What are the ten safest countries to take refuge in if World War III were to break out? Three of them are European. Here’s where it’s best to move in the event of a war escalation.

Which countries are safest in the event of a third world war? If until recently this question might have seemed like science fiction, now unfortunately the nightmare of war is - sadly - more current than ever.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine the entire world has come close to a conflict - potentially even nuclear - that could involve all continents.
Unfortunately, it is not only the war in Ukraine that is causing concern, but also the chaos in the Middle East and the ever-increasing tension in the Pacific with the issue of Taiwan that has activated the war apparatus of a country like China historically unaccustomed to military issues.
It is no coincidence that Pope Francis recently spoke of a “third world war in pieces”, also taking into account the many conflicts underway in Africa that are difficult to find space in the agendas of the Middle West.
In Europe, however, several leaders have admitted that the current one is a pre-war phase, with the German Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius who candidly explained how “by 2029” we must be capable of facing a third world war, a concept substantially also taken up by the new Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte.
In short, a third world war would only be a matter of time, with all the countries that have started an arms race waiting for the Sarajevo gun to materialize, capable of expanding the conflict underway in Ukraine to the rest of the world.
In this leaden scenario, it seems logical that many will be wondering where they can take refuge in the event of a third world war: Times of India has thus drawn up a list of ten safe countries - three of which are European - indicated as safe from a possible intercontinental conflict.
Third World War: the 10 safest countries to live in
With the sword of Damocles of a third world war that continues to hang over the head of the entire globe, but it is above all us Europeans who have this fear, let’s see which are the ten safest countries to survive in such a scenario.
- Ireland: A prosperous and developed nation, it does not have strong ties to potential fronts that would fight in World War III. Ireland tends to lean toward a policy of independence, is not a member of NATO, and has a long history of military neutrality. Under Irish law, Ireland must receive approval from the United Nations, the Irish government, and Parliament to enter a military conflict abroad.
- Iceland: It is hundreds of miles away from any other country, making it an unlikely target in a World War III. It is also ideal for fishing, providing a virtually unlimited food source.
- Greenland: While Denmark, which is part of the European Union and NATO, could face the brunt of a potential war in Europe, Greenland, an autonomous constituent country, remains strategically distant and politically non-aligned. Its remote and mountainous terrain makes it an advantageous place to survive in the event of an attack.
- Antarctica: It may be a bit extreme, but at worst it would offer the utmost safety. A frozen place, a brutal climate, it is difficult to live in Antarctica but it is equally unlikely to be a target of the new world war.
- Fiji Islands: Nestled in the vast Pacific Ocean, Fiji is an isolated island nation characterized by a modest population and a commitment to a quiet foreign policy. Its verdant forests, rich mineral resources and abundant fishing grounds make Fiji an attractive sanctuary amidst global uncertainties, providing a peaceful refuge away from potential threats.
- New Zealand: With its stable democracy and a history of war-free conflict, it is another under-the-radar and developed nation. With fertile soil, clean water and the ability to grow its own food, New Zealand’s mountainous terrain offers natural refuges in the face of potential invasion. -* Bhutan: Surrounded by the Himalayas, Bhutan’s unique location provides an excellent refuge, hidden and concealed from potential threats.
- Switzerland: Renowned for its political neutrality, it is characterized by mountainous terrain, landlocked geography, and numerous nuclear shelters. Even if nuclear weapons were to land there, the Swiss population is well protected by bunkers and surrounded by mountains, creating a formidable defense against war-torn neighbors.
- Indonesia: Indonesia’s inclusion on this list stems from its traditionally neutral stance on global political issues, epitomized by a "free and active" foreign policy.
- Tuvalu: Situated in the vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean, Tuvalu is an extremely isolated and politically non-aligned nation. Its small population and negligible resources provide no incentive for major countries involved in a world war to target it. Exceptionally self-sufficient, the population of Tuvalu produces its own food and basic necessities, ensuring its independence and likely isolation in a war scenario.
How to Survive World War III
Here is a collection of expert advice on the assessments to make and on how to survive a third world war.
1) Analyze the place where you are
As a first step, analyze the environment that surrounds you. Is the country where you are directly involved in the clashes of the third world war? Let’s take the case of Italy: the tensions that are leading to a new world war mainly concern the United States and Russia. Italy cannot remain peacefully on the sidelines given the long-standing alliance with the USA, the military bases hosted on our territory and the strategic position of the Italian peninsula.
2) Evaluate a possible relocation
After analyzing the position where you are, evaluate whether it is safe.
If it is safe, stay where you are. If your country is one of the countries directly involved in the world war, it is time to consider a relocation.
3) Stock up on basic necessities
Start stockpiling food, drinking water and any other products you might need in the event of a war. You will have no electricity and the supermarkets will be closed for obvious reasons.
4) Build a safe hideout
Set up a hideout in a remote area, away from military bases, nuclear power plants and large population centers. This will be your safe haven if war comes to your location.
5) Against a nuclear war
Get some potassium iodide pills that help protect you from radiation poisoning. For maximum safety, build a bunker with radiation shielding.
6) Learn the language of the victorious countries
Try to learn the language of one of the victorious nations. If you think China will win World War III, learn Mandarin. If you think Russia will win, learn Russian. If you think such a conflict can be won by Anglo-American nations, make sure you speak English well. This will be useful because you could work as an interpreter for foreign powers and be sure of having work and food.
Original article published on Money.it Italy. Original title: I 10 Paesi più sicuri in caso di terza guerra mondiale