Mount Nyiragongo is an active stratovolcano located in the Virunga Mountains of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is known for its persistent lava lake, one of the most active in the world, which has been observed since the 19th century. The volcano rises to an elevation of about 3,470 meters (11,382 feet) and is part of the Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The last major eruption of Mount Nyiragongo occurred in May 2021, causing significant damage to the nearby city of Goma. The volcano poses a threat to local communities due to its explosive potential and the fast-moving lava flows that can occur during eruptions.