UPSC Prelims 2005 Q2: Geography – World Physical Geography
Itaipu Dam built on the River Parana is one of the largest dams in the world.
Which one of the following two countries have this as a joint project?
- (a) Brazil and Peru
- (b) Paraguay and Ecuador
- (c) Brazil and Paraguay
- (d) Colombia and Paraguay
Answer: (c) Brazil and Paraguay
Explanation
Itaipu Dam on the River Parana
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| River | Parana, on the border of two countries |
| Countries | Brazil and Paraguay (binational project, Itaipu Binacional) |
| Purpose | Hydroelectric power; output shared between the two countries |
| Other options | Peru, Ecuador and Colombia do not share the Parana |
The Itaipu Dam is a joint Brazil-Paraguay hydroelectric project on the Parana river along their border.
Answer: (c) Brazil and Paraguay.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Peru has no border on the Parana.
- (b) Incorrect. Ecuador does not touch the Parana basin.
- (c) CORRECT. Itaipu is the joint project of Brazil and Paraguay.
- (d) Incorrect. Colombia is not on the Parana.
Key point
Itaipu = Brazil + Paraguay, on the Parana river.
Remember
Itaipu Dam is a Brazil-Paraguay joint project.
Common mistakes
- Assuming any two South American countries can share a dam.
- Confusing the Parana with the Amazon or Orinoco basins.
- Mixing Itaipu with Three Gorges (China) or Aswan (Egypt).
Exam tip
Itaipu: Parana river, Brazil-Paraguay border. Its neighbour Argentina shares the Yacyreta dam with Paraguay.
Sources
- Itaipu Binacional — About Itaipu: the Brazil–Paraguay hydroelectric power plant on the Paraná River
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Itaipu Dam