The 7 Most Earthquake-Prone Countries on Earth

While earthquakes can happen anywhere at any time, they are more likely to occur in certain regions of the world. There are three major earthquake zones on Earth: the circum-Pacific seismic belt, the Alpide belt, and the mid-Atlantic Ridge. The rim of the Pacific Ocean is the most significant earthquake belt, where more than 80% of the largest earthquakes take place. However, seismic activity can still occur outside of these zones in various parts of the world. Discover the seven most earthquake-prone countries on Earth and learn about their most damaging events.

1. Japan

The island country of Japan is dotted with volcanoes and hot springs due to its location. The country sits along the Japanese archipelago, where several oceanic and continental plates meet. These meeting plates can cause frequent earthquakes and subsequently tsunamis. Japan is the most seismically active country on Earth and can experience more than 1,500 earthquakes each year. Thankfully, most of them are rarely felt. In March 2011, Japan experienced its strongest seismic activity ever recorded – a 9.1 undersea megathrust earthquake that lasted six minutes and caused a devastating tsunami.

2. Indonesia

Sitting on the Ring of Fire, an arc of fault lines and active volcanoes, Indonesia is very prone to earthquakes. However, most of them are minor and cause little to no damage. This country lies in the boundary of three major tectonic plates, and it can occasionally produce strong seismic activity. Indonesia receives an earthquake greater than 6.0 magnitude almost every year. Overall, the country has more than 1,000 earthquakes every year with varying degrees of intensity. The 6.4 earthquake that struck the island of Sumatra in 2014 was the worst on record.

3. Tonga

The island nation of Tonga sits in the Kermadec-Tonga subduction zone, which causes many earthquakes between the Pacific and Australian plates. Tonga is also located in the Ring of Fire and is vulnerable to natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. As of 2023, Tonga has had 246 earthquakes for M1.5 or greater within the last 365 days. One of the worst quakes in Tonga’s history occurred in September 2009 and was a triple-quake registering an 8.1 magnitude. It caused a subsequent tsunami with a nearly 50-foot wall of water that killed hundreds of people in the region.  

4. Fiji

The Fiji Islands sit on the eastern edge of the Australian plate, which overrides the Pacific plate at a high convergence, as it moves westward around three inches every year. Like most other earthquake-prone countries, Fiji is within the Ring of Fire. However, the islands don’t receive as many earthquakes as those on the top of the list. Within the last year, Fiji has had 278 earthquakes. The worst earthquake to hit the islands was a 6.8 magnitude that occurred in 1953, particularly affecting Suva.

5. China

Due to its location, China sees frequent seismic activity. This country lies in the region where three active tectonic plates converge, including the Pacific, Eurasian, and Indian Ocean plates. Seismic fracture zones are highly developed in this region, leading to more than 1,000 earthquakes recorded over a 6.0 magnitude. Since 1949, China has had more than 270,000 people die from earthquakes, but its deadly history goes back even further. The worst earthquake in China’s history occurred in 1556 when 830,000 people died. 

6. Iran

The country of Iran is another high-risk country for earthquakes, as the country sits on top of several tectonic plates. When one plate shifts over another, very deep earthquakes occur. Specifically, the Arabian, Indian, and Eurasian tectonic plates cause abundant seismic activity in this region. The Iranian Seismological Center has recorded more than 96,000 earthquakes between 2006 and 2017. The strongest earthquake in Iran occurred in September 1978 and was a 7.8 magnitude on the Richter Scale.

7. Turkey

As another one of the most earthquake-prone countries on Earth, Turkey sits in an active seismic zone, where it’s located on the Anatolian plate. This is being squeezed westward by the northerly collision of the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates. In fact, its geographical area is almost entirely on fault lines, making the probability of earthquakes very likely. This country sees thousands of earthquakes each year with varying magnitudes. In February 2023, Turkey experienced its worst modern earthquake, featuring a magnitude of 7.8.

A Recap of the 7 Most Earthquake-Prone Countries on Earth