Where would you be the safest if World War 3 broke out tomorrow? Perhaps it’s a grim subject, but safety and distance from world conflict can be a motivating factor in your choice to expatriate. At the very least, conflict around the world can weigh heavy on the soul, and it’s nice to know there are some places still left in the world where you might be left in peace. Thus, we’ve assembled a list of the 10 best places to live if you want to escape world conflict.
10. Switzerland
Switzerland’s long history of neutrality and its tucked away location among the valleys of the Alps still make it a safe bet, even despite having a high number of bordering nations. It helps that neighboring Austria is also considered a neutral nation.
9. Costa Rica
Costa Rica has a stable democracy, a disbanded military and a national policy of neutrality. It also ranks highly on the Global Peace Index, Happy Planet Index, and Life Satisfaction Index. Although it sits in the middle of a tumultuous region, there are far worse places to sit in peace as the world goes down in flames all around.
8. Papua New Guinea
There are regions of Papua New Guinea that are still being discovered for the first time. The canopy covered, mountainous nation contains some of the most isolated places in the world. Tuck yourself away in a nook here and it may be one of the few places left where you can completely insulate yourself from the outside world.
7. Canada
Canada is the second largest nation in the world, yet it only shares a land border with one other country– the U.S.A.– and it is a peaceful border. That means there is a great expanse to escape to, if need be. Furthermore, Canada has few world enemies, ranks consistently high on the Global Peace Index, and is relatively homogeneous.
6. Seychelles
Aside from being safely isolated from the rest of the world in the middle of the Indian Ocean, this beautiful island nation is a great place to forget about your worries. Isolation is the key here. And conflict is as transparent as the water.
5. Finland
Finland has a long history of desiring to stay out of international conflicts, is recognized as neutral and always ranks in the top 10 of the Global Peace Index. It’s northerly location also typically means the remote areas of this country are a perfect place to disappear.
4. Tuvalu
Isolated in the middle of Micronesia, Tuvalu is among the safest and most remote places in the world. It is the third least populated country on Earth, and the forth smallest. There are only a few places more distant from the world’s strife than Tuvalu.
3. Iceland
Iceland, of course, has no borders, has remote locations, is stable as a country and has virtually no world enemies. Its people are happy and the nation always ranks highly on the Global Peace Index. If world conflict erupts, Iceland is one of the few stable nations in the world unlikely to get caught up in the middle.
2. Bhutan
Landlocked among the Himalaya mountains, Bhutan is one of the most isolated nations in the world. It also showcases one of the most stable balances in the world between moderization and retention of ancient culture. Its religious population believes in peaceful resolution to all conflict, and although it sits in a troubled region, it remains protected by its geography.
1. New Zealand
New Zealand might be the most isolated and expansive fully developed nation in the world. It shares no borders, sits relatively distant from any other nation, has no real national enemies, has a safe democracy and a diverse landscape with many remote places to hide away within. Furthermore, it ranked #1 on the Global Peace Index in 2009.
stay in the states, as patriots!!! if you decide to go to NZ, PNG, or Island you will die anyway, cos you, selfish rats, are China’s target. seed love to change the world + and burn up Karma, call your dirty mates brits and israelis
Bhutan’s inclusion in this list is laughable, especially the line: “Its religious population believes in peaceful resolution to all conflict”. Try telling that to the 105,000 people who were expelled 20 years ago in an massive ethnic cleansing, and who have never been allowed to return, even though they still cling to that dream.
The comments in general on this topic are amazingly myopic and generally seem to reflect a low-end view of the world. Though I suppose its typical of the state of humanity these days. Sad.
I think those pictures posted and places referred are for holiday and relaxation .The OP was asking with reference to the eventuality of the dreaded WWWIII ,wake up people .
