Largest National Park in the World 2024, List of Top-10

National parks are treasures of biodiversity and natural wonders, offering sanctuary to diverse ecosystems and wildlife. Among these protected areas, some stand out for their sheer size and ecological significance. In 2024, the largest national park in the world continues to captivate adventurers and conservationists alike. Let’s embark on a journey to discover this expansive wilderness and explore the top 10 largest national parks across the globe.

National Parks in the World 2024

Governments worldwide designate national parks to safeguard natural landscapes, wildlife, and ecosystems for future generations. These protected areas are vital for preserving biodiversity, conducting scientific studies, and enjoying outdoor activities. From dense forests to vast deserts, each park offers a distinct environment for exploration. Famous examples include Yellowstone in the US, Serengeti in Tanzania, Banff in Canada, and Kruger in South Africa, showcasing the diversity of protected natural areas across the globe.

World’s Largest National Park 2024

In the northeastern region of Greenland lies the world’s largest national park, Northeast Greenland National Park, sprawling over an expansive 972,000 square kilometers. This immense and remote wilderness area is a haven for nature enthusiasts, boasting breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.

Established in 1974 and designated as a national park in 1988, its primary objective is to preserve the exceptional Arctic environment and its inhabitants. Recognized as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, the park exemplifies the harmonious balance between conservation and sustainable living.

Spanning from 74°N to 83°N latitude, it ranks among the northernmost national parks globally. Predominantly covered by the Greenland ice sheet, encompassing about 85% of its area, the park also features mountains, glaciers, fjords, and rivers. The dynamic nature of the landscape, shaped by glacier movement, constantly evolves, sculpting valleys, canyons, and unique rock formations, ensuring an ever-changing and awe-inspiring experience for visitors.

Top-10 Largest National Parks in the World By March 2024

Northeast Greenland National Park, located in Greenland with an impressive area of 972,000 square kilometers, is the largest national park in the world, followed by Kavir National Park, Quttinirpaaq National Park, and Namib-Naukluft National Park.

Here is the list of top-10 largest National Parks in the world by March 2024:

Largest National Parks in the World 2024
Rank	Name	Location	Area (in sq. km)
1.	Northeast Greenland National Park	Greenland	972,000
2.	Kavir National Park	Iran	89,286
3.	Quttinirpaaq National Park	Canada	37,775
4.	Namib-Naukluft National Park	Namibia	49,768
5.	Wrangle-St. Elias National Park	United States	37,000
6.	Central Kalahari Game Reserve	Botswana	52,800
7.	Wood Buffalo National Park	Canada	44,807
8.	Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Park	United States	36,700
9.	Great Barrier Reef Marine Park	Australia	34,870
10.	Kluane National Park and Reserve	Canada	22,013

Largest National Park in the World – Northeast Greenland National Park

Location: Greenland

Area: 972,000 square kilometers

Founded Year: 1974

Main Attractions: Mountains and Tundra

Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s largest, boasts a vast landscape teeming with captivating wildlife like arctic foxes, musk oxen, and polar bears. With fewer than 50 human residents, primarily Inuit hunters from Ittoqqortoormiit, the park’s rugged terrain is traversed mainly by sled dogs. Accessible mainly to intrepid adventurers, its forbidding beauty promises awe-inspiring experiences for the determined traveler.

Second Largest National Park in the World – Kavir National Park

Location: Iran

Area: 89,286 square kilometers

Founded Year: 1982

Kavir National Park, the world’s second-largest, covers 89,286 square kilometers in Iran’s central desert regions. Its diverse terrain includes salt flats, sand dunes, and imposing mountains, harboring rare species like the Asiatic cheetah and Goitered gazelle. Established in 1982 and recognized as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, it boasts over 600 plant species and a rich array of wildlife, making it a sanctuary for nature enthusiasts.

World’s Third Largest National Park – Quttinirpaaq National Park

Location: Canada

Area: 37,775 square kilometers

Founded Year: 1988

Quttinirpaaq National Park, situated on the northern end of Canada’s Ellesmere Island, covers an impressive area of 37,775 square kilometers, earning it the title of the world’s third-largest national park. Known for its stunning arctic landscapes, including glaciers, mountains, and polar deserts, the park is home to a diverse array of wildlife species, such as muskoxen, arctic wolves, and polar bears. With its vast ice caps and rich biodiversity, including over 200 bird species like snowy owls and gyrfalcons, Quttinirpaaq offers visitors a truly unique experience, especially with the mesmerizing sight of the midnight sun above the Arctic Circle.