CAPF AC 2020 Q100: Geography – World Political Geography & Borders
Which one among the following countries does NOT have common boundary with South Africa?
- (a) Zambia
- (b) Zimbabwe
- (c) Botswana
- (d) Namibia
Answer: (a) Zambia
Explanation
Neighbours of South Africa
How to think: picture southern Africa.
Zimbabwe lies between South Africa and Zambia.
The Limpopo river is South Africa's northern edge and the Zambezi is Zambia's southern edge.
So the two never touch.
| Country | Borders South Africa? |
|---|---|
| Namibia | Yes, in the north-west |
| Botswana | Yes, in the north |
| Zimbabwe | Yes, in the north-east |
| Mozambique | Yes, in the east |
| Eswatini (Swaziland) | Yes, in the east |
| Lesotho | Yes; it lies wholly inside South Africa |
| Zambia | No |
Facts on South Africa:
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of neighbours | Six |
| Oceans | Atlantic to the west, Indian to the east |
| Southern tip of Africa | Cape Agulhas |
Answer: (a) Zambia.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Zambia has no border with South Africa; Zimbabwe and Botswana lie in between.
- (b) Incorrect. Zimbabwe borders South Africa along the Limpopo river.
- (c) Incorrect. Botswana shares a long northern border with South Africa.
- (d) Incorrect. Namibia borders South Africa along the Orange river.
Key point
South Africa's six neighbours: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini and Lesotho (an enclave). Zambia lies north of Zimbabwe.
Remember
Zimbabwe touches South Africa; Zambia does not.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up Zambia and Zimbabwe because the names sound alike.
- Forgetting Lesotho, a country fully surrounded by South Africa.
- Naming the Cape of Good Hope as the southern tip; it is Cape Agulhas.
Exam tip
Two Z countries: Zimbabwe is the nearer one and touches South Africa. Zambia sits above it.
Sources
- Oxford School Atlas — Africa: Political
- Central Intelligence Agency — The World Factbook: South Africa (Geography: land boundaries)