The best places to go is a country not much involve in war but we don’t know this yet . It is not just war but calamities too .You think those little white sandy low lying islands will survive a great earthquake and tsuanami ?In out present time ,not one place is insulated from any elements of conflict that may arise.Think about the 7 billion population get hungry – no food ,nuclear boms exploding ,draughts ,floods ,commerce totally put to a a hault. Man you need to get yourself away from the cities and run to the mountains and live wild .Read teh Bible Matthew 24 . Desperate people will do desperate things .So prepare for the extra horrors happening.
I am thinking of the same line too and wondering where I can be sheltered and get lost ,perhaps through thick forest and never seen when chaos and NWO starts chipping people.
I have to say, the comments here have been very enlightening. NZ seems to be the clear cut winner.
I second Chuck’s opin that Zam should write a book. Hilarious. I’ve been to Canada and he nailed it for anyone thinking the grass is greener…..Uh, well it is a little greener, but it’s usually frozen and when it’s not, it costs about a weeks paycheck to buy a mower. Socialism, Jeez.
I read this article because things have been inching closer to collapse for years here in the US and now we’re running to the flames, but I guess I’ll stay right here in Florida, buy some guns (I don’t want to be the only one with a knife), and go down with the ship….well, unless I can get the ship to sail to NZ!
I lived in New Zealand all over North and South Island for four years. It’s a Commonwealth country, not an independent nation. It’s found in the Southern Hemisphere, only somewhat isolated and the people seem preoccuppied comparing themselves to much greater, true, nations. And this lack of self-confidence is telling in many ways. The currency exchange was nice. A fair enough place to hang for awhile. But rather boring. An island is an island is an island.
Anyone know where that photo of NZ was taken?
This is an OPINION piece people, not scientific fact, so I wish you guys would’t read so deeply into it. I am Canadian, and out country IS very peaceful, and understanding, and not really that expensive to live in (in the grand scheme of things) I’d rather be here than in the USA if there was a WW3. I travel a LOT and Canadians are definitely welcomed much more openly than Americans (sorry guys)
Im using this piece as a travel guide above anything else. I’d love to go to Seychelles or Tuvalu and experience a REAL country, not one that has been bastardized for tourists that can’t travel without access to Starbucks and McDonalds.
Good work poster.
I don’t think the inclusion of Tuvalu or the Seychelles is very sensible. The people of Tuvalu are already being evacuated to New Zealand because sea level rise is flooding their country. At high tide you can be knee deep in water in some places- where houses have stood for years. The Seychelles is also shrinking due to rising sea levels so I doubt either of these will remain conflict free places
Sam ,photo of N.Z is central north island,Mt Tongariro,it’s a small mountain beside Mt Ruapehu,the water is a crater lake,I grew up on a sheep farm about 80miles north
would definitely add this in my bucketlist. Costa Rica has been my dream destination.
Where is Australia??! D:
I live in Canada. I am an artist and I do what I like. I get up when I like and paint when inspiration takes me. I’m mostly happy regardless of the state of the world right now. We cannot always change the events to come ( but we should try and band together to evoke change. We should not tolerate inhumanity not for one minute) and everyone, everyday no matter where they live should feel the freedom to get up when they like n do what they enjoy. We should have no monetary system and live to better ourselves.
@Maggie – you are entirely wrong on every point you make. You are delusional regarding Canada–and 4th rate, overpriced, dumpy country with shit weather. I could easily refute every single point you make–and already have: please re-read my original post. You seem to be the only Canadian making the ludicrous claims that Canada is a good place to live. Most Canadians I know (and I know very many having lived there for 3 long, expensive, low income, shitty dull years) agree with everything I’ve said here. For more evidence that you live in an overpriced dump of a country that’s also expensive and boring please visit this site–
http://amplicate.com/hate/canada/4149667-serious-talk-about-canadas-flaws-and-failings/
There you can see an excellent article on why Canada sucks to live in. What’s more, many Canadians chime in after this article fully agreeing with the OPs arguments. So dear Maggie, you are certainly entitled to your odd opinions about Canada. But obviously I am in the majority when I say Canada sucks.
The inevitable economic collapse will either be accompanied or followed by a very big war with resultant nuclear fall-out in the Northern Hemisphere.
