UPSC Prelims 2003 Q77: Geography – World Political Geography & Borders
Israel has common borders with
- (a) Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt
- (b) Lebanon, Syria, Turkey and Jordan
- (c) Cyprus, Turkey, Jordan and Egypt
- (d) Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Yemen
Answer: (a) Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt
Explanation
Neighbours of Israel
| Neighbour | Common border with Israel? |
|---|---|
| Lebanon | Yes (north) |
| Syria | Yes (north-east) |
| Jordan | Yes (east) |
| Egypt | Yes (south-west) |
| Turkey, Cyprus, Iraq, Yemen | No |
Israel has common borders with Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt (and the Palestinian territories).
Answer: (a) Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. These four share borders with Israel.
- (b) Incorrect. Turkey does not border Israel.
- (c) Incorrect. Cyprus and Turkey do not border Israel.
- (d) Incorrect. Turkey, Iraq and Yemen do not border Israel.
Key point
Israel's land neighbours: Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt; sea border with Cyprus.
Remember
Israel borders Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt.
Common mistakes
- Adding Turkey as a land neighbour of Israel.
- Including Iraq or Saudi Arabia among the neighbours.
- Forgetting Egypt in the south-west of Israel.
Exam tip
Cyprus is across the sea, not a land neighbour.
Sources
- Central Intelligence Agency — The World Factbook: Israel (Geography: land boundaries)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Israel