UPSC Prelims 2023 Q61: Geography – World Political Geography & Borders
Consider the following countries :
1. Bulgaria
2. Czech Republic
3. Hungary
4. Latvia
5. Lithuania
6. Romania
How many of the above - mentioned countries share a land border with Ukraine?
- (a) Only two
- (b) Only three
- (c) Only four
- (d) Only five
Answer: (a) Only two
Explanation
Ukraine's land neighbours (7 countries)
| Direction | Neighbour |
|---|---|
| West | Poland, Slovakia, Hungary |
| South-west | Romania, Moldova |
| North | Belarus |
| East and north-east | Russia |
Checking the list:
| Country | Shares a land border with Ukraine? |
|---|---|
| 1. Bulgaria | No — across the Black Sea |
| 2. Czech Republic | No — Slovakia lies between them |
| 3. Hungary | Yes |
| 4. Latvia | No — Belarus lies between them |
| 5. Lithuania | No — Belarus lies between them |
| 6. Romania | Yes |
Answer: (a) Only two.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Only Hungary and Romania from the list share a land border with Ukraine.
- (b) Incorrect. Three would add Bulgaria or the Czech Republic, neither of which touches Ukraine.
- (c) Incorrect. Latvia and Lithuania are separated from Ukraine by Belarus.
- (d) Incorrect. Four of the six listed countries do not border Ukraine.
Key point
Ukraine's neighbours: Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Belarus, Russia. Not Bulgaria, Czechia, or the Baltics.
Remember
From this list, only Hungary and Romania border Ukraine.
Common mistakes
- Adding Bulgaria because it is on the Black Sea; it faces Ukraine only across water.
- Thinking the Czech Republic borders Ukraine; Slovakia lies in between.
- Including the Baltic states, which are separated by Belarus.
Exam tip
Go clockwise from the west: Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Russia, Belarus.
Sources
- Oxford School Atlas — Europe (political)
- Ministry of External Affairs — India–Ukraine relations brief