UPSC Prelims 2025 Q22: Geography – World Physical Geography
Consider the following countries:
I. Bolivia
II. Brazil
III. Colombia
IV. Ecuador
V. Paraguay
VI. Venezuela
Andes mountains pass
through how many of the above countries?
- (a) Only two
- (b) Only three
- (c) Only four
- (d) Only five
Answer: (c) Only four
Explanation
The Andes — longest continental mountain range (about 7,000 km)
The Andes run along the western edge of South America through seven countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.
| Country | Andes pass through? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bolivia | Yes | Altiplano plateau; Lake Titicaca |
| Brazil | No | Brazilian Highlands and Amazon basin, far east of the Andes |
| Colombia | Yes | Andes split into three cordilleras |
| Ecuador | Yes | Volcanoes Chimborazo and Cotopaxi |
| Paraguay | No | Landlocked lowland; the Gran Chaco |
| Venezuela | Yes | Northern tip — Cordillera de Mérida (Pico Bolívar) |
Four of the six: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela.
Answer: (c) Only four.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Andes cross four of the listed countries, not two.
- (b) Incorrect. Three usually misses Venezuela, where the Mérida range is the northern end of the Andes.
- (c) CORRECT. Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela have the Andes; Brazil and Paraguay do not.
- (d) Incorrect. Five would include Brazil or Paraguay, which lie entirely east of the Andes.
Key point
Andes countries (7): Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina. Not Brazil, not Paraguay.
Remember
The Andes cross seven countries; Brazil and Paraguay are not among them.
Common mistakes
- Leaving out Venezuela; the Andes end in its Cordillera de Mérida.
- Including Brazil because it is the largest South American country; the Andes stay west of it.
- Thinking landlocked Paraguay is Andean like Bolivia; Paraguay is lowland Chaco and plains.
Exam tip
Trace the Pacific coast north to south: Colombia → Ecuador → Peru → Chile. Add Venezuela at the top, plus Bolivia and Argentina inland.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI — Fundamentals of Physical Geography (Mountains)
- Oxford School Atlas — South America