Q.1 Which of the following best defines political geography?
The study of natural landforms
The study of human populations and their movements
The study of the spatial organization of political processes and entities
The study of climate and weather patterns
Explanation - Political geography examines the spatial distribution of political phenomena, including boundaries, states, and governance.
Correct answer is: The study of the spatial organization of political processes and entities
Q.2 Which term describes a territory with its own government and recognized sovereignty?
Nation
State
City
Province
Explanation - A state is a political entity with defined borders, a permanent population, a government, and sovereignty over its territory.
Correct answer is: State
Q.3 What is a nation-state?
A state that governs multiple nations
A country whose population mostly shares a common identity or culture
An international organization of states
A small independent city
Explanation - A nation-state is a political entity where the boundaries of a nation coincide with the boundaries of a state, e.g., Japan.
Correct answer is: A country whose population mostly shares a common identity or culture
Q.4 Which concept refers to the division of the world into distinct political territories?
Globalization
Political boundaries
Geopolitics
Urbanization
Explanation - Political boundaries separate territories into states or administrative regions and are essential for political organization.
Correct answer is: Political boundaries
Q.5 Which of the following is an example of a microstate?
Canada
Vatican City
Brazil
China
Explanation - A microstate is a very small independent state, often with limited population and land area, like Vatican City.
Correct answer is: Vatican City
Q.6 Which political geography term describes an area that is culturally homogeneous but lacks sovereignty?
Nation
State
Colony
Federation
Explanation - A nation is a group of people with shared cultural identity but may not have an independent state.
Correct answer is: Nation
Q.7 Which is considered a multinational state?
France
United Kingdom
Japan
Iceland
Explanation - A multinational state contains multiple nations or cultural groups under a single government, like the UK (English, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish).
Correct answer is: United Kingdom
Q.8 Which term is used for political influence or control over another territory without formal sovereignty?
Colonialism
Annexation
Federalism
Confederation
Explanation - Colonialism involves one state exerting control over another territory, often exploiting resources and governance.
Correct answer is: Colonialism
Q.9 What does the term 'geopolitics' study?
Physical landforms
Economic markets
The influence of geography on politics and international relations
Demographic changes
Explanation - Geopolitics examines how location, resources, and territorial factors affect political decisions and power.
Correct answer is: The influence of geography on politics and international relations
Q.10 Which type of boundary is established through treaties and agreements?
Physical boundary
Cultural boundary
Geometric boundary
Political boundary
Explanation - Political boundaries are often defined legally by treaties or agreements between states.
Correct answer is: Political boundary
Q.11 Which boundary type follows natural features such as rivers or mountains?
Geometric boundary
Physical boundary
Cultural boundary
Economic boundary
Explanation - Physical boundaries are based on recognizable natural features that separate territories.
Correct answer is: Physical boundary
Q.12 Which is a characteristic of a landlocked state?
Surrounded entirely by water
Lacks direct access to the ocean
Controls important sea trade routes
Has multiple islands
Explanation - Landlocked states are entirely surrounded by land and have no coastline, which can impact trade and access to resources.
Correct answer is: Lacks direct access to the ocean
Q.13 Which is a major issue in the political geography of Africa?
Geometric boundaries imposed by colonial powers
Extensive desertification in Europe
Overpopulation in Antarctica
Lack of rivers in South America
Explanation - Many African borders were drawn arbitrarily during colonization, often dividing ethnic groups and causing conflicts.
Correct answer is: Geometric boundaries imposed by colonial powers
Q.14 What is the main purpose of a buffer state?
To serve as a neutral zone between two powerful states
To dominate international trade
To annex neighboring territories
To control the ocean
Explanation - Buffer states reduce tensions between larger powers by providing a zone of separation.
Correct answer is: To serve as a neutral zone between two powerful states
Q.15 Which type of political boundary is based on human characteristics such as language or religion?
Physical boundary
Cultural boundary
Geometric boundary
Administrative boundary
Explanation - Cultural boundaries are defined by differences in ethnicity, language, religion, or other cultural factors.
Correct answer is: Cultural boundary
Q.16 Which theory emphasizes the strategic importance of controlling Eurasia to dominate world politics?
Heartland Theory
Rimland Theory
World Systems Theory
Organic State Theory
Explanation - The Heartland Theory by Halford Mackinder suggested that controlling central Eurasia (the 'Heartland') could lead to global dominance.
Correct answer is: Heartland Theory
Q.17 Which type of state has two or more regions with significant autonomy under a central government?
Unitary state
Federal state
Confederation
City-state
Explanation - A federal state divides powers between a central government and regional governments, e.g., the USA, India.
Correct answer is: Federal state
Q.18 Which is an example of an elongated state?
Chile
Poland
Egypt
Belgium
Explanation - Elongated states have a long and narrow shape, which can create difficulties in governance and communication.
Correct answer is: Chile
Q.19 Which is an example of a fragmented state?
Philippines
Italy
France
Germany
Explanation - Fragmented states consist of several discontinuous territories, such as the Philippines, which is an archipelago.
Correct answer is: Philippines
Q.20 Which type of boundary is created using straight lines without regard for natural or cultural features?
Physical boundary
Cultural boundary
Geometric boundary
Relict boundary
Explanation - Geometric boundaries are straight-line borders often drawn for political reasons, e.g., US-Canada border along the 49th parallel.
Correct answer is: Geometric boundary
Q.21 Which term describes a state entirely surrounded by another state?
Landlocked state
Enclave
Exclave
Perforated state
Explanation - An enclave is a territory completely surrounded by another state, e.g., Lesotho within South Africa.
Correct answer is: Enclave
Q.22 Which term describes a territory separated from the main part of a state by another state?
Enclave
Exclave
Perforated state
Compact state
Explanation - An exclave is part of a state geographically separated from the main territory, e.g., Alaska from the USA.
Correct answer is: Exclave
Q.23 Which political theory views states as living organisms that need to grow to survive?
Organic State Theory
Heartland Theory
Rimland Theory
Demographic Transition Theory
Explanation - Organic State Theory, proposed by Friedrich Ratzel, compares states to organisms that require territory and resources to grow.
Correct answer is: Organic State Theory
Q.24 Which type of state is relatively small, centralized, and usually homogeneous?
Compact state
Elongated state
Fragmented state
Federal state
Explanation - Compact states are small and have efficient administration due to their regular shape, e.g., Poland.
Correct answer is: Compact state
Q.25 Which of the following is a challenge commonly faced by perforated states?
Difficulty in accessing the sea
Managing relations with the state that surrounds them
Ethnic diversity
Excessive compactness
Explanation - Perforated states, like South Africa, must manage their relations with enclaved states such as Lesotho.
Correct answer is: Managing relations with the state that surrounds them