UPSC Prelims 2003 Q27: Geography – Population & Demography
The Basque people who are frequently in the news for their separatist activity live in
- (a) France
- (b) Italy
- (c) Portugal
- (d) Spain
Answer: (d) Spain
Explanation
Home of the Basque people
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| Spain | Yes — the Basque Country, with the separatist group ETA |
| France | A smaller part of the Basque region lies in France |
| Italy | No |
| Portugal | No |
The Basque people, whose separatist activity makes news, live mainly in Spain (with a smaller part in southwestern France).
Answer: (d) Spain.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Only a small Basque area lies in France, and the separatist movement is Spanish.
- (b) Incorrect. The Basques do not live in Italy.
- (c) Incorrect. The Basques do not live in Portugal.
- (d) CORRECT. The Basque separatist movement is centred in Spain.
Key point
Basque: ETA, Bilbao and San Sebastian in Spain; also Pays Basque in France.
Remember
Basque separatism is mainly a Spanish issue.
Common mistakes
- Choosing France because of its Basque area.
- Mixing the Basques up with the Catalans.
- Confusing ETA with the IRA of Northern Ireland.
Exam tip
Separatist groups: ETA (Basque), IRA (Northern Ireland), Corsican FLNC (France).
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Basque
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Basque Country