In all modern states, some land is held by central or local governments. This is called public land. The system of tenure of public land, and the terminology used, varies between countries. The following examples illustrate some of the range.
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Australia and New Zealand
In several Commonwealth countries, public lands are referred to as Crown lands. Recent proposals to sell Crown lands have been highly controversial.
France
In France, public lands may he held by Communes, Départements, or the nation
United States
In the United States, public land is any lands or rights interest to which the title is held by the federal government. The majority of public lands are managed by the Bureau of Land Management under the Secretary of Interior. National Parks and Monuments are also public lands, but they are managed by the National Park Service, which is also part of the Interior Department.
