How many neutral countries in the world

But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! Twice a week we compile our most fascinating features and deliver them straight to you. Live TV. This Day In History. History Vault. Recommended for you. For the most part, these countries had plenty of economic power and many colonies abroad. These countries did not take an official side during World War II. The main reason for doing that was to avoid attacks from the countries that took part in the war.

Spain just went through a civil war months before the start of World War II. Some of these countries did end up helping the Allies by sending help through voluntary brigades. These countries were Sweden, Switzerland, and Portugal. On the other hand, Spain tried its best to avoid the Allies and favored the Axis. The United States is a special example of a country that remained neutral until midway through the war.

Out of all the countries that remained neutral, only one was required to stay that way by law, and that was Vatican City. The country signed the Lateran treaty with Italy in , and according to it, the Pope needed always to remain neutral when it came to international relations.

Some countries tried to remain neutral but ended up being invaded after all. Denmark and Norway were both invaded by Nazi Germany on April 9th, , followed by the invasion of the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Belgium on the following day.

On the same day, April 10th, the British forces invaded Iceland, and they managed to establish an occupying force there.

Several countries in the EU, while they have never fought in major, international conflict, cannot be considered neutral, due to the mutual defense policy of EU members.

Perhaps reflective of how much war has changed since the early 20th century, "neutral" does not seem as applicable in today's world. The Hague, 18 October International Committee of the Red Cross "One of the purposes for which the First Hague Peace Conference of was convened was "the revision of the declaration concerning the laws and customs of war elaborated in by the Conference of Brussels, and not yet ratified" Russian circular note of 30 December Armed neutrality Swiss Info "Switzerland and neutrality are synonymous but that does not mean the Swiss have no military might.

Invasion of Belgium Spartacus Education "After the warlike statements made after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand on 28th June, , the Belgian Army 43, men were placed on its borders.