Regional Studies # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 Which regional organization was established in 1967 to promote economic growth and regional stability in Southeast Asia?

SAARC
ASEAN
EU
OAS
Explanation - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established in 1967 to foster regional cooperation, stability, and economic development.
Correct answer is: ASEAN

Q.2 The European Union originated from which post-World War II economic organization?

European Coal and Steel Community
NATO
Council of Europe
European Free Trade Association
Explanation - The EU evolved from the European Coal and Steel Community, which was created in 1951 to integrate coal and steel industries.
Correct answer is: European Coal and Steel Community

Q.3 Which two countries dominate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) alongside Mexico?

USA and Canada
USA and Brazil
Canada and Cuba
USA and Chile
Explanation - NAFTA, signed in 1994, included the United States, Canada, and Mexico to promote free trade in North America.
Correct answer is: USA and Canada

Q.4 Which regional conflict is often cited as a central issue in Middle Eastern politics?

India-Pakistan conflict
Arab-Israeli conflict
China-Taiwan conflict
Korean War
Explanation - The Arab-Israeli conflict, particularly over Palestine, has been a core issue in Middle Eastern politics for decades.
Correct answer is: Arab-Israeli conflict

Q.5 SAARC is a regional organization focusing on which geographical area?

South America
South Asia
Southeast Asia
Sub-Saharan Africa
Explanation - The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) focuses on South Asia and includes countries like India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Correct answer is: South Asia

Q.6 Which country is NOT a founding member of the European Union?

France
Germany
Italy
Poland
Explanation - Poland joined the EU in 2004, whereas France, Germany, and Italy were among the six founding members.
Correct answer is: Poland

Q.7 The African Union (AU) replaced which earlier regional organization?

ECOWAS
OAU
COMESA
SADC
Explanation - The Organization of African Unity (OAU) was replaced by the African Union in 2002 to promote stronger political and economic integration.
Correct answer is: OAU

Q.8 Which region is most associated with the Monroe Doctrine of 1823?

Asia-Pacific
Latin America
Europe
Middle East
Explanation - The Monroe Doctrine declared U.S. opposition to European intervention in Latin America, shaping hemispheric relations.
Correct answer is: Latin America

Q.9 Which regional body is primarily concerned with economic and political integration in South America?

CARICOM
UNASUR
MERCOSUR
OAS
Explanation - MERCOSUR, or the Southern Common Market, was established in 1991 to promote trade and economic integration among South American nations.
Correct answer is: MERCOSUR

Q.10 The Korean Peninsula is divided along which line of latitude?

17th parallel
23rd parallel
38th parallel
49th parallel
Explanation - The Korean Peninsula was divided at the 38th parallel after World War II, separating North and South Korea.
Correct answer is: 38th parallel

Q.11 Which regional organization is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia?

African Union
ECOWAS
COMESA
SADC
Explanation - The African Union (AU) is headquartered in Addis Ababa, symbolizing pan-African unity.
Correct answer is: African Union

Q.12 Which Southeast Asian nation remained neutral during the Cold War and was not a member of ASEAN until 1997?

Myanmar
Vietnam
Laos
Cambodia
Explanation - Myanmar joined ASEAN in 1997 after decades of political isolation and neutrality during the Cold War.
Correct answer is: Myanmar

Q.13 The Schengen Agreement primarily concerns which aspect of European integration?

Defense
Currency
Free movement of people
Agriculture policy
Explanation - The Schengen Agreement allows passport-free travel across most EU member states, enhancing integration.
Correct answer is: Free movement of people

Q.14 Which country was expelled from the African Union in 2013 due to a military coup?

Egypt
Sudan
Mali
Libya
Explanation - Egypt was suspended from the AU after the 2013 military coup but was later reinstated.
Correct answer is: Egypt

Q.15 Which organization promotes regional integration among Caribbean states?

CARICOM
OAS
MERCOSUR
NAFTA
Explanation - The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) promotes economic integration and cooperation among Caribbean nations.
Correct answer is: CARICOM

Q.16 Which two countries are the most influential in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)?

Saudi Arabia and UAE
Qatar and Bahrain
Oman and Kuwait
Iran and Iraq
Explanation - Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the leading powers in the GCC due to their economic and political influence.
Correct answer is: Saudi Arabia and UAE

Q.17 Which Asian region is often referred to as the 'arc of instability' due to frequent conflicts?

Central Asia
South Asia
Southeast Asia
Middle East
Explanation - The Middle East is often called the 'arc of instability' due to ongoing conflicts, wars, and political turmoil.
Correct answer is: Middle East

Q.18 Which agreement created the North American Free Trade Area?

Maastricht Treaty
NAFTA Agreement
Lisbon Treaty
Camp David Accords
Explanation - The NAFTA Agreement created a free trade area between the USA, Canada, and Mexico in 1994.
Correct answer is: NAFTA Agreement

Q.19 Which Central Asian country has the largest land area?

Uzbekistan
Kazakhstan
Turkmenistan
Kyrgyzstan
Explanation - Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world and the biggest in Central Asia by land area.
Correct answer is: Kazakhstan

Q.20 Which regional conflict is known as 'The Troubles'?

Balkan Wars
Northern Ireland conflict
Spanish Civil War
Chechen conflict
Explanation - 'The Troubles' refers to the ethno-nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland from the late 1960s to 1998.
Correct answer is: Northern Ireland conflict

Q.21 Which regional group was created to strengthen economic ties between China and Central Asian states?

GCC
BRICS
SCO
SAARC
Explanation - The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) includes China, Russia, and Central Asian states to enhance regional security and cooperation.
Correct answer is: SCO

Q.22 Which country withdrew from the European Union in 2020?

France
United Kingdom
Italy
Greece
Explanation - The United Kingdom left the European Union in 2020 following the Brexit referendum of 2016.
Correct answer is: United Kingdom

Q.23 Which regional bloc has established a single currency called the Euro?

ASEAN
EU
NAFTA
AU
Explanation - The European Union introduced the Euro in 1999 as part of deeper economic and monetary integration.
Correct answer is: EU

Q.24 Which South American country is NOT a member of MERCOSUR?

Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Uruguay
Explanation - Chile is an associate member of MERCOSUR but not a full member.
Correct answer is: Chile

Q.25 Which Middle Eastern country joined the Abraham Accords in 2020, normalizing relations with Israel?

Saudi Arabia
UAE
Iraq
Kuwait
Explanation - The UAE signed the Abraham Accords in 2020, normalizing diplomatic relations with Israel.
Correct answer is: UAE