General Knowledge Questions on Geography: Check 50+ Simple GK Questions and Answers

The study of Earth’s various habitats and landscapes, as well as the people who influence and interact with them, is known as geography. By studying physical elements like mountains, rivers, seas, and ecosystems as well as human geography, which explores cities, cultures, economies, and political boundaries, it builds a bridge between the natural and human worlds. 

Geography is an essential subject for understanding our world since it offers important insights into how the earth works and how cultures adjust to their environment.

We’ve put together a selection of geography questions with thorough explanations and answers to help you better understand this fascinating subject. 

Your understanding of human geography, physical geography, and global events will be put to the test by these questions, which also offer fascinating facts and perspectives. 

This series of questions is a great way to improve your understanding whether you’re studying for an exam or quiz or just learning about the beauties of geography.

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1. Which is the largest continent by area?

A) Africa

B) Asia

C) Europe

D) North America

Answer: B) Asia

Explanation: Asia is the largest continent, covering about 30% of the Earth’s land area and home to the world’s most populous countries like China and India.

2. What is the capital of Canada?

A) Toronto

B) Vancