The shot that will be heard around the globe

Washington, Moscow, Pyongyang, Kyiv, Tehran, Tel Aviv. Nobody knows who will give the first shot, but one thing is for certain. When the time comes, it will be heard around the globe.

Where to run?

Where should you go if a world war breaks out? Where would you be safest? With everything going on in the world, these thoughts have crossed many people's minds.

The Global Peace Index

The Institute for Economics & Peace has the answer. This think tank released a list of the most peaceful countries on Earth, following geopolitical and strategic criteria.

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Iceland: The safest place on Earth

Iceland is, according to the 2024 Global Peace Index, the nation with the biggest chance to remain in peace amidst a world war.

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Iceland has a tradition of pacifism

It has a tradition of pacifism and remote geographic location, very north and isolated in the Atlantic Ocean. It is part of NATO but doesn't have an army, only a coast guard and a police force.

Ireland

Ireland, in second place, is also a safe choice. In addition to the calming green hills would be good for the nerves if WWIII is happening.

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Would not being a part of NATO keep Ireland peaceful?

Ireland is not a member of NATO. Let's hope that its peaceful landscapes won't be ruined in case of a global conflict.

New Zeland: Another remote sanctuary of peace

New Zealand is in third place in the Global Peace Index.

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The third most peaceful place on Earth

Being the third 'most peaceful' nation on Earth is related to its geography, far from superpowers like Russia or the United States, the most likely participants in a potential global conflict.

Austria: Permanent neutrality

After suffering the annexation of Nazi Germany and World War Two, Austria has done its best to preserve its neutrality among the world powers. No wonder it gets the fourth spot on the list.

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Austria isn't a part of NATO

The Central-European nation signed in 1955 a Declaration of “permanent neutrality” after being occupied by the Soviet Union, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom. It's part of the EU, but not of NATO.

Switzerland

Running to the Swiss Alps might be a very smart choice if World War 3 ever starts.

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The Swiss a known for being neutral

Switzerland has a worldwide reputation for peace and neutrality, and time has not affected this great custom.

Singapore: the safest Asian country

The island city-state of Singapore is number one among the Asian countries.

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The place to be in case of WWIII in Asia

It is unsurprising that Singapore is safe, it is normally quite neutral and has strict laws.

Portugal: A boa vida

Portugal is a country that, historically speaking, has avoided joining in global conflicts.

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Portugal is far West from potential conflict

It is part of NATO, but its geographical situation on the westernmost coast of Europe makes this an ideal place to flee from a hypothetical war.

Denmark: Safe if you count Greenland

Denmark getting so high on the list is a matter of controversy if we think how secure could it contrasted to a possible war in Europe.

Greenland would be the perfect hideout

Besides, this Scandinavian nation is also part of NATO. Though, Greenland is also Danish territory and could be the perfect hideout in case of a worldwide skirmish.