Top 10 Countries with the Most Earthquakes in 2023: Indonesia Ranks First

Indonesia topped the list of countries with the most earthquakes in 2023.

According to a report from Earthquakelist.org, within a 300-kilometer radius of Indonesia, there were 2,205 significant earthquakes with a magnitude of 4 or higher throughout 2023. The strongest earthquake near Indonesia registered a magnitude of 7.1.

Indonesia is located in the Ring of Fire, making it one of the countries most prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

The Ring of Fire is an area where three major tectonic plates meet: the Indo-Australian Plate, the Eurasian Plate, and the Pacific Plate. This makes Indonesia susceptible to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis.

Mexico ranked second with 1,833 earthquakes last year, the strongest measuring 6.4 in magnitude.

The Philippines came in third with a total of 1,336 earthquakes, the strongest reaching a magnitude of 7.6.

Chile and Japan followed, experiencing 924 (magnitude 6.6) and 879 (magnitude 6.3) earthquakes respectively last year.

Here is a complete list of the 10 countries with the most earthquakes in 2023:

1. Indonesia: 2,205 events
2. Mexico: 1,833 events
3. Philippines: 1,336 events
4. Chile: 924 events
5. Japan: 879 events
6. Turkey: 874 events
7. Papua New Guinea: 798 events
8. Guatemala: 756 events
9. Syria: 738 events
10. Peru: 577 events

Most recently, Japan experienced a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in the waters off the Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture, on Monday, January 1, 2024, at 4:10 PM local time. Japanese disaster authorities issued a tsunami warning as a result.

According to Antara, the Japan Meteorological Agency warned that tsunami waves in the local area could reach five meters in height.