11 Countries That Might Be the Safest If the World Falls Apart
If you are thinking about where to go if things go south globally, you’re not alone. With global tensions climbing and the possibility of widespread conflict no longer a distant scenario, the idea of a personal exit strategy has become more than hypothetical.
If survival, stability, and staying out of the line of fire sound appealing, these top countries could be your best bet.
Iceland
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Iceland frequently tops peace indexes due to its long-standing neutrality and geographic isolation. It has no army, no enemies, and more geothermal energy than you will ever need to stay warm. While nuclear fallout might not skip its shores entirely, its small population, secure infrastructure, and peaceful society make it a logical retreat.
New Zealand
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New Zealand’s mountainous interior doubles as natural bunkers, while its limited involvement in military affairs reduces its risk profile. Though it has supported Ukraine diplomatically, its geographic seclusion from major powers limits the likelihood of being directly affected by global war.
Switzerland
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Switzerland maintains a strong defense without provoking others. It’s also heavily fortified with nuclear shelters and protected by the Alps. They avoid selling weapons to war zones and keep their defense strong but polite.
Antarctica
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The coldest continent has something no other place does: legally mandated peace. Thanks to the Antarctic Treaty, no military activity is allowed, and few are eager to go to war over ice. While you’d need serious gear and planning to survive, its remoteness gives it near-total immunity to conflict.
Singapore
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Despite being densely populated, Singapore ranks among the safest in Asia for societal security and conflict avoidance. Its strict internal stability and international economic importance reduce the chances of it being pulled into military disputes.
Argentina
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Argentina is far enough from global hotspots that even its past military regimes feel like another era. Its southern latitude offers a geographic shield, and it could probably feed itself ten times over if needed. If a nuclear winter hit, its vast farmlands and mild climate wouldn’t be a bad place to hunker down.
Bhutan
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Since declaring neutrality in 1971, Bhutan has avoided global entanglements. Its location in the Himalayas and limited road access offer geographical and political insulation. Plus, its peaceful domestic policies and minimal military presence position it as a low-risk shelter if international tensions escalate.
Ireland
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Ireland says no to NATO and yes to staying out of other countries’ wars. That’s been its foreign policy for decades, and it’s worked. It’s not a nuclear target, doesn’t export weapons, and its position on the edge of Europe puts it at less risk than most of the continent.
Portugal
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Increasingly popular with American expats, Portugal offers strong peace rankings and low military engagement. It’s in Europe, but it rarely makes headlines, and that’s part of its appeal. Politically steady, geographically peripheral, and with solid infrastructure, it could absorb a shock better than many of its neighbors.
Slovenia
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Slovenia has views of the Alps and Adriatic and is near invisible in global conflict. It’s technically in NATO but keeps its military low-profile and budgets modest. Its peace rankings suggest people feel safe, and its lack of international drama means it’s rarely on anyone’s target list.
Costa Rica
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The country ditched its army over 70 years ago and never looked back. Instead, Costa Rica invested in public services, stayed politically stable, and ranked high in both peace and well-being. The country just minds its own business and avoids picking fights.
Tuvalu
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Tuvalu has about 11,000 people, no military footprint, and little global relevance, and that’s a compliment in this case. Its isolation is a strength if war breaks out, though rising sea levels are its long-term nemesis. If you’re thinking short-term shelter, though, obscurity might be its best feature.
Chile
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Chile stretches thousands of miles along the South American coast. It’s agriculturally rich and has reliable infrastructure that supports independence in a crisis. If you’re aiming to stay out of the blast zone, it might be the right latitude.
Indonesia
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The country’s historic “free and active” foreign policy keeps it from taking sides. While large and populous, Indonesia’s independence in diplomacy and regional focus make it less likely to be targeted. It values stability and has historically prioritized nonalignment over military alliances.
Fiji
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Fiji has coconuts, coral reefs, and peace. Its small size and ocean buffers insulate it from bigger countries’ agendas. It has no standing enemies and no strategic value to militaries, which makes it a very peaceful place to be. The dense forests and marine food sources only strengthen its case.