The Safest Country in the World in the Event of a Nuclear War is One of the Most Beautiful: The Bad News is that It's on the Other Side of the World

For several years now, various countries have entered into war, causing concern around the globe for the potential outbreak of a nuclear war. Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Gaza, Palestine, and Iran are engulfed in a conflict that, instead of wanting to end, seems to escalate little by little while other countries with enormous nuclear potential are joining in. Although a nuclear war scenario in Europe is unlikely, the concern is real.

The tensions make experts fear an atomic attack that did not occur during the Cold War but also made headlines back then. The latest analyses indicate that a nuclear explosion would affect an area of up to two kilometers, causing total devastation, massive fires, and dangerous exposure to gamma radiation. Though the greatest health and environmental risks would come later with radioactive rain.

The most exposed countries are those that host NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) military bases, with Germany being one of the most vulnerable due to facilities in Ramstein and Büchel. Poland would also face significant risk as it is located near Russia and Belarus, potential attack targets. Italy or the Baltic countries would not be spared either due to having bases and their proximity to Russia, respectively.

The Iberian Peninsula is a rather unlikely target, thus it could be among the safer places within the insecurity that exists as part of the European continent. But the ideal place to take refuge from a possible attack would have to be far away from any potential conflict zone, without nuclear weapons, military bases, and maintaining a neutral stance. It should be distant from the United States, Europe, South America, and the Middle East in every sense.

Ireland could be a good option: it is neutral, not part of NATO, and tends to avoid global conflicts; however, it is close to Europe, so it wouldn't be the safest country. A similar situation exists with Iceland, which is isolated, strategically less significant, and does not have an armed military. Nevertheless, it is a NATO member and presents a very aggressive environment, so few people would be able to survive there if they are not accustomed.

Switzerland might also seem like a solution, as it has shelters for practically its entire population, isn't part of NATO, and has very good defense, in addition to natural protection from its mountains. However, its geographical location in the middle of the continent makes it not too secure. That is why perhaps the best area to take refuge would be the islands located in the Pacific Ocean, such as Tuvalu or Fiji.

These islands would be a very good option, though their natural resources are quite limited. Thus, New Zealand emerges as one of the safest countries in the event of a nuclear war for various reasons: its geographical isolation, food self-sufficiency, non-alignment with conflicts, political stability, and well-developed infrastructure. Additionally, it boasts natural beauty, but also presents difficulties in obtaining citizenship.