Earthquakes are one of nature’s most powerful and unpredictable forces. They strike suddenly, often causing immense damage and loss. But while earthquakes can occur almost anywhere, some countries experience them far more frequently due to their location along active tectonic plate boundaries. Understanding which nations are most affected can help raise awareness, improve preparedness, and ultimately save lives.
The Earth’s crust is divided into massive slabs known as tectonic plates. These plates constantly move, sometimes colliding, sliding past, or moving away from each other. The friction and pressure that build up at these boundaries often result in earthquakes.
Regions near the so-called “Ring of Fire” — a horseshoe-shaped zone encircling the Pacific Ocean — experience the majority of the world’s earthquakes. This area accounts for about 90% of all seismic activity globally.
Japan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries on Earth. Located at the convergence of four tectonic plates (the Pacific, Philippine, Eurasian, and North American plates), Japan experiences thousands of tremors each year.
Major events like the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami remind the world how vulnerable even the most advanced nations can be. Japan’s strict building codes and rapid warning systems, however, make it one of the best-prepared countries in terms of earthquake response.
Indonesia sits directly on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates meet. This causes frequent and powerful earthquakes, often followed by tsunamis. The devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake near Sumatra remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history.
Today, Indonesia continues to strengthen its early warning systems and public education programs to reduce future risks.
Stretching along the western edge of South America, Chile lies on the collision zone of the Nazca and South American plates. As a result, it experiences some of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded — including the 1960 Valdivia earthquake, the most powerful in history (magnitude 9.5).
Chilean cities are designed with advanced engineering standards, allowing them to withstand severe shaking better than many others.
Turkey straddles two major fault lines — the North Anatolian Fault and the East Anatolian Fault. These zones make the country extremely vulnerable to large and destructive earthquakes.
In recent years, the 1999 İzmit and 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes have highlighted the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and better urban planning.
Mexico experiences frequent seismic activity due to the interaction of several plates — particularly the Cocos and North American plates. The Mexico City earthquake of 1985 and the 2017 Puebla earthquake caused widespread destruction, leading to major improvements in building safety and emergency response systems.
New Zealand’s location on the boundary between the Pacific and Australian plates makes it a hotspot for both earthquakes and volcanic activity. The Christchurch earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 caused extensive damage, prompting new seismic safety measures across the country.
While most of the United States remains stable, the West Coast — especially California and Alaska — is extremely active. The San Andreas Fault is one of the world’s most studied fault lines. Alaska, surprisingly, experiences more earthquakes than any other U.S. state, including several magnitude 7+ quakes every year.
Living in or visiting a high-risk country doesn’t have to mean living in fear. Awareness and preparation can make all the difference:
Earthquakes cannot be prevented, but understanding where and why they occur helps communities prepare better. From Japan to Chile, nations living under constant seismic threat continue to innovate and adapt.
At Earthqua, our mission is to raise awareness, share data, and educate the public about earthquake risks worldwide — because knowledge and preparation are the strongest defenses against nature’s most unpredictable forces.