Largest Volcano in the World, Check the List of Top-10 Largest Volcanoes

Volcanoes, renowned for their dramatic eruptions and geological significance, have always intrigued people. Some of these colossal volcanoes are remarkable not only for their explosive activity but also for their enormous size. This article explores the top 10 largest volcanoes worldwide, highlighting their vast dimensions and the geological processes that have formed them.

Largest Volcano in the World as of 2024

Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano in Hawaii, was once thought to be the Earth’s biggest until Tamu Massif was discovered. As a shield volcano, it has gentle slopes and has erupted, silica-poor, non-explosive lava. The recent events prompt a reflection on the world’s largest and most active volcanoes, many of which are situated along the “Ring of Fire,” encircling the Pacific Ocean. This region, prone to both earthquakes and volcanic activities, houses some of the most awe-inspiring geological wonders.

List of Largest Volcanoes in the World

Mauna Loa of U.S.A. with an impressive height of 9170 meters (30,085 ft), stands on the top position in the list of largest volcanoes in the world, followed by Mount Kilianjaro (Tanzania), Popocatepetl (Mexico) and Mount Fuji (Japan).

Here is the list of top-10 largest volcanoes in the world:

 Largest Volcano in the World – Mauna Loa

Location: Hawaii, U.S.A.

Height: 9170 meters (30,085 ft)

Mauna Loa, part of Hawaii’s island, is the largest volcano in the world, once believed Earth’s biggest until Tamil Massif’s discovery. An active shield volcano, it boasts gentle slopes, with a volume around 18,000 cubic miles. While slightly shorter than Mauna Kea, its non-explosive, silica-poor lava eruptions shape the Pacific landscape.

Second Largest Volcano in the World – Mount Kilianjaro

Location: Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania

Height: 5895 meters

Mount Kilimanjaro, the second-largest volcano in the world, is dormant and located in Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Region. With three cones – Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira – it stands as Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 meters above sea level. As the fourth most topographically prominent peak in the world, it is a prime destination for hiking and climbing, housed within Kilimanjaro National Park. The mountain’s shrinking glaciers, anticipated to vanish by 2035, fuel ongoing scientific studies.

Third Largest Volcano in the World – Popocatépetl

Location: Mexico

Height: 5426 meters

Popocatepetti, an active stratovolcano in central Mexico, is the country’s second-highest peak at 5,393 meters. Linked to Iztaccihuati by the “Paso de Cortes,” it is part of the Trans-Mexico volcanic belt. Formerly hosting glaciers, volcanic activity and warmer temperature caused their decline by the 1990s. Popocatepeti’s eruptions historically feature andesitic and dacitic lava.

Fourth Largest Volcano in the World – Mount Fuji

Location: Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Japan

Height: 3776 meters

Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic stratovolcano on Honshu Island, stands at 3,776 meters, making it Japan’s tallest mountain and the second-highest island volcano in Asia. It last erupted in 1708. Known for its symmetrical come and snowy peak for five months a year, Mount Fiju is a central symbol, UNESCO World Heritage Site and a revered destination for pilgrims, artists and hikers.

World’s Fifth Largest Volcano in the World – Mount Semeru

Location: Indonesia

Height: 3676 meters

Semeru, an active volcano in East Java, Indonesia, is the island’s tallest mountain. Its name comes from Hinduism’s central world mountain, Meru or Semeru, the abode of gods. Also known as Mahameru, meaning “The Great Mountain,” Semeru is a famous hiking spot, drawing adventures to its breaking to its breathtaking landscapes.