Right after the dust of WWII settled, a new threat to world peace emerged when ideological differences between the U.S. and Russia led to the Cold War. The threat of nuclear war during this conflict led nations to build nuclear bunkers for their populace. By 1965, the United States had built 200,000. That's a substantial number, but this is well short of the 370,000 that Switzerland has built — more than any other country in the world.
Located in the heart of Europe, Switzerland has adopted a formal
position of neutrality since 1815, a position again recognized in modern times by the League of Nations in 1920. Switzerland abstained from participating in both World Wars and remains a neutral country to this day; however, this neutrality does not mean the nation is unprepared. It has a standing army ready to defend its borders, and maintains a system of shelters for its citizens in the event of war or nuclear fallout.
The origins of the Swiss bunker system date to WWII, when the Swiss government created a system of fortifications that included fortresses and defensive lines as part of its National Redoubt plan against possible German or Italian invasion. While the feared invasion didn't happen, the Swiss continued to improve its resiliency program through the Cold War, an effort further advanced by the enactment of its 1963 Civil Protection Law, which states that every citizen should have a protected area that can be accessed from their residence.
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A Resilient And Prepared Neutral Country
The Swiss bunker is a formidable structure, with all of its sections built from reinforced concrete, and it is expected to withstand attacks from nuclear, biological, and conventional weaponry. To keep its occupants safe and healthy, the bunkers are equipped with stocks of food and water, communications and power generation equipment, internet connectivity, air filtration systems, and accommodation — all of which are necessary ways to survive a nuclear blast.
Since their inception, the Swiss government has continued funding these bunkers. Many of the civilian shelter versions are continually updated and maintained to ensure their effectiveness and safety. Switzerland isn't alone here, as Finland is another country with numerous nuclear bunkers that have been in existence since the 1950s. In light of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, there has been renewed interest in the usefulness of the bunkers, with the Swiss government studying the feasibility of converting some of the bunkers into contemporary military facilities.
Despite the Cold War ending without armed confrontation, the threat posed by nuclear weapons remains, as several countries still possess nuclear weapons, including the U.S. and its nuclear triad. This continued fear of nuclear warfare highlights the relevance of nuclear bunkers, as demand for privately owned shelters has increased in the past several years across the world. In the United States, for example, sales of nuclear bunkers have risen significantly, as many individuals in America with the means to purchase have chosen to invest in these facilities for their protection.
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