What is a National Park?

A national park is a reserve of land, usually declared and owned by a national government, and protected from most human development.

National parks are usually located in areas that are largely undeveloped.  They often feature unusual geological features and a biodiversity of exceptional native animals, plants and ecosystems (particularly endangered species).

Occasionally, national parks are created in developed areas with the goal of returning the area to its original pristine state.  In some countries, such as England and Wales where much of the land was claimed before the concept of national parks was introduced, national parks are not wilderness, not owned by the government, and can include human settlements and commercial uses.

National parks are protected areas of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) category II.  This is defined as: "A natural area of land and/or sea, designated to:  i. protect the ecological integrity of one or more ecosystems for present and future generations;  ii. exclude exploitation or occupation inimical to the purposes of designation of the area;  iii. provide a foundation for spiritual, scientific, educational, recreational, and visitor opportunities, all of which must be environmentally and culturally compatible."

(Source: Wikipedia)