What do WWII battles, ballistic missiles, and the deadly brown tree snake have in common?
From earthquakes to volcanic eruptions, floods to droughts, each year natural disasters affect millions of people around the world. While countries can lower the number of casualties with good security measures and infrastructure, no one can really prevent nature's force. To better evaluate which countries are most and least at risk, the WorldRiskReport ranked 193 countries on their risk of experiencing disaster or vulnerability to extreme natural events. According to the findings, the Philippines, India, and Indonesia have the highest overall disaster risk. But which countries is Mother Nature least likely to wreak havoc on?
Check out this gallery for the top 30 safest countries when it comes to natural disasters.
Bordered by South Africa, Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, Botswana is a landlocked country that is prone to periodic droughts and floods. However, it's relatively safe from major natural disasters.
While Brunei is located in an active seismic zone, earthquakes and volcano activity are not common.
In Togo, floods and droughts are the main natural hazards that threaten health and agricultural livelihoods. But the West African nation is still relatively safe when it comes to natural disasters.
While relatively safe from natural disasters, the small, landlocked nation has seen an increase of droughts and floods in recent years.
This East European country is prone to the risks of climate-related hazards, with the greatest economic impact posed by floods and drought.
Although you might find yourself in the middle of a snowstorm, major natural disasters such as tornadoes and earthquakes are practically nonexistent in Finland.
Located in an active seismic zone, earthquakes are the dominant risk in Turkmenistan. Heavy rains may trigger floods and landslides. Still, it's pretty safe!
Some of the islands may experience sand storms, known locally as bruma seca. Also, torrential rains during rain season can cause floods and landslides. And yet it's paradisical all the same.
Located in an active seismic zone, this Balkan nation is at risk from various natural hazards, including earthquakes and floods. But it's worth the gamble at any point in the year.
The island nation of Palau is particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise, as well as tropical cyclones and floods. Still, you'll like your odds!
Qatar has one of the lowest disaster risks of any country, which is largely thanks to its location away from disaster hotspots.
Destructive floods, landslides, rock fall, and avalanches threaten areas in the mountainous regions. Fortunately, Austria has a strong federal system of protection against these natural hazards. Without protection, Austria's river valleys wouldn't be usable for permanent settlement.
The mountainous country is vulnerable to a range of natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes, and landslides. Still, the odds are in your favor!
Switzerland is regularly affected by floods, debris flows, landslides, rockfall, and avalanches. But thanks to the nation's preparedness, it's relatively safe.
While floods do occur in the south-western region near the German border, natural hazards seldom cause serious damage in Denmark.
The Maldives is one of the lowest countries in the world, and, hence, is greatly threatened by rising sea levels. Nonetheless, tourists with deep pockets still flood here.
While Slovakia is relatively safe when it comes to extreme weather conditions, droughts and floods can be considered the most serious natural disaster risks.
Being so close to the equator, the tiny island doesn't experience tropical cyclones. However, during the wet season, which normally runs from November to April, strong winds and sea swells are sometimes experienced.
Like its neighbor Slovakia, this Central European nation is also prone to floods. Undoubtedly, the most serious disasters were the floods back in 1997 and 2002, which affected the lives of millions of citizens.
Similarly to other neighboring countries, Hungary is also prone to drought and floods, which are dealt with in a proficient manner.
While sandstorms and dust storms are common occurrences, Bahrain still has a low risk for major natural disasters.
One of the countries least vulnerable to natural disasters, Malta has, however, implemented measures to ensure communities are prepared if disaster does strike. Especially earthquakes and tsunamis.
Although not at high risk for major disasters, this landlocked nation, bordering Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine, and Russia, has a history with damaging floods and wildfires.
Although Singapore is relatively well guarded against natural disasters, climate change is a cause for concern. With rising sea levels, damaging floods could become a frequent reality.
Heavy rains, particularly in spring and summer, can cause severe flooding and landslides to this small European nation. Still, it's very safe.
Although not at high risk for major disasters, flooding has historically impacted Luxembourg, especially during winter.
This small island nation has a low risk for major natural disasters. However, due to climate change, it has become vulnerable to floods and landslides.
This mountainous microstate, surrounded by north-central Italy, is located in an active seismic zone. But while it's subject to earthquakes, natural hazards are low in San Marino.
This sovereign city-state is one of the safest places in the world when it comes to natural disasters. However, it's still subject to extremely hot and dry weather in the summer.
Situated in the Pyrenees mountains, between Spain and France, this small principality shares the top spot with Monaco. And while it's safe, freezing temperatures and avalanches are a risk in the mountainous areas.
Sources: (WorldRiskReport) (The Guardian)
Countries with the lowest risk of natural disasters
These nations are the least prone to natural disasters
LIFESTYLE Safety
From earthquakes to volcanic eruptions, floods to droughts, each year natural disasters affect millions of people around the world. While countries can lower the number of casualties with good security measures and infrastructure, no one can really prevent nature's force. To better evaluate which countries are most and least at risk, the WorldRiskReport ranked 193 countries on their risk of experiencing disaster or vulnerability to extreme natural events. According to the findings, the Philippines, India, and Indonesia have the highest overall disaster risk. But which countries is Mother Nature least likely to wreak havoc on?
Check out this gallery for the top 30 safest countries when it comes to natural disasters.