Zambia is an option to re-locate to as an English speaking peaceful country, sparsely populated free from GMO, steroids, colourants, hormones, chemtrails and pollution, in the Southern Hemisphere. The climate is mild and the people are friendly. The government here is not big brother but is ineffective and lethargic and when the crunch comes will be looking after themselves. There is some time yet, but how much? Australia and New Zealand are under Big Money control evident by the laws they are passing. tjissekm[at]gmail.com
Opinions are great, Costa Rica has sounded good for a while to me. But as with all great things that look great from the outside, they have something about them that will be sure to disappoint. Thanks for the article, the cause is noble even if the information is not as good as the pictures.
Live in the US, we have drones…
Costa Rica! Pura vida!
Most of the list makes sense. Still, I am quite happy in my peaceful abode here in the USA (Virginia). I live in the mountain region in a safe / quiet town with excellent healthcare. I couldn’t be happier.
Oh, and I should mention that the overblown dramatization of the collapse of the USA is just that…overblown. My community and industry (R&D engineering firm) is doing quite well.
Well, this caught my attention and the places are absolutely beautiful like all over this beautiful planet of ours.. Here’s an idea.. why don’t we work on World Peace.. Then we wont have to run and hide, but by some of the comments that I read.. World Peace is going to be a lot harder than I thought/hoped.. Understand, not if or when but it is happening.. Collapse.. there is no true place to run and hide.. You need to know how to survive in your own environment, sure run.. but what happens when you get there, do you know how to survive in this area, do you understand how to grow food, provide shelter, clothes on your back.. Walmart and the Donut shop is not going to be open just down the street for you.. If you have not prepared and do not know how to take care of yourself and the knowledge of basic skills.. well, I truly fear for those that do know.. because you bunch of dreamers that think oh, I will just move over here then.. well.. I will be guarding my supplies/gardens.. because I see a lot of people that are going to wake up to reality real quick with no direction.. and just the confusion alone is going to cause mass riots.. Look, its already starting.. just turn on your TV, for what ever that is worth, at least they are starting to show “some” real news..
Good luck people, you go running to all your hideaways, they are beautiful.. but me.. well, with all of you gone.. right where I sit, will be that much more peaceful… :-)
Hmmm, odd list.
Finland may have a ‘desire’ to stay out of conflict but that didn’t stop the Russians invading in 1939.
Canada and New Zealand by their sheer remoteness (or border in Canada’s case) maybe safe from domestic invasion but as their countrymen fight in Commonwealth wars, not safe from conflict.
As for Switzerland….well no one is going to invade the bank are they?
Strange article and odd choices…..
@ imsomeonelse, I would say Australia is not on there because we are the US’s little lapdog & participate in every illegal war they start, not to mention that we have US bases like Pine Gap, Nurrungar etc. All it takes is for some brain dead imperialist nutjob to start slinging nukes & we will go down hard.
New Zealand is my number 1 choice but if I can’t get there, then a location as far away from the cities & bases as possible but still habitable is my plan.
I think you confused Finland with Sweden or Norway. That pic is definitely not from Finland.
Hmm, if I had a choice I’d probably take myself off to Switzerland or possibly New Zealand. Seychelles looks amazing though, the water is so clear!
well yes those are amazing places to go but you didn’t mention anything from South America. You can be pretty much safe in the Amazon Jungle or in the Awesomeness of Galapagos.
Beautiful photos and an overall nice post – just one question – what do you mean by saying Canada is relatively homogenous? In people and geography, this couldn’t be further from the truth. There are also a number of diverse political, religious, and societal viewpoints. What aspect of Canada being homogenous are you referring to?
All these places look absolutely beautiful and I would love to check them all out after I hit the lottery.
Not sure where to start on this subject but I’d like to thank you for your effort in putting this article together. I’ve been working on this in my head for many years now and have done lots of research into it from natural to man-made disasters. I can’t tell all I’ve discoved in a few sentences or even paragraphs but I feel something more important to know is when you decide on a set place you need to study everything about it.
