Which countries were the main Axis powers during World War II?

The main Axis powers during World War II were Germany, Italy, and Japan.12

This coalition was formalized through a series of agreements, most notably the Tripartite Pact, signed by the three nations on September 27, 1940. Prior to this, the alliance began with the Rome-Berlin Axis in 1936 and the Anti-Comintern Pact between Germany and Japan, which Italy later joined.31

While these three nations served as the primary leaders of the coalition, several other countries joined the Axis powers during the war, often due to coercion or promises of protection and territorial gain. These additional signatories included:

• Hungary
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Bulgaria
• Yugoslavia
• Croatia31

Additionally, Finland cooperated with the Axis powers due to its opposition to the Soviet Union, though it did not formally sign the Tripartite Pact.1