World War III: identifying the safest countries

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World War III: identifying the safest countries

StarsInsider

Story by Stars Insider

23/11/2024

World War III: identifying the safest countries©Getty Images

With a global stockpile of around 13,000 nuclear warheads, we all know that a nuclear war would be catastrophic. And while you probably don't want to think about a nuclear apocalypse, you might wonder which countries are the best to live in when it comes to survival. A study, published in the journal Risk Analysis, has narrowed down a few island nations that could continue to produce enough food to feed their populations after an "abrupt sunlight-reducing catastrophe" such as a nuclear war, super volcano, or asteroid strike.

Curious? Click on to discover the best countries to survive a nuclear war.

Fears of nuclear war©Getty Images

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©Shutterstock

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

Widespread technological collapse©Shutterstock

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.

Some 63% of the world’s population would die of famine©Shutterstock

According to a study by Rutgers University, more than five billion people, roughly 63% of the world's current population, would die of famine in the aftermath of a full-scale nuclear war.

A 97% reduction in food production©Shutterstock

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

Survivors even in the most severe scenario©Shutterstock

Nevertheless, there would likely be survivors around the world, even in the most severe of scenarios.

The best chance of survival©Shutterstock

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!

The study compared 38 island countries©Shutterstock

The study published in Risk Analysis compared 38 island countries on 13 factors they said could predict success as a post-apocalyptic survival state.

Important factors©Shutterstock

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"©Shutterstock

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©Shutterstock

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

Indonesia, the Philippines, and Mauritius©Shutterstock

According to the study, these nations would be able to produce enough food in the aftermath of a nuclear war.

Indonesia, the Philippines, and Mauritius©Shutterstock

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

Social instability puts resilience in doubt©Shutterstock

However, the history of corruption and social instability in these nations could put their resilience in doubt, according to the study.

Solomon Islands and Vanuatu©Shutterstock

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.

Solomon Islands and Vanuatu©Shutterstock

However, both nations lack a high-technology manufacturing and knowledge economy, which would make it difficult for them to get back on their feet. Nevertheless, they could potentially participate in trade with other surviving nearby nations.

Iceland©Shutterstock

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.

Iceland©Shutterstock

However, with a small economy, Iceland would likely suffer from a lack of imported commodities and infrastructure degradation.

Iceland©Shutterstock

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©Shutterstock

New Zealand comes in second place thanks to its distance from nuclear targets and its longstanding nuclear-free status.

New Zealand©Shutterstock

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.

New Zealand©Shutterstock

Also, New Zealand has an efficient food export economy that could feed their population multiple times over just from exports.

New Zealand©Shutterstock

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©Shutterstock

Given its rugged outback and its history of being settled by convicts, there's long been this mythos that Australia can survive anything. Well, it seems there's some truth to it, even if unrelated! Yup, Australia topped the list.

Australia©Shutterstock

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.

Australia©Shutterstock

Also, Australia's good infrastructure, vast energy surplus, high health security, and defense budget all helped in placing it at the top of the list.

Australia©Shutterstock

But according to the study, Australia has one major factor working against it: its relatively close military ties with the UK and US make it more likely to become a target in a nuclear war against Russia.

Sources: (The Guardian)