UPSC Prelims 2006 Q35: Geography – World Physical Geography (Latitudes & Longitudes)
Through which one of the following groups of countries does the Equator pass?
- (a) Brazil, Zambia and Malaysia
- (b) Colombia, Kenya and Indonesia
- (c) Brazil, Sudan and Malaysia
- (d) Venezuela, Ethiopia and Indonesia
Answer: (b) Colombia, Kenya and Indonesia
Explanation
Countries through which the Equator passes
| Group | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Brazil, Zambia, Malaysia | Zambia and Malaysia lie off the Equator |
| Colombia, Kenya, Indonesia | All three are crossed by the Equator |
| Brazil, Sudan, Malaysia | Sudan and Malaysia lie off the Equator |
| Venezuela, Ethiopia, Indonesia | Venezuela and Ethiopia lie off the Equator |
The Equator crosses Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Sao Tome, Gabon, Congo, DR Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Maldives and Indonesia.
Answer: (b) Colombia, Kenya and Indonesia.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Zambia and Malaysia are not on the Equator, though Brazil is.
- (b) CORRECT. Colombia, Kenya and Indonesia are all crossed by the Equator.
- (c) Incorrect. Sudan and Malaysia are not on the Equator.
- (d) Incorrect. Venezuela and Ethiopia are not on the Equator.
Key point
The Equator passes through Colombia, Kenya and Indonesia, but not Zambia, Malaysia, Sudan, Venezuela or Ethiopia.
Remember
Equator: Colombia, Kenya and Indonesia are all crossed.
Common mistakes
- Assuming Malaysia is on the Equator because it is near it.
- Choosing Venezuela or Ethiopia, which lie just north of the line.
- Forgetting that Kenya is crossed by the Equator.
Exam tip
Equatorial countries: Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Gabon, Congo, DRC, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Indonesia.
Sources
- NCERT Class VI Social Science — The Earth Our Habitat — Globe: Latitudes and Longitudes
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Equator