What are the safest countries in the world if World War III breaks out? Map reveals the places most likely to survive if conflict breaks out
The wave of global conflict in 2023 has led to speculation that World War III could be on the horizon.
Some people, concerned about the prospect of global war, are eager to know where the safest countries in the world would be located if war were to break out.
So, which are the safest countries if World War III occurs?
Read on below for the full list to see where you would be safest in the event of another World War.
This map shows some of the safest countries you could find yourself in if World War III broke out
Antarctica
View of an iceberg in the Gerlache Strait, which separates the Palmer Archipelago from the Antarctic Peninsula, in Antarctica on January 16, 2024
The list starts with a location that is not a country, but a large continent.
While Antarctica may be famous for its extreme tourism, beautiful landscapes and icy terrain, it is unlikely to be visited by many people in the event of World War III due to its location as the southernmost point on Earth.
Argentina
Tourists at the Iguazu Falls, one of the world's greatest natural wonders, on the border of Brazil and Argentina
Although Argentina has a history of conflict, most notably the clash with Britain over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands in 1982, the South American country appears to be the most likely place to survive famine after nuclear war.
Research has shown that releasing a hundred nuclear bombs could release so much smoke that it could block out the sun, leading to famine and crop failure.
As a result, Argentina would be a good place to stay thanks to its abundance of resistant crops, such as wheat.
Bhutan
In this photo taken on January 10, 2024, a traffic policeman directs traffic in the Bhutanese capital Thimphu
After becoming a member of the United Nations on September 21, 1971, Bhutan declared itself neutral towards any conflict.
This attitude means it often scores highly on the Global Peace Index.
The combination of being landlocked and the abundance of mountainous regions means that Bhutan would be extremely safe if World War III ever broke out.
Chili
View of the Paine Massif in the Torres del Paine National Park in the Magallanes region of southern Chile, 400 km northwest of Punta Arenas, on January 7, 2024
Next on the list is the country with the longest coastline in the world, spanning a total of 4,000 miles (6,435 km), meaning it would span the distance between Moscow and Madrid.
Like neighboring Argentina, Chile is blessed with a variety of different crops and natural resources.
The level of development is perhaps the most advanced in South America. So while you may feel isolated, the level of infrastructure and access to modern technology means it could be the ideal place if World War III were to break out.
Fiji
Empty hammock in the shade of palm trees on the tropical island paradise of Fiji
For anyone who would like to be in a remote country when war breaks out, Fiji might be for you. The island nation – located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean – is about 4,400 kilometers from the nearest country, Australia.
This, together with a possible lack of military strategy as the army numbers only 6,000, means that the country also ranks highly in the Global Peace Index.
With much of the country made up of dense forests and an abundant supply of minerals and fish, Fiji could be the perfect place to stay during World War III.
Greenland
This photo, taken on August 16, 2023, shows an iceberg about a few hundred meters long floating along the Scoresby Sound Fjord, in East Greenland
The island of Greenland, which belongs to Denmark, is the largest island in the world.
Greenland is notoriously remote, mountainous and politically neutral, making it an ideal refuge in an emergency.
The country also has an estimated population of 56,000 people, meaning it is unlikely to be a target of any global superpower.
Iceland
A woman with closed eyes relaxes and enjoys the spa at the Blue Lagoon hot spring in Iceland
Iceland consistently tops the Global Peace Index, earning a reputation as one of the most peaceful countries in the world.
Besides being extremely remote, Iceland does not have to worry about its dependence on other countries for resources, thanks to the presence of freshwater reserves, marine resources and renewable energy sources.
Indonesia
Pictured: Rice terraces at sunrise in Lombok, Indonesia. In 1948, the country's first president, Achmed Sukarno, coined the term “free and active” to refer to their foreign policy.
Like others on the list, Indonesia is included thanks to its generally neutral stance on political issues around the world.
In 1948, the country's first president, Achmed Sukarno, coined the term “free and active” to refer to their foreign policy.
This referred to the fact that they act independently in international affairs and are most concerned with creating world peace.
New Zealand
Pictured: Hobbiton film set, North Island, New Zealand. The country ranks second in the Global Peace Index and has long been admired for its impartial attitude to conflict.
New Zealand ranks second in the Global Peace Index and has long been admired for its impartial attitude to conflict. If the country were to be attacked, the country's mountainous terrain provides its citizens with perfect protection.
South Africa
An aerial view of Cape Town, South Africa, with the world famous Table Mountain in the background
South Africa deserves a spot because it is home to multiple food sources, along with abundant amounts of fertile land and fresh water.
The country's modern infrastructure could also increase your chances of survival if World War III were to break out.
Switzerland
Panorama of the Lauterbrunnen Valley located in the Swiss Alps near Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland, also known as the Valley of the Waterfalls
Of all the countries in the world, Switzerland is perhaps the country most unique and most easily associated with political neutrality.
The country has been known for nearly 200 years for its unwavering stance – or lack thereof – on matters involving international politics, and is well protected by its mountainous terrain, landlocked geography and numerous nuclear shelters.
Tuvalu
Formerly known as the Ellice Islands, Tuvalu is located in the Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia. In the photo: a sea view from Funafuti
Formerly known as the Ellice Islands, Tuvalu is located in the Pacific Ocean, about halfway between Hawaii and Australia.
An extremely low population of just 11,000 means infrastructure is sparse compared to leading Western countries.
Because Tuvalu's natural resources are also scarce, it seems an undesirable target in the possible event of World War III.