It's impossible to definitively say which country was the "deadliest" in World War II. "Deadliest" can be interpreted in various ways, each leading to a different answer.
Here are some possible interpretations and their corresponding answers:
1. Highest Total Casualties:
- The Soviet Union suffered the most casualties during World War II, with an estimated 26.6 million deaths. This includes both military and civilian casualties.
2. Highest Proportion of Population Killed:
- Poland experienced the highest proportion of its population killed in the war, with an estimated 16.6% of its pre-war population lost.
3. Highest Number of Military Casualties:
- The Soviet Union also had the highest number of military casualties, with an estimated 8.6 million soldiers killed in action.
4. Highest Number of Civilian Casualties:
- China experienced the highest number of civilian casualties, with an estimated 10 million deaths due to the war.
Ultimately, the "deadliest" country in World War II depends on how you define "deadliest." Each of these countries suffered immense loss of life and endured unimaginable hardship during the conflict.