Question 78 from UPSC CSE 2025 - Geography

Question

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?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Only four

Strategy: Check which listed countries the Andes traverse by leveraging knowledge of South American geography. Visualize or recall the typical 'Andean states'—the major north-south spine along the continent. Exclude those like Paraguay and Brazil, which are not generally considered Andean countries. Count the valid entries among the given options to reach the correct total.

Key Info: The Andes Mountains are the longest continental mountain range in the world, stretching approximately 7,000 km along the western edge of South America, from Venezuela in the north through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. These mountains play a crucial role in the continent's topography, climate, and biodiversity. Of the countries listed:
- Venezuela: Contains the northernmost section of the Andes (Cordillera de Mérida).
- Colombia: Crossed by three prominent Andean ranges—Cordillera Occidental, Central, and Oriental.
- Ecuador: Dominated by the Andes, including volcanic summits like Chimborazo and Cotopaxi.
- Bolivia: The Andes form a broad high plateau (Altiplano) across the country.
- Brazil: The Andes do not cross Brazil; its topography is mostly the Brazilian Highlands and the Amazon basin.
- Paraguay: Located east of the Andes, in the lowland Gran Chaco and Paraná Plateau regions; the Andes do not pass through Paraguay.
Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia are the correct 'Andean' countries among the options given.

Answer

Option A: Only two

Answer

Option B: Only three

Answer

Option D: Only five

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?

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?