If you’re from the city and head for the hills to escape population you will be adding new and unfamilar dangers. Having lots of money is worthless in the woods except for fire tender or toilet paper. Your Boyscout training will give you a slight advantage over most but you need to not only study-up beforehand … you need to live it out and then you’ll only be experienced by the time invested. Do all 4 seasons there then decide if you really miss Starbucks & McD’s
Global nukes … forget about it! Stay where you are because it isn’t going to matter where you go hide unless you can get into Cheyenne Mountain … and good luck with Yellowstone’s super volcano. Anywhere south of the Equator would be best in this scenario. Only because the majority of our superpowers are mostly in the northern hemisphere. Fallout will circle the globe but very little if any will cross into the southern hemisphere but that could change also due to a few other factors such as how many nukes used and/or a shift in the poles. Further study here for a more accurate guestimate.
I agree with “scape to Southamerica” on a large percentage but take it from me (being from the FL Glades) I know the heat/humidity/wildlife will do a number on anyone experienced or not.
Oh … you watched Surviver Man, Man vs. Wild, Dual Survival, ect. ? Yeah, so did I and I also saw a few episodes where they may have killed a few belivers with their stupidity. Cody Lundin has the most common sense out of all the others only because he carries the most important tool with him at all times … Faith ! I’m not talking Religion here but you need to believe in something even if it’s a rock God. Remember that you need 5 things daily to live and I emphasize on “NEED” because everything else is a “WANT” !
1. Food/Water/Air (counts as one)
2. Heat (even in the summer- you may need to boil water to purify it or cook away bacterias)
3. Clothing (protection from many unknown/unrealized things)
4. Shelter (obviously protection from the elements and wildlife)
5. Faith (a will to live, wake up to another and do it all over again)
Also study up on the local wild medicines and a laymens knowledge of first-aid/surgery.
I could write a book I guess on this subject but there are already many out there. People say only the strong will survive but common sense has beaten strength and faith/willpower can conquer all things … if you can BELIEVE that !!!
My best wishes to all
My daughter is a smart cookie. She fell in love with New Zealand on her first trip back in ‘98. Now she lives there. It is beautiful, the people amazing and in some ways, like going back to the US in the 50’s. Except with all the modern amenities. And depending on how you need to travel, with a few tools and adjustments, you can go pretty much anywhere, especially Asia and South America for less that you would spend at home in a month. But the first thing you have to do is get rid of debt.
Costa Rica Rules
Im from Costa Rica and we are the happie country in the word
Pura Vida !!!!
Im quite happy here in Sunny Dorset in Britain :) These are not proven facts they are just opinions….
This sucks. Looks like there’s nowhere to run and nowhere to hide. Guess we should kiss our asses goodbye. http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/27/us-png-politics-investment-idUSTRE80Q0D920120127
Seychelles is a peaceful country that is surrounded and victimized by Somali pirates. NOT an option, unfortunately.
Costa Rica is a really fascinating place to live. I’ve been there 4 times and i just can’t get enough of its peaceful and friendly environments. I recomend to everyone to visit CR.
Totally surprised to see that Norway is not on this list!
Ummm, Sweden hasn’t been at war since 1814. Missed that, guys.
@Oelando Florida
Not everyone who read this is from the States man… and I’m not sure your threats are coming across very positively either (if anyone can actually understand what you are saying)… in fact your comment is the main attitudinal reason this webpage even exists. People should be able to do what they want and be happy, free from war and negative vibes… what you put out comes back.. try it, you’ll see.
Honestly if its about surviving a nuclear war I’d go as far south as possible to an isolated island that isn’t a popular vacation spot or if need be antarctica cause the nukes of today are ten times more powerful than they were during WWII, and they wont just affect the countries they hit. everything surround the bombed countries will be affected.
In 10 yrs as said in “Home” movie we can make this world better place to live for all.
But for me the best way is to eat the greedy rich and give to the poor needy. If this works we have balance and peace/harmony among humans and that is the best of all.