How did countries afford to stay neutral in wars, primarily WW1 and WW2?

Question

In WW2 the likes of Spain, Portugal and Switzerland remained neutral, how could these countries stay neutral?

What stopped the Axis powers from invading these countries to add to their countries?

In: 278

Answer 1

Spain and Portugal would mean going through France.

Switzerland would be tough terrain and cost troops.

You have to figure every time you invade a new country that country joins your enemy. That is generally bad so it was only done if the purpose was to outflank or gather resources.