Why is Etna still inhabited? - attempted explanation

The volcano and its surrounding area are not only surrounded by fertile soil, the region is also used for tourism and is home to many people.

Etna erupts regularly

• The name of the volcano - Etna - already reveals why the partially inhabited mountain is considered dangerous, because translated the name means something like "burning". The volcano is actually still active and keeps erupting.
• There are small eruptions that only "spit out" some lava or larger activities in which even houses are buried under the lava. So the mountain is dangerous and its eruptions are also accompanied by earthquakes.
• Nevertheless, Etna was opened up for tourism; There are cable cars there that have already been destroyed by an eruption, a ski area, smaller houses and the mountain is still inhabited in the peripheral area.

Why the volcano is still inhabited

• Mount Etna is a tourist attraction. Because it is still active, many visitors want to see the volcano or even its eruptions up close. Therefore the region is developed for tourism.


Etna in Sicily - interesting facts about the volcano

You have probably heard of the Italian island of Sicily. Not least the ...

• It is also used as a ski area, because the slopes offer an ideal backdrop for long descents. The volcano can be climbed up to an altitude of 3000 meters, and the mountain can also be circumnavigated by train.
• This includes souvenir stands as well as hotels that have already been destroyed during an eruption of Mount Etna and then rebuilt. Therefore, there are first of all financial reasons why the mountain is still inhabited, because the population generates income from the marketing of the natural phenomenon.
• In addition, the land around the volcano is very fertile, because the weathered ashes or Lava creates a mineral-rich soil. There is therefore intensive agricultural use around the mountain.
• Wine, lemons, oranges and olives are grown here. Around 500,000 people live in this area, many of whom consider the mountain their home and therefore do not want to part with the volcano. Therefore it is still inhabited.