UPSC Prelims 2006 Q57: Geography – World Political Geography & Borders
Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
- (a) Slovenia : Bratislava
- (b) Seychelles : Victoria
- (c) Sierra Leone : Freetown
- (d) Uzbekistan : Tashkent
Answer: (a) Slovenia : Bratislava
Explanation
Countries and their capitals
| Pair | Actual capital | Matched correctly? |
|---|---|---|
| Slovenia : Bratislava | Slovenia's capital is Ljubljana; Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia | No |
| Seychelles : Victoria | Victoria | Yes |
| Sierra Leone : Freetown | Freetown | Yes |
| Uzbekistan : Tashkent | Tashkent | Yes |
The incorrectly matched pair is Slovenia : Bratislava.
Answer: (a) Slovenia : Bratislava.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Slovenia's capital is Ljubljana; Bratislava is Slovakia's capital, so this pair is wrong.
- (b) Incorrect. Victoria is indeed the capital of Seychelles.
- (c) Incorrect. Freetown is indeed the capital of Sierra Leone.
- (d) Incorrect. Tashkent is indeed the capital of Uzbekistan.
Key point
Slovenia's capital is Ljubljana, not Bratislava (which is Slovakia's), so Slovenia-Bratislava is the wrong pair.
Remember
Slovenia's capital is Ljubljana, not Bratislava.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Slovenia with Slovakia.
- Doubting Victoria because other places share the name.
- Not recalling that Tashkent is Uzbekistan's capital.
Exam tip
Slovenia - Ljubljana; Slovakia - Bratislava.
Sources
- Central Intelligence Agency — The World Factbook: Slovenia (Government: capital Ljubljana)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Ljubljana