Multilayer ceramic electronic device

A multilayer ceramic electronic device comprising:

• an element body including a ceramic layer and an internal electrode layer;
• and
• an external electrode formed on an outer surface of the element body and electrically connected to part of the internal electrode layer,
• wherein
• the external electrode includes
• a first layer in direct contact with the element body and containing a first insulator phase and first metal phases, and
• a second layer in contact with an outer surface of the first layer and containing a second insulator phase and second metal phases;
• an area ratio of the first metal phases in the first layer is more than 8% and 30% or less;
• an area ratio of the second metal phases in the second layer is larger than the area ratio of the first metal phases in the first layer;
• the first metal phases have an average aspect ratio of 3.5 or more, and
• the first metal phases are not spherical particles.