If World War III breaks out this is where you will be safest
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 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. The 2021 Global Peace Index has some revealing results.
Image: Derek Thomson / Unsplash
Iceland is, according to the 2021 Global Peace Index, the nation with the biggest chance to remain in peace amidst a world war.
Image: Josh Reid / Unsplash
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.
New Zealand is in second place in the Global Peace Index.
Image: Ömer Faruk Bekdemir / Unsplash
Being the second '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.
Denmark getting the third spot on the list is a matter of controversy if we think how secure could it contrasted to a possible war in Europe.
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.
Portugal is a country that, historically speaking, has avoided joining in global conflicts.
Image: Daniel Seßler / Unsplash
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.
Slovenia became independent of Yugoslavia after the Ten-Day War, and since then it has remained apart from virtually any conflict.
Imagen: Johnny Africa / Unsplash
This seems to have changed due to Ukraine's current situation, with the Slovene Prime Minister joining Poland and Czechia in its support to Ukraine.
After suffering the annexation of Nazi Germany and World War Two, Austria has done its best to preserve its neutrality among the world powers.
Image: Paul Gilmore / Unsplash
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.
Running to the Swiss Alps might be a very smart choice if World War 3 ever starts.
Image: Patrick Robert Doyle / Unsplash
Switzerland has a worldwide reputation for peace and neutrality, and time has not affected this great custom.
Ireland could also be a safe choice, and in addition the calming green hills would be good for the nerves is WWIII is happening.
Image: Wynand van Poortvliet / Unsplash
Ireland is not a member of NATO. Let's hope that its peaceful landscapes won't be ruined in case of a global conflict.
The Global Peace Index was made before the Ukrainian conflict broke out, which no doubt has a negative effect on the Czech Republic's ranking, given that it's a NATO member with active participation in the ongoing crisis.
Image: Ryan Lum / Unsplash
Nonetheless, wandering the streets of Prague (pictured) can be a balm for the soul in such a critical moment.
Canada has always played an important role as a host country for refugees from around the globe and maintaining its peace.
Image: Jason Hafso / Unsplash
That's why it is on the 10th spot on the Global Peace Index.
The island city-state of Singapore is number one among the Asian countries.
Image: Mike Enerio / Unsplash
It is unsurprising that Singapore is safe, it is normally quite neutral and has strict laws.
Japan is listed as one of the safest countries in regard to a potential skirmish. Since World War Two, Japan has had a Self-Defense Force in place of a conventional military.
Image: Tianshu Liu / Unsplash
Japan is focused on peacekeeping missions and not engaging in conflicts outside its borders.
This northern European nation is known for its beautiful arctic landscapes and a tradition of relative neutrality.
Image: Maria Vojtovicova / Unsplash
However, Putin's threat to the country over Finland joining NATO makes us question the country's status as a safe haven in case of WWIII.
Norway follows Finland in the Global Peace Index. The Scandinavian nation has generally been a very peaceful place...
Image: Michael Fousert / Unsplash
...but with the convoluted situation that the world is facing right now, it's hard to say if things have changed.
Putin also made a stern warning to Sweden to remain out of the Ukrainian conflict, putting the Scandinavian country's spot on the list at risk.
Image: Jon Flobrant / Unsplash
However, if Russia isn't involved in a WWIII, would be a nice place to remain safe.
Australia possesses an enormous territory capable of managing a large influx of migrants.
Imagen: Photoholgic / Unsplash
Australia is distant enough from global powers to avoid any potential threat.
However, in such an interconnected world as we live in right now, it seems that any conflict has far-reaching repercussions.