How did Portugal stay out of World War 2?

Answer 1

Spain: just recovering from a dreadful civil war, had no energy or resources for war. Portugal: traditional ally of Britain, didnt want to antagonise Spain and also had no resources for war. Switzerland: a tough nut to , it would have been very difficult to attack, and perhaps suited the s to have it as a bolt hole for money etc. Ireland: favoured the allied cause but historical enmity with England kept them out of the war.

Answer 2

Portugal declared itself neutral, but it was a safe heaven for Jews running from central Europe, as well was a undisclosed supplier of bomb minerals and raw materials.

At the time, there was a fascist regime in the country (it lasted until 1974), that was in secret favor of Hitler. However, Portugal had a secular friendship and nonaggression pacts with England.