UPSC Prelims 2006 Q33: Geography – World Political Geography & Borders
Other than India and China,
which of the following groups of countries border Myanmar?
- (a) Bangladesh, Thailand and Vietnam
- (b) Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia
- (c) Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia
- (d) Thailand, Laos and Bangladesh
Answer: (d) Thailand, Laos and Bangladesh
Explanation
Countries bordering Myanmar
Myanmar's land neighbours are India, China, Bangladesh, Laos and Thailand. India and China are excluded by the question.
| Option | Countries | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| a) | Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam | Vietnam does not border Myanmar |
| b) | Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia | Cambodia and Malaysia do not border Myanmar |
| c) | Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia | Vietnam and Malaysia do not border Myanmar |
| d) | Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh | All three border Myanmar |
Answer: (d) Thailand, Laos and Bangladesh.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Vietnam does not share a border with Myanmar; Laos lies between them.
- (b) Incorrect. Cambodia and Malaysia do not border Myanmar.
- (c) Incorrect. Vietnam and Malaysia do not border Myanmar.
- (d) CORRECT. Thailand, Laos and Bangladesh all share land borders with Myanmar.
Key point
Besides India and China, Myanmar borders Thailand, Laos and Bangladesh.
Remember
Myanmar borders India, China, Bangladesh, Laos and Thailand.
Common mistakes
- Adding Vietnam or Cambodia because they are in the same region.
- Forgetting Bangladesh on the western side.
- Counting Malaysia, which has no land border with Myanmar.
Exam tip
Myanmar's five neighbours: India, China, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Myanmar
- Central Intelligence Agency — The World Factbook: Burma (Geography: land boundaries)