Final answer:
The countries that remained neutral during the Axis expansion of 1939-1942 were Switzerland, Sweden, Ireland, Portugal, and Spain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The countries that were able to remain neutral during the Axis expansion of 1939-1942 were Switzerland, Sweden, Ireland, Portugal, and Spain.
Switzerland: Despite being surrounded by Axis powers, Switzerland maintained its neutrality throughout World War II.
Sweden: Sweden adopted a policy of neutrality and managed to avoid becoming directly involved in the war.
Ireland: Although Ireland was a neutral country during the war, it did lean towards the Allied side, especially due to its close ties with the United Kingdom.
Portugal: Portugal managed to stay neutral by maintaining diplomatic relations with both sides and avoiding direct involvement in the war.
Spain: Spain declared its neutrality during the war, but it did lean towards supporting the Axis powers due to its own authoritarian regime and shared ideologies with Germany and Italy.