A
wilderness area is a region where the land is in a natural state; where impacts from human activities are minimal—that is, as a
wilderness. It might also be called a
wild or
natural area. Especially in wealthier, industrialized nations, it has a specific legal meaning as well: as land where development is prohibited by law. Many nations have designated Wilderness Areas, including
Australia,
Canada,
New Zealand,
South Africa and the
United States.