UPSC Prelims 2004 Q51: Geography – World Political Geography & Borders
Latvia does not share its borders with
which one of the following countries?
- (a) Russia
- (b) Estonia
- (c) Lithuania
- (d) Poland
Answer: (d) Poland
Explanation
Neighbours of Latvia
| Country | Borders Latvia? |
|---|---|
| Estonia | Yes (north) |
| Lithuania | Yes (south) |
| Russia | Yes (east) |
| Poland | No — Lithuania and Belarus lie in between |
Latvia borders Estonia, Lithuania, Russia and Belarus, but it does not share a border with Poland.
Answer: (d) Poland.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Russia borders Latvia in the east.
- (b) Incorrect. Estonia borders Latvia in the north.
- (c) Incorrect. Lithuania borders Latvia in the south.
- (d) CORRECT. Poland does not share a border with Latvia.
Key point
Latvia: Estonia, Russia, Belarus, Lithuania; no border with Poland.
Remember
Latvia does not border Poland.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every Baltic neighbour of Lithuania also borders Latvia.
- Forgetting that Belarus is a neighbour of Latvia.
- Mixing Latvia's neighbours with those of Lithuania.
Exam tip
Baltic states from north to south: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, then Poland.
Sources
- Central Intelligence Agency — The World Factbook: Latvia (Geography: land boundaries)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Latvia