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Neutral Countries in World War II

Country
Notes
Afghanistan
Remained neutral, but traded with Axis
Andorra
Remained neutral, but served as smuggling route for Axis
Argentina
Remained neutral, but maintained trade relations with UK and allowed Argentinians to volunteer to se...
Bhutan
Remained neutral, but sent India "friendship gift" of 100,000 rupees at start of war
Estonia
Remained neutral, but was occupied by both Russia, which established a puppet government and annexed...
Iceland
Remained neutral, but was occupied first by the U.K. and later the U.S. and cooperated with its occu...
Iran
Remained neutral, but refused to expel German residents and was subsequently invaded and occupied by...
Ireland
Remained neutral, but did send fire engines to England and share intelligence and naval repair yards...
Latvia
Remained neutral, but was occupied by both Russia and Germany and eventually annexed by Russia
Liechtenstein
Remained neutral, gave asylum to both Jewish refugees and pro-Axis Russian soldiers
Lithuania
Remained neutral, but was occupied by and eventually annexed by Russia
Monaco
Remained neutral, but was occupied by Italy and Germany, secretly warned suspects when German Gestap...
Portugal
Remained neutral, but sold tungsten to Germany (but in limited amounts), allowed U.K. and U.S. to bu...
San Marino
Remained neutral, very briefly occupied when battle spilled into San Marino's territory, technically...
Saudi Arabia
Remained neutral, but sold oil to Allies and allowed U.S. to build airbase on Saudi land. Technicall...
Spain
Initially claimed neutrality, but then switced to "non-belligerent" and assisted the Axis with tungs...
Sweden
Began neutral, but switched to "non-belligerent" and sold iron to Axis and reluctantly allowed Axis ...
Switzerland
Remained neutral, but captured any soldiers from either side who landed at Swiss airfields, shot dow...
Turkey
Remained neutral, but signed friendship agreements and sold chromite to both sides. Technically decl...
Vatican City
Remained neutral as it was legally bound to do by the Lateran Treaty of 1929
Yemen
Remained neutral despite pre-existing alliance with Italy

Where were the neutral countries in World War II?

Several countries remained neutral during World War II, including Afghanistan, Andorra, Argentina, Bhutan, Estonia, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Monaco, Portugal, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tibet, Turkey, Vatican City, and Yemen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources