Global geopolitical tensions have once again come into sharp focus after a series of airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran triggered retaliatory actions from Tehran across several parts of the Middle East. At the same time, the Russia–Ukraine war continues with no clear signs of de-escalation.
This multi-regional escalation has revived a classic question that now feels increasingly relevant: if World War III were to break out, which countries would be relatively the safest?
Several nations are frequently cited due to a combination of remote geography, long-standing neutrality, high levels of peace, and strong resource resilience. Based on the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025, which evaluates domestic security, conflict intensity, and levels of militarization, the following places are considered to have a higher likelihood of avoiding the direct impacts of a global conflict.
1. Antarctica
Antarctica lies at the southernmost point of the planet, far removed from the world’s major centers of military power. This extreme distance makes it highly unlikely to become a strategic target in either conventional or nuclear warfare. In theory, its vast ice-covered territory—spanning millions of square kilometers—offers extensive physical space for shelter.
However, geographic security does not equate to livability. Extreme temperatures and hostile natural conditions make long-term survival on the continent exceptionally difficult.
2. Iceland
Iceland ranks first in the GPI 2025. It has consistently been regarded as one of the most peaceful countries in the world and has never been involved in a full-scale war or foreign invasion.
Geographically isolated in the North Atlantic, Iceland holds a strategic advantage. The country has no standing military, yet it is a member of NATO and falls under the collective defense clause of Article 5.
Even so, Iceland is unlikely to be a primary target due to its minimal military footprint. Any radioactive fallout from a nuclear conflict on mainland Europe is expected to reach the island only in limited concentrations.
3. Indonesia
Since gaining independence, Indonesia has upheld the principle of a “free and active” foreign policy. This doctrine emphasizes strategic independence in decision-making alongside a commitment to global peace.
As a result, Indonesia tends to avoid direct alignment with major military blocs—a factor that, in theory, reduces the risk of becoming a direct target in large-scale global conflict.
4. New Zealand
New Zealand ranks third in the GPI and is widely recognized as one of the most geographically remote countries in the world, located in the southwestern Pacific. Its distance from the main centers of Eurasian geopolitical tension serves as a natural layer of protection. The country’s mountainous terrain also provides additional defensive advantages.
While the government has offered financial support to Ukraine and backed legal actions against Russia at the International Court of Justice, the likelihood of a direct attack on New Zealand’s territory is considered extremely low.
5. Switzerland
Switzerland has long been regarded as a symbol of European neutrality. The country has not taken a military side in the Russia–Ukraine conflict and has even restricted the transfer of Swiss-made weapons to active war zones.
Beyond its political stance, Switzerland is equipped with highly developed civil defense infrastructure, including an extensive network of nuclear fallout shelters. These factors make it unlikely to be perceived as a direct enemy by parties involved in major global conflicts.
6. Tuvalu
Tuvalu is located in the Pacific Ocean, roughly between Hawaii and Australia, and has a population of around 11,000. Its limited infrastructure and minimal natural resources give it little military or strategic significance.
In wartime logic, territories with little strategic value are rarely prioritized as targets, making Tuvalu one of the least likely locations to be directly affected by large-scale global conflict.
7. Argentina
Argentina has a history of military conflict, most notably the Falklands War in 1982. However, its primary strength lies in its agricultural sector, particularly wheat production.
In a scenario involving nuclear war, where radioactive fallout could severely disrupt global food production, countries with large food reserves and strong agricultural output would have a higher chance of survival. Argentina falls into this category, giving it a relative advantage in terms of long-term resilience.
8. Bhutan
Bhutan has maintained a neutral stance since joining the United Nations in 1971. As a landlocked country surrounded by mountainous terrain, it benefits from natural territorial defenses.
Its distance from the world’s primary conflict zones further isolates it from the direct effects of global geopolitical tensions.
9. Chile
Chile stretches over 4,000 miles along South America’s western edge and possesses some of the region’s most advanced infrastructure. The country also benefits from a diverse range of agricultural products and abundant natural resources.
In times of global crisis, the combination of modern development and resource self-sufficiency plays a crucial role in maintaining domestic stability—an area where Chile is comparatively well positioned.
10. Fiji
Fiji lies approximately 2,700 miles from Australia and maintains a military force of around 6,000 personnel. This island nation consistently ranks highly in the Global Peace Index.
Its forests, mineral resources, and rich fisheries enhance its internal resilience, particularly if global supply chains are disrupted by large-scale conflict.
