UPSC Prelims 2015 Q33: Geography – World Political Geography & Borders
The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the
events related to
- (a) Central Asia
- (b) Middle East
- (c) South - East Asia
- (d) Central Africa
Answer: (b) Middle East
Explanation
Golan Heights
The Golan Heights is a rocky plateau in the Middle East (West Asia).
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Belongs to | Syria, under international law |
| Occupied by | Israel, since the Six-Day War of 1967 |
| Annexed | By Israel in 1981; not recognised by the United Nations |
| Borders | Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and the rest of Syria |
| Importance | High ground overlooking northern Israel; source of water for the Sea of Galilee |
Other disputed areas of the region:
| Area | Parties |
|---|---|
| West Bank and Gaza Strip | Israel and Palestine |
| Shebaa Farms | Israel, Lebanon, Syria |
It is not in Central Asia, South-East Asia or Central Africa.
Answer: (b) Middle East.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Golan Heights is not in Central Asia.
- (b) CORRECT. The Golan Heights is in the Middle East, between Syria and Israel.
- (c) Incorrect. It is not in South-East Asia.
- (d) Incorrect. It is not in Central Africa.
Key point
Golan Heights: Syrian plateau occupied by Israel in 1967 and annexed in 1981; strategic high ground and water source.
Remember
Golan Heights = Syria and Israel, Middle East.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Golan Heights with the West Bank or Gaza.
- Thinking it was taken from Jordan or Egypt; it was taken from Syria.
- Forgetting the year of occupation: 1967.
Exam tip
1967 war: Golan from Syria, West Bank from Jordan, Gaza and Sinai from Egypt.
Sources
- United Nations Security Council — Resolution 497 (1981) on the Golan Heights
- Ministry of External Affairs — India's position on the question of the occupied Syrian Golan