Safest countries to be in if WW3 breaks out

If World War III were to break out, where would you go?

Earlier this week, CIA chief John Ratcliffe touched down in Moscow. The reason for his trip has not been revealed, but it's been widely speculated that Ratcliffe was there to warn Russia off escalating tensions with its NATO members in the Baltics.

Meanwhile, Andy Burnham's recent visit to Ukraine to mark its 35th anniversary since independence coincided with the confirmation that blueprints for long-range missiles had been shared – a move which, of course, came with plenty of sabre-rattling from Russia.

There could be a 'semi-military' response, warned former deputy foreign minister Andrei Federov while Kremlin mouthpiece Vladimir Solovyov claimed that Russia could send a nuclear tsunami our way.

Cheery stuff.

If a full-scale conflict were to break out, chances are that you wouldn't have time to flee very far from your current location, as international travel would swiftly break down.

Hopefully this is advice you never need (Getty Stock Images)

But for the sake of this hypothetical scenario, here are the countries which are likely to be havens for those looking to steer clear of the conflict.

Iceland

The Nordic nation is known as one of the most peaceful countries in the world, consistently coming out on top of the Global Peace Index, as it has never been part of a full-scale war or invasion.

The remote island would also avoid the effects of war which could break out in Europe, while the government is known to have agreements with Ukraine, providing some financing and transportation.

Iceland is known as one of the peaceful nations in the world (Harald Nachtmann/Getty)

Switzerland

Known globally as the politically neutral nation, it is protected by landlocked geography and its mountainous terrain, while also featuring some nuclear shelters.

They have historically blocked the delivery of Swiss-made weapons and ammo bought from other European nations who bloked them.

Switzerland will be the first country on a lot of people's lists (Getty Stock Image)

New Zealand

The country ranks second in the Global Peace Index and is known to be neutral on most conflicts, while also using its mountainous terrain to its advantage.

It also has a geographic advantage if the conflict in the Middle East or the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine were to continue.

Its mountainous terrain goes in its favour (denizunlusu/Getty)

Tuvalu

The little-known Pacific island is halfway between Hawaii and Australia - with a population of just 11,000 and its remote location, you would likely be safe of any major wars.

Tuvalu does lack in natural resources though, which may be an issue for those living on the island, but may also deter any possible aggressors.

There could be issues if you choose to live here, though (Brandi Mueller/Getty)

Indonesia

Known for its neutral stance on political issues, the Southeast Asian country acts independently within international affairs and claims to be most concerned with world peace.

Indonesia is fairly neutral when it comes to politics (Tuul & Bruno Morandi/Getty)

Bhutan

Bhutan declared itself neutral in 1971 after joining the United Nations, while also benefiting from its mountainous features.

Like New Zealand, its terrain works to its advantage (Rui T Guedes / 500px/Getty)

Argentina

The South American nation has engaged in conflict in the past, famously during the Falklands War in the 1980s, while also being one of the most likely places to survive famine.

This is due to the nation's abundance of crops, including wheat, with residents having crops in supply if nuclear dust were to block the sun.

You're very likely to survive a famine here (@Didier Marti/Getty)

Chile

It's 4,000 mile-long coastline and mountain-filled terrain can prove to be a problem for anyone who tries to take over, while also being a home to a number of crops and natural resources.

Chile's development and infrastructure is also said to be among the most advanced in the continent.

Its terrain and infrastructure are said to be a plus (Posnov/Getty)

Fiji

Fiji does not have a clear military strategy and an army of just 6,000 people, as the nation ranks high up on the Global Peace Index.

The island nation is 2,700 miles away from the nearest country, Australia, while featuring several dense forests, minerals, and fishing spots.

It ranks high on the Global Peace Index (Westend61/Getty)

South Africa

South Africa boasts several sources of food, fresh water, and fertile land, while its modern infrastructure could help survival as its resources are managed.

South Africa is also on the list (Johannes Mann/Getty)

Antarctica

Finally, in what may be the most outlandish and difficult nation to get to, the continent which covers the South Pole is considered to be one of the safest places on Earth to survive a nuclear war.

It is thousands of miles away from any nuclear warheads, while boasting an area of 14 million square kilometres.

It might not be the easiest to get to... (Andrew Peacock/Getty)

Obviously, the freezing and borderline uninhabitable climate will play a part, though if people prepare accordingly, it could be the ultimate safe place.