Best places to live if WW3 breaks out 'revealed'

If a hypothetical scenario where World War Three were to break out – where in the world would be the safest place to live?

It's a scenario none of us want to think about or hope will ever happen, but it sure does seem like concerns about a global war are everywhere these days.

Across Europe we've seen Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, incursions into NATO airspace and random nuclear missile warnings from propagandists, meanwhile there's also simmering tensions between Israel and its neighbours as well as China's open discussions about a 'reunification' with Taiwan.

And don't forget the constant missile parading from North Korea either.

Which means that if a conventional war were to break out, it could very easily drag most of the planet into conflict.

In recent months we've also seen the EU release recommended survival kits and the German government telling schools to prepare their students for a wartime scenario.

So, if the unthinkable were to become a reality, where would be the best place to live?

Should WWIII start or a conflict turn nuclear than you're unlikely to be safe anywhere, although some countries may offer better chances (Getty Stock Images)

Best places to live on each continent if WW3 breaks out

Of course, the safety of each country depends on where war breaks out.

For example, Switzerland has long maintained neutrality and is often touted as the best place to be in the event of war.

However if nukes were to begin flying across Europe in all directions, the mountainous nation would likely be impacted by fall-out.

The most likely answer to the question is that nowhere would be safe - unless NASA has completed its 'lunar domes' - however several countries are often put forward as being safer than others.

These include:

New Zealand

It should come as no surprise that New Zealand is on the list.

It's roughly 2,000 kilometres (1,200 miles) away from its closest neighbour, Australia, which means it's far enough way from major power centres where conflicts may be breaking out.

New Zealand's remoteness also means it's unlikely to be target for attack, despite being a partner country of NATO.

The Pacific nation ranks third on the Global Peace Index and is highly self-sufficient, with a recent study having the country as its top pick for survival in the event of a crisis.

There's a reason New Zealand often crops up on these lists (Getty Stock Images)

If New Zealand isn't your preferred place in Oceania, then perhaps Western Australia could be another option. Its main city Perth is considered the world's most isolated major city and has an abundance of natural resources. Australia is also a net food exporter, which also counts in its favour.

Iceland

Although a member of NATO, Iceland consistently ranks number one on the Global Peace Index. The country is also often tied with Switzerland as being the best place in Europe to be should WWIII happen.

Its remote location - Iceland's closest neighbours are Greenland and the Faroe Islands - and abundance of geothermal energy also work in its favour.

Sure Iceland can get pretty cold in the winter and suffers from regular volcanic eruptions, but that's preferable to living in a war zone.

The North Atlantic nation has no standing army but does host NATO forces from time to time, meaning its chances of being targeted are unlikely but not zero.

Chile

Moving over to South America and you've got several options which are pretty far removed from the frontlines of conflict zones.

One such option would be Chile, a nation protected by the Pacific Ocean and Andes mountains.

If you do fancy bunkering down in South America, Argentina and Uruguay would also be strong options.

South American nations such as Chile, Uruguay and Argentina could also be options (Getty Stock Images)

Botswana

Like most of South America and Oceania, southern Africa has the geographical advantage of being in the Southern Hemisphere and therefore further away from nuclear weapons and targets.

Often listed as one of the safest places to visit in Africa is Botswana, a non-aligned country and which is home to many natural resources.

Other options could also be neighbouring Namibia and South Africa.

Bhutan

The last stop on our nuclear tour of the continents is Asia, which brings us to Bhutan.

A landlocked country which borders India and China, Bhutan has the geographical advantage of being nestled in the Himalayas.

Bhutan is also neutral, which bumps it down the list of targets in a global nuclear conflict.