The fact remains, billions will die instantly, billions more in the first 6 months. I would estimate at least 1/2 of the world would die in the first 6 months, so around 4 billion. Figure another billion or two in the subsequent year thru a variety of events previously discussed (dehydration, starvation, violence, factional resource wars, slavery, suicides, illness, injury, lack of even basic hygiene and medical care, medications, etc.).
These survivors would essentially be reset to the hardship lifestyles of the 1500s or so. That might be okay if one is brought up learning how to churn butter, til land, grow crops, etc. but the modern cultures do not have the knowledge or infrastructure. Going from a 1st world office job to being a survivor in the ashes would not be survivable for most people.
Some indeed will survive. But the odds are simply very bad, maybe 5-15%. For most, that existence would be a nightmare. Anyone who doesn't believe me here's a test: Cut your calorie intake to 500 calories per day. Your nutrition for the next 6 months is killing, cooking and eating rats, with your bare hands or basic hand tools. Drink only sour milk and eat only rotted spoiled veggies and fruits, in addition to cooked (or raw) rat meat, worms, small birds, etc. Drink only unfiltered water straight from your toilet bowl or mud puddles. Like your life depends on it. Stop all medical treatments, all medications, and allow yourself no hygiene and don't bathe for the next 6 months. Then report back on it, if you survive. Of course, don't do this, as you'll probably die or get extremely sick. It would be impossible to "replicate" the psychological torment of the aftermath of a nuclear attack. But just this small physical test is enough to prove a point. I doubt anyone here could do this, or is willing to "prove" they could by actually doing it. Many will make a lot of excuses why they cannot try.
The good news, perhaps, is that some regions will probably remain relatively safe from direct hits. I'm thinking huge regions in S. America which are of little tactical importance. Many of the cultures are relatively self sufficient, agrarian, low tech, etc. But unfortunately, they will still suffer the effects of global radiation, lack of trade, medical, possibly increases in chaos and crime, it's unknown.
. What is happening is the consequences of bringing in ILLEGALS by the millions! Whom they give free stuff to (paid for by the Citizens). The evil Western Governments have been busy for many years now trying to take away THE CITIZENS CULTURE!! As well as their homeland and their children’s future!!!
