Active volcanoes in the World: Lately, people all over the world have been paying a lot of attention to active volcanoes because of a series of big eruptions. The Global Volcanism Program at the Smithsonian Institution says that there were 56 confirmed volcanic eruptions from 55 different volcanoes in 2025 alone. As of July 17, 2025, 44 of those eruptions are still going on. This constant movement is a strong reminder of how dynamic the Earth is. For example, the news has recently talked about the eruption of a volcano in Iceland on July 16, 2025, and an explosion at Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki in Indonesia. This article gives a credible look at the most active volcanoes in the world to explain their recent history and why they are watched so closely.
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List of Most Active Volcanoes in the World
Here are seven of the most dynamic volcanoes on Earth, along with key information about their activity.
Volcano Name | Location | Last Notable Activity | Volcano Type |
Kīlauea | Hawaii, USA | Ongoing (since 2021) | Shield Volcano |
Mount Etna | Sicily, Italy | Ongoing (constant activity) | Stratovolcano |
Stromboli | Aeolian Islands, Italy | Ongoing (constant activity) | Stratovolcano |
Piton de la Fournaise | Réunion Island | Ongoing (multiple eruptions per year) | Shield Volcano |
Yasur | Tanna Island, Vanuatu | Ongoing (constant activity) | Stratovolcano |
Mount Merapi | Central Java, Indonesia | Ongoing (regular eruptions) | Stratovolcano |
Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki | Flores Island, Indonesia | Ongoing (erupting in recent days) | Stratovolcano |
Check Out: America's Hurricane History: Check List of the Most Impactful Storms
How Many Active Volcanoes are in the World at Present?
There isn't one simple answer to this common question. It depends on what you mean by active when you say how many volcanoes are currently active. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) says that there are about 1,350 volcanoes around the world that could erupt. But there are usually 40 to 50 volcanoes erupting at the same time. This number changes all the time because some volcanoes go quiet and others wake up. The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program says that from 2010 to 2024, there are an average of 73 active volcanoes every year.
Kīlauea in Hawaii
There are a lot of volcanoes on Earth that are still active, and when they erupt, it's a powerful display of nature's power. From the famous lava flows of Kīlauea to the constant explosions of Stromboli, these natural forces shape our world. Scientists use modern technology to keep track of where they are, which gives us early warnings and helps us learn more about the strong and beautiful forces that are always at work just below our feet.
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