Safest countries to be in if a third World War starts

Fears of nuclear war

Since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War in 2022, and subsequent geopolitical tensions, fears of a nuclear war have prompted many to question what a nuclear conflict would mean for humanity and the planet.

Devastating consequences

A nuclear conflict would have devastating consequences, from initial deaths in the direct blasts to the lingering effects of radiation.

Widespread technological collapse

There would also be a collapse of technology, even in locations considered most likely to survive. This would seriously impede cooperation, coordination, and resilient food production.

A 97% reduction in food production

A nuclear war would also result in a 97% reduction in food production in China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US.

The best chance of survival

Of course, those in the most resilient of nations would stand the best chance of avoiding a total collapse. But you might not guess the countries we're talking about!

Important factors

The factors included food production, energy self-sufficiency, manufacturing, and the disaster's effect on climate, among other points.

Safe for an "abrupt sunlight-reducing catastrophe"

According to the study, the narrowed-down island countries are capable of producing enough food for their populations after an "abrupt sunlight‐reducing catastrophe," such as a nuclear war, super volcano, or asteroid strike.

Indonesia, the Philippines, and Mauritius

At the bottom of the list of best countries to survive a nuclear war are the island nations of the Philippines, Mauritius, and Indonesia.

Diverse archipelagos likely harbor some islands that are individually self-sufficient. Plus, there's potential for persisting regional trade between Indonesia and the Philippines.

Solomon Islands and Vanuatu

Looking at Oceania, residents on small island nations like the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu will most certainly survive. This is largely thanks to their tropical geography and abundant food production in ordinary times.

Iceland

Iceland, the only nation in the Northern Hemisphere in the study, is also one of the safest nuclear war zones. This is largely due its remoteness.

However, Iceland may have access to North America and Europe, if some of the countries in these continents aren't completely devastated by war, famine, and/or social collapse.

New Zealand

The nation's resilience in the event of an abrupt drop in global temperature prompted by a period of darkness would also help. Everywhere in New Zealand is relatively close to the ocean, cushioning it from extreme temperatures.

According to the study, even in the event of a 61% reduction in crops during a prolonged nuclear winter, New Zealanders would still have enough to eat.

Australia

A robust agricultural producer, the study found that Australia's food supply buffer is gigantic, with the potential to feed many tens of millions of extra people.