UPSC Prelims 2005 Q40: Geography – World Political Geography & Borders
Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
- (a) Bahamas - Nassau
- (b) Costa Rica - San Jose
- (c) Nicaragua - Belmopan
- (d) Dominican Republic - Santo Domingo
Answer: (c) Nicaragua - Belmopan
Explanation
Countries and capitals
| Country | Capital |
|---|---|
| Bahamas | Nassau |
| Costa Rica | San Jose |
| Nicaragua | Managua, not Belmopan (capital of Belize) |
| Dominican Republic | Santo Domingo |
Belmopan is the capital of Belize, a different Central American country; Nicaragua's capital is Managua, on the shore of Lake Managua.
Answer: (c) Nicaragua - Belmopan.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas.
- (b) Incorrect. San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica.
- (c) CORRECT. Nicaragua's capital is Managua, so this pair is wrong.
- (d) Incorrect. Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic.
Key point
Central America capitals: Belmopan (Belize), Managua (Nicaragua), Tegucigalpa (Honduras).
Remember
Nicaragua's capital is Managua; Belmopan is in Belize.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Belize with Nicaragua.
- Mixing San Jose (Costa Rica) with San Salvador (El Salvador).
- Reading the question as asking for the correct pair.
Exam tip
Belmopan is the capital of Belize; Nicaragua is Managua; Costa Rica is San Jose.
Sources
- Central Intelligence Agency — The World Factbook: Nicaragua (Government: capital Managua)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Belmopan