Question 99 from UPSC CSE 2023 - Current Affairs

Question

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?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Only two

Strategy: Identify which listed countries directly border Ukraine by recalling European geography. Systematically eliminate countries separated by other nations or water bodies. This method straightforwardly confirms Hungary and Romania as the only two direct land borders among the given options.

Key Info: Ukraine is an Eastern European country, sharing borders with a diverse set of neighbors. To the north, it borders Belarus; to the east and northeast, Russia; to the west, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary; and to the southwest, Romania and Moldova. Its southern boundary is formed by the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

Considering the countries specifically listed:
*   **Hungary and Romania**: Both countries directly share land borders with Ukraine. Hungary borders Ukraine to its west, while Romania shares a southwestern border, encompassing both land and the Danube River region.
*   **Bulgaria**: This country is situated south of Romania and is separated from Ukraine by Romanian territory and the Black Sea coast. It does not possess a direct land border with Ukraine.
*   **Czech Republic**: Located further west in Central Europe, the Czech Republic is bordered by Slovakia, Austria, Germany, and Poland. It does not have a contiguous border with Ukraine.
*   **Latvia and Lithuania**: These are Baltic countries positioned in northeastern Europe, north of Belarus and Poland. They are entirely separated from Ukraine by Belarus and Poland and, therefore, do not share a border.

Relevant border lengths:
*   **Hungary**: Approximately 136 km with Ukraine.
*   **Romania**: Approximately 605 km with Ukraine, including both land and river boundaries.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Only three

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: Only four

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Only five

Consider the following countries: Bulgaria Czech Republic Hungary Latvia Lithuania Romania How many of the above-mentioned countries share a land border with Ukraine?

Consider the following countries:

Bulgaria

Czech Republic

Hungary

Latvia

Lithuania

Romania
How many of the above-mentioned countries share a land border with Ukraine?