The Mavrovo National Park (Macedonian: Национален парк Маврово) is the largest of the 4 national parks of North Macedonia. Located in the west of the country, it spreads over an area of about 780 km2 and is characterized by deep canyons, lakes, & dense forests that abound with diverse wildlife. It was created in 1949 by a law passed by the National Assembly of Macedonia; later, the legislation was changed to enforce a much stricter protection system, dividing the park into 3 zones: strict nature reserves, managed reserves, and a tourist zone.