Countries in Pacific Ring of Fire and Their Risks of Geological Hazards

The Pacific Ring of Fire is a series of seismic faults lining the perimeter of Pacific Ocean. This seismic zone stretches over 40,000 km and passing various regions. Countries in Pacific Ring of Fire are in danger of several geological hazards, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.

The risks of those hazards are higher in those countries than in other countries because of excessive seismic activities in the Circum-Pacific belt. What are those countries? Keep reading to find the answer.

The List of Countries in Pacific Ring of Fire

The Ring of Fire is an enormous seismic zone comprises of several tectonic plates. Therefore, it is no wonder that it covers many countries in different continents. At least 15 countries are standing on this seismic zone.

1. Japan

Earthquakes and tsunamis are frequent occurrence in Japan. In 2011, a powerful earthquake and tsunami happened in Fukushima and damaged a nuclear power plant, which led to casualties and displacements. Japan also has about 110 active volcanoes.

2. Philippines

One of the Pacific Ring of Fire countries in Asia is the Philippines. The country has 24 active volcanoes. One of them is Pinatubo, which exploded in 1991 and caused the displacement of over 200,000 people and a death toll of about 700 people.

3. Indonesia

Indonesia is prone to geological hazards. The country is the home of over 127 active volcanoes with 5 of them are currently erupting. In addition, earthquakes and tsunamis often strike the region. One of the most destructive earthquakes and tsunamis in this country occurred in Aceh in 2004.

4. New Zealand 

One of the countries in Pacific Ring of Fire is New Zealand. This country has 26 subduction zones. Consequently, the country’s population, particularly in the northern island, often experience earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. One of the most active volcanoes in New Zealand is Ruapehu.

5. Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea’s location is in the east border of Indonesia. Therefore, the country is prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. In 2022, an earthquake of 7.6 magnitude struck one of its provinces. The quake triggered a landslide and killed 21 people.

6. Peru

This country frequently experienced geological hazards because it stands near the interface between Nazca and South American plates. The movements of these two tectonic plates trigger numerous earthquakes and caused Mount Ubinas and Sabancaya to intermittently erupting.

7. Mexico

Mexico frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to frequent seismic movements. One of the most destructive quakes in Mexico occurred in 1985. Moreover, the country is also the home of over 40 volcanoes. Two most active ones are Colima and Popocatepetl.

8. Chile

Chile’s location is on one end of the horseshoe-shape of Circum-Pacific belt. The country had suffered much from a megathrust earthquake in 1960. Moreover, the country also has many active volcanoes.

9. United States

Alaska and California stand along the Ring of Fire. In 1964, Alaska experienced a megathrust earthquake. Moreover, earthquakes are a common thing for Californians.

10. Canada

Another country in North America located in the Ring of Fire is Canada. According to the data, this country experienced over 4,000 earthquake per year. However, people in Canada can only feel few of them.

11. Russia

Some parts of Russia stand on the Pacific Ring of Fire. They are Kamchatka Peninsula and Kuril Islands. Both regions have more than 100 subduction zones. 

12. Argentina

As a country bordering with Chile, some parts of Argentina frequently suffered from earthquakes. The country also has many active volcanoes. Some of them share sides with Chile.

13. Taiwan

As one of countries in Pacific Ring of Fire, Taiwan has a high risk of experiencing moderate to powerful earthquakes. These earthquakes are due to the convergence of the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate.

14. Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a small country in the Pacific and prone to earthquakes. In December 2024, one of its islands is badly damaged by an earthquake of 7.4 magnitude.

15. Guatemala

Earthquakes frequently shake Guatemala because the country stands on a major subduction zone. One of the most powerful ones is the 1976 earthquake. The quake killed overs 23,000 people.

Countries in Pacific Ring of Fire are standing in many subduction zones. Therefore, they are prone to geological disasters. These disasters can be highly destructive and deathly. Therefore, countries within Pacific Ring of Fire must have an excellent mitigation and early warning system to minimize death toll.