A national park is an area set aside by a national government to preserve the natural environment for purposes of public recreation and enjoyment, or because of its historical or scientific interest. Most national parks focus on the protection of both land and wildlife, and they are kept in their natural state. The concept of a national park originated in the United States in 1872 with the creation of Yellowstone National Park, and it has since been adopted by many other countries around the world. National parks are important for conserving natural beauty, ecosystems, and wildlife for future generations to enjoy and learn from. They are administered and protected by national governments, and the National Park Service in the United States is responsible for preserving the natural and cultural resources of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of current and future generations.