UPSC Prelims 2009 Q34: Geography – Astronomy & Earth - Sun System
Consider the following countries :
1. Australia
2. Namibia
3. Brazil
4. Chile
Through which of the above does the Tropic of Capricorn pass ?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2, 3 and 4
- (c) 1, 2 and 3
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
Checking which countries the Tropic of Capricorn passes through
The Tropic of Capricorn (approximately 23.5°S latitude) crosses several continents and countries.
| Country | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Australia | Correct | The Tropic of Capricorn passes through Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland |
| 2. Namibia | Correct | It passes through Namibia in southern Africa |
| 3. Brazil | Correct | It passes through Brazil in South America |
| 4. Chile | Correct | It also passes through Chile in South America |
Tropic of Capricorn's path:
| Continent | Countries crossed (among these) |
|---|---|
| Oceania | Australia |
| Africa | Namibia |
| South America | Brazil, Chile |
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Countries 2, 3, and 4 (Namibia, Brazil, Chile) are also crossed by the Tropic of Capricorn, so '1 only' is far too narrow.
- (b) Incorrect. Country 1 (Australia) is also crossed, so '2, 3 and 4' wrongly excludes it.
- (c) Incorrect. Country 4 (Chile) is also crossed, so '1, 2 and 3' is incomplete.
- (d) CORRECT. The Tropic of Capricorn passes through all four countries: Australia, Namibia, Brazil, and Chile.
Key point
The Tropic of Capricorn passes through ALL FOUR listed countries: Australia, Namibia, Brazil, and Chile — spanning Oceania, Africa, and South America.
Remember
The Tropic of Capricorn passes through Australia, Namibia, Brazil, and Chile — all four.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the Tropic of Capricorn skips Australia, when it actually crosses several Australian states.
- Underestimating how many continents and countries this latitude line actually crosses.
- Confusing the Tropic of Capricorn's path with the Tropic of Cancer's (Northern Hemisphere) different route.
Exam tip
Tropic of Capricorn crosses Australia, Namibia, Brazil, Chile, and more — a genuinely multi-continental latitude line.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Tropic of Capricorn
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Namibia