UPSC Prelims 2005 Q43: Geography – World Political Geography & Borders
Which one of the following countries does not border Lithuania?
- (a) Poland
- (b) Ukraine
- (c) Belarus
- (d) Latvia
Answer: (b) Ukraine
Explanation
Neighbours of Lithuania
| Country | Borders Lithuania? |
|---|---|
| Poland | Yes (south-west) |
| Belarus | Yes (east and south) |
| Latvia | Yes (north) |
| Ukraine | No — separated by Belarus and Poland |
Lithuania borders Latvia, Belarus, Poland and Russia (through Kaliningrad), but it has no common border with Ukraine, which lies beyond Belarus and Poland.
Answer: (b) Ukraine.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Poland borders Lithuania.
- (b) CORRECT. Ukraine does not share a border with Lithuania.
- (c) Incorrect. Belarus borders Lithuania.
- (d) Incorrect. Latvia borders Lithuania.
Key point
Lithuania: Latvia, Belarus, Poland, Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast).
Remember
Ukraine does not border Lithuania.
Common mistakes
- Assuming Ukraine borders every Baltic state.
- Forgetting Kaliningrad as a Russian border.
- Confusing Lithuania with Estonia and its neighbours.
Exam tip
Baltic states: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania.
Sources
- Central Intelligence Agency — The World Factbook: Lithuania (Geography: land boundaries)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Lithuania