Volcanoes are among the most powerful and captivating natural forces on Earth, continually reshaping landscapes and influencing both weather and climate patterns. Their eruptions can dramatically affect nearby populations, causing hazards such as ashfall, lava flows, and ground deformation. At the same time, volcanic activity creates fertile soils and new landforms, contributing to the planet’s ongoing evolution. Understanding active volcanoes is essential because these geological systems can erupt with little warning. Today, hundreds of volcanoes across the globe remain active, and some nations sit on far more of them than others due to their position along tectonic plate boundaries. Studying where these volcanoes are concentrated helps scientists assess risk, improve monitoring, and protect communities living in volcanic regions.
List of countries with the most active volcanoes
As of September 19, 2025, hundreds of active volcanoes are recorded around the world. Some countries have concentrated volcanic activity due to tectonic plate boundaries, subduction zones, and hotspots. As reported by the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History Global Volcanism Program, the following table highlights the countries with the largest numbers of active volcanoes and provides a snapshot of current eruptions.
Countries with the most active volcanoes
The United States leads the world with 165 volcanoes that have erupted during the Holocene epoch. Of these, 63 have been active since 1800, and 39 have erupted since 1960. Currently erupting volcanoes include Kilauea in Hawaii and Great Sitkin in Alaska. The US has a diverse volcanic landscape spanning the Pacific Ring of Fire, Alaska, and Hawaii, making it a hotspot for both study and tourism.Japan has 118 Holocene volcanoes, with 62 active since 1800 and 40 active since 1960. Among the currently erupting volcanoes are Kirishimayama, Aira, and Suwanosejima. Japan’s volcanic activity is driven by the convergence of four tectonic plates, creating a landscape with numerous volcanic peaks and frequent eruptions.Russia is home to 107 Holocene volcanoes, 49 of which have been active since 1800, and 27 since 1960. Volcanoes currently erupting include Krasheninnikov, Karymsky, Bezymianny, and Sheveluch, mainly located on the Kamchatka Peninsula. The region is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and is renowned for its remote and dramatic volcanic scenery.Indonesia has 101 Holocene volcanoes, 71 active since 1800, and 55 since 1960, making it one of the most volcanically active countries on Earth. Currently erupting volcanoes include Raung, Lewotolok, Lewotobi, Marapi, Merapi, Semeru, Ibu, and Dukono. Indonesia’s location on the Pacific Ring of Fire accounts for its high volcanic activity, which has significant implications for millions of residents living nearby.Chile features 90 Holocene volcanoes, with 35 active since 1800 and 19 active since 1960. Chilean volcanoes are concentrated along the Andes mountains, forming a key part of the South American volcanic belt. These volcanoes contribute to both the geological richness and natural hazards of the region.Ethiopia has 50 Holocene volcanoes, 9 active since 1800, and 5 since 1960. Erta Ale, a continuously active basaltic lava lake, is among the most famous volcanoes in Ethiopia, located in the Danakil Depression. Ethiopia’s volcanic activity is linked to the East African Rift, one of the most geologically dynamic regions on Earth.Papua New Guinea is home to 39 Holocene volcanoes, 20 active since 1800, and 13 since 1960. Currently erupting volcanoes include Ulawun, Manam, Langila, and Bagana. The country’s volcanic activity is driven by subduction zones along the Pacific Ring of Fire, creating frequent eruptions that impact local communities.Ecuador has 36 Holocene volcanoes, 18 active since 1800, and 12 since 1960. Currently erupting volcanoes include Sangay and Reventador, located in the Andean volcanic belt. Ecuador’s volcanic landscapes attract scientists and tourists alike due to their spectacular activity and ecological significance.Mexico has 35 Holocene volcanoes, 9 active since 1800, and 5 since 1960. The famous Popocatepetl volcano is among the currently erupting sites, posing a risk to surrounding populated areas. Mexico’s volcanoes are part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, a region shaped by the subduction of the Cocos Plate beneath the North American Plate.Iceland also has 35 Holocene volcanoes, 14 active since 1800, and 10 since 1960. The country is renowned for its volcanic and geothermal activity due to its location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Icelandic volcanoes, such as Fagradalsfjall, are closely monitored for eruptions that can impact both local populations and international air travel.
Currently erupting volcanoes around the world
As of September 19, 2025, several volcanoes are actively erupting. Notable examples include Kilauea and Great Sitkin in the United States, Kirishimayama, Aira, and Suwanosejima in Japan, and Raung, Merapi, and Semeru in Indonesia. These eruptions remind us that volcanoes are dynamic and constantly shaping the Earth’s surface.Monitoring active volcanoes is critical for disaster preparedness, as eruptions can trigger lava flows, ash clouds, and pyroclastic flows. Advanced technology such as satellite monitoring, seismic networks, and volcanic gas analysis allows scientists to predict eruptions and mitigate risks to human life and infrastructure.
Understanding active volcanoes and why monitoring matters
An active volcano has erupted in recent history and has the potential to erupt again. Scientists often consider a volcano active if it has erupted during the Holocene epoch, which spans roughly the last 11,700 years. Among active volcanoes, some have erupted as recently as the past few decades, while others remain dormant for long periods before showing renewed activity. Monitoring these volcanoes is crucial for understanding geological risks and safeguarding nearby populations.Volcanoes can be classified as active, dormant, or extinct, and their activity is tracked through seismic monitoring, gas emissions, and satellite observations. Active volcanoes are of particular interest because they provide insights into the Earth’s internal processes and can pose hazards such as lava flows, pyroclastic flows, and ashfall.
