Could Montana Survive as Its Own Country? This Theory Says Yes

Every once in a while, the question pops up in conversation that could require you to pack a lunch. If all U.S. states seceded to become independent countries, which state would have the strongest ability to survive on its own?

Usually, the first states that come to mind are California and Texas, which hold top-tier economic strength. However, I recently came across a video on the YouTube channel Factile that makes a very interesting point. Montana, a low-profile state that rarely draws mainstream attention (Unless it involves Taylor Sheridan), is actually the state with the strongest survival odds.

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At first, it sounds like hometown bias. Then you hear the reasoning.

First is all the COWS! Montana's cattle population is larger than the population of people. Not to mention, we are cranking out a wide range of agricultural goods, including wheat, barley, hay, and sugar beets. On the energy side, we have GIANT reserves of coal, oil, hydroelectric dams, and natural gas.

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Second, Montana is SO BIG! The Rocky Mountains form a natural barrier along its western edge, while its eastern territory is wide open and sparsely populated, leaving any invading foreign military unable to sneak in without us seeing them.

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Third is its access to core military assets: Malmstrom Air Force Base, which hosts one of the U.S. military's three intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) wings. That's right! WE GOT THE NUKES!

Now, is Montana actually the most survivable independent nation? Nobody knows. It's a hypothetical, not a military simulation.

Even if Montana checked all the right boxes, no modern state would truly thrive in complete isolation. Supply chains, manufacturing, trade, medicine, technology, and countless everyday necessities all depend on cooperation with other states and countries.

Even so, the fact that Montana topped this hypothetical ranking is enough for me to bring it up and will most likely be brought up next time I am around a campfire.