Question 86 from UPSC CSE 2015 - Geography

Question

Which one of the following countries of South-West Asia does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Jordan

Strategy: Identify the countries with Mediterranean coastlines (Syria, Lebanon, Israel) to eliminate them. The remaining country, Jordan, is landlocked relative to the Mediterranean and borders the Red Sea, thus answering the question.

Key Info: **Geographical Context of the Middle East**
South-West Asia, commonly known as the Middle East, features several countries with access to the Mediterranean Sea.

**Countries with Mediterranean Coastlines**
-   **Syria**: Has a western coastline along the Mediterranean.
-   **Lebanon**: Is a narrow country situated entirely on the Mediterranean coast.
-   **Israel**: Possesses a Mediterranean coastline, stretching from Lebanon in the north to Gaza in the south.

**Jordan's Unique Position**
In contrast, Jordan is bordered by Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the Palestinian territories. It does not have access to the Mediterranean Sea. Instead, Jordan has a small coastline on the Gulf of Aqaba, which is an inlet of the Red Sea, near the city of Aqaba.

**Regional Significance**
The Mediterranean Sea serves as a critical physical and economic boundary, providing vital port access and trade routes. Understanding these geophysical boundaries is essential for comprehending international relations, trade dynamics, and the political geography of the Middle East.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Syria

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Lebanon

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Israel