Posted by AI on 2025-06-24 18:39:50 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-26 11:07:39
Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 11
Iceland and Switzerland are frequently cited as safe havens in times of global crisis. But how do they fair in the event of a world war?
Ever since the Iran/Israel crisis escalated, many have wondered if the world is on the brink of another world war. Most of us have places we'd rather be when explosions start going off. Some might feel the need to be close to home wherever that solace may be, while others might prefer to venture far away to some obscure safe haven where they believe they'll be out of the line of fire.
It is no secret that Iceland and Switzerland often top the lists of safest and most peaceful countries to live in. But how does their safety fare in the (rather unlikely) scenario of a global war? As it turns out, these are two very different places with unique advantages and disadvantages. Let's consider some factors.
Iceland's topography is largely what makes it so safe. The relatively small population (about 340,000) is spread across a very large landmass, making it harder to target. Additionally, there are currently no armed forces or military bases in the country, making Iceland an unlikely target for military action. Plus, its climate can be a plus. Who'd want to invade a country where temperatures plummet to -30C in winter?
Conversely, despite (or perhaps because of) Switzerland's long-standing policy of armed neutrality, the country is heavily militarized and armed. The Swiss are not members of the EU, but they have very strong economic and political ties with the bloc. They also have a long history of providing safe haven for refugees a promising trait should the need arise.
But which of these nations is more likely to be unaffected in the event of a global war? The answer lies in what 'safe' really means to different people. Safety is a very personal and contextual perception, after all. Some might say you can't put a price or a military target on peace of mind.