List of Top 7 Countries with Most Active Volcanoes in the World

Volcanoes are openings in Earth's crust through which hot lava, ash, and gases escape. They shape landscapes and affect human life. Some stay quiet for centuries, while others erupt suddenly. Recently, the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia erupted after nearly 12,000 years, sending large ash clouds across the region and disrupting flights. Such eruptions remind us of nature's power. Volcanoes are found in many countries, especially along tectonic boundaries. But do you know which country has the most volcanoes in the world? Indonesia, with more than 120 active volcanoes, is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire. These volcanoes not only pose risks but also enrich the soil and support life. In this article, we'll take a look at the countries with the most active volcanoes and how they continue to shape our planet.

List of Countries with the Most Active Volcanoes

The Pacific Ring of Fire is home to the majority of the most active volcanoes in the world. The majority of their volcanoes are located along active plate boundaries.

1. United States

The United States has the most volcanoes in the world. Most of them are in Alaska, with many more in Hawaii and the western states. Alaska alone has over 140 active volcanoes, and eruptions there are persistent. Famous volcanoes include Kilauea in Hawaii and Mount St. Helens in Washington. Kilauea has erupted many times since 1983 and is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth.

2. Japan

Japan has about 120 volcanoes, and many of them are still active. The country lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet. Volcanoes are spread across Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, and smaller islands. Well-known active volcanoes include Sakurajima, Aso, and Asama. Many Japanese volcanoes have erupted in recent decades, with frequent small eruptions and ash emissions. 

3. Russia

Russia has over 110 volcanoes with Holocene activity, mainly in the Far East. The densest cluster is on the Kamchatka Peninsula, which has about 160 volcanoes, of which about 29 are currently active. This area is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the Pacific Plate is subducting beneath the overriding plate. Important active volcanoes include Karymsky, Klyuchevskoy, Bezymianny, and Shiveluch.

4. Indonesia

Indonesia has one of the highest numbers of volcanoes in the world, with over 100 Holocene volcanoes and around 120–130 active ones. The country lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several plates collide and sink. Volcanoes line the major islands, including Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Sulawesi. Famous and dangerous volcanoes include Merapi, Semeru, Krakatau, and Sinabung.

5. Chile

Chile has about 90 Holocene volcanoes listed as active, but many more volcanic centres exist along the Andes. In total, the country has over 2,000 volcanoes, of which more than 500 are considered active or potentially active. This activity comes from the Nazca Plate subducting beneath South America. Volcanoes stretch almost the full length of Chile, shaping high peaks, lakes, and glaciers. Important volcanoes include Villarrica, Llaima, Lascar, and the giant Ojos del Salado, the highest active volcano on Earth.

6. Ethiopia

Ethiopia has around 50 known volcanoes, many of which are located along the East African Rift and in the Afar region. This rift zone is where the African Plate is slowly splitting into separate plates. The landscape includes rift valleys, faulted plateaus, and young volcanic cones. Notable volcanoes include Erta Ale, known for its persistent lava lake, and several large shield and caldera systems. An Ethiopian volcano recently erupted after an estimated 12,000 years of dormancy, showing that long-quiet systems can become active again.

7. Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea has about 39 Holocene volcanoes and is one of the most active volcanic countries in the southwest Pacific. Many volcanoes sit along the boundaries of the Solomon Sea and South Bismarck plates. The region includes island and coastal volcanoes, which can produce both explosive eruptions and lava flows. Important active volcanoes are Manam, Ulawun, Rabaul, Karkar, and Bagana. At least 19 volcanoes have erupted in historic times, with more than 200 recorded eruptions.

Which Countries Have The Most Active Volcanoes?

The United States has the most active volcanoes in the world, with 165 active volcanoes as of 2025. Most of these volcanoes are located in Alaska and Hawaii, but others are found in the Pacific Northwest. The US Geological Survey confirms that the US leads the world in the number of active volcanoes, and several volcanoes, such as Kilauea and Pavlof, have erupted recently, with Kilauea's last eruption in 2023. The US is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is why it has such a high concentration of volcanoes.