UPSC Prelims 2000 Q32: Geography – Transport & Infrastructure Geography
Which one of the following is known as the “Coffee port” of the world?
- (a) Sao Paulo
- (b) Santos
- (c) Rio de Janeiro
- (d) Buenos Aires
Answer: (b) Santos
Explanation
The 'Coffee port' of the world
| Place | What it is |
|---|---|
| Santos | Port of São Paulo state; ships most of Brazil's coffee |
| São Paulo | Inland city and coffee-growing state; not a port |
| Rio de Janeiro | Port and former capital; not the main coffee outlet |
| Buenos Aires | Capital of Argentina; meat and grain port |
Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer, and the main coffee belt lies in the state of São Paulo and neighbouring Minas Gerais.
The coffee is railed down the Serra do Mar to Santos, on the Atlantic coast, which has long shipped more coffee than any other port and is known as the 'Coffee port' of the world.
São Paulo city is inland on the plateau, so it cannot be a port.
Answer: (b) Santos.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. São Paulo is the inland city and state where the coffee grows; Santos is its port.
- (b) CORRECT. Santos is the world's leading coffee port.
- (c) Incorrect. Rio de Janeiro is a major port but not the main coffee outlet.
- (d) Incorrect. Buenos Aires is in Argentina, which does not grow coffee on a large scale.
Key point
Santos ships Brazil's coffee; Brazil is the largest producer of coffee.
Remember
Santos = coffee port; São Paulo = coffee state.
Common mistakes
- Picking São Paulo, which is inland.
- Picking Rio de Janeiro because it is the best-known Brazilian port.
- Forgetting that Argentina is not a coffee country.
Exam tip
Port question → pick the coast city: Santos, the outlet of São Paulo.
Sources
- G.C. Leong — Certificate Physical and Human Geography (Oxford University Press)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Santos, Brazil (britannica.com)