterstock.com

Many people think about the Amazon Rainforest when thinking about places to explore in Brazil. Yet, the country also has 72 national parks to explore. Itataia National Park is the oldest national park in the history of Brazil. President Getúlio Vargas created the national park on June 14, 1937. Since the creation of that national park, the country has added 72 more.

The Italian National Park allows people to engage in mountain climbing, rock climbing, trekking, or animal watching. Additionally, bird watchers might get to see a variety of different hummingbirds flying around. Brazil ranks fourth on our list of top 10 countries with the most national parks.

3. India: 116

Nagarhole National Park

Tigers roam through Nagarhole National Park, which is a protected space but one filled with wonders.

©Jins Magic Frames/Shutterstock.com

India has an astonishing 116 national parks to explore. However, there are always precautions to take if exploring some of these, as tigers often roam around. In fact, there are at least nine national parks in India for potential tiger sightings.

If you are not into tigers, many other national parks in India offer a variety of options, from hiking to climbing or exploration. The country deserves its spot on this list of top 10 countries with the most national parks.

2. Thailand: 147

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani Province, Southern Thailand, produces amazing views and multiple chances for exploration.

©iStock.com/Lucy Brown – loca4motion

Thailand comes in with 147 national parks. Amazingly, there are a plethora of options if you are in this country when it comes to exploring. Khao Sok National Park is one option, especially on the southern side of the country. Ultimately, you might see leopards or king cobras.

There are 146 other options if you want to explore the other parts of Thailand. It would be the country with the most national parks if a certain other country didn’t have over four times the amount.

1. Australia: 685

Australia, NT, Emily Gap in East McDonnell Range national park

McDonnell Range National Park has many paths and trails one could take to explore one’s curiosity while also providing great exercise.

©fritz16/Shutterstock.com

Australia is that country, with an unbelievable 685 national parks. Somehow, the land down under has 10 times the amount of national parks as the United States. McDonnell Range National Park is one of the oldest parks in Australian history, potentially created by the Aboriginals. Furthermore, explorers can talk walks or find small swimming holes to engage in.

But there are numerous beautiful national parks in Australia to choose from. Regardless of which one you choose, there will be so many amazing options to choose from, as Australia tops the list of national parks in the world.

Summary of the Top 10 Countries With the Most National Parks

RankCountry
1.Australia — 685
2.Thailand — 147
3.India — 116
4.Brazil — 72
5.Israel — 69
6.Mexico — 67
7.United States — 62
8.Colombia — 60
9.Indonesia — 54
10.Russia — 48

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Janice Chen/iStock via Getty Images


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About the Author

Rob Hayek is a writer at A-Z Animals where his primary focus is on animals, sports, places, and events. Rob has been writing and researching about animals, sports, places, and events for over 10 years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Cal State University Fullerton, which he earned in 2009. A resident of California, Rob enjoys surfing and also owns a sports group which allows people from the local community to come together to play sports recreationally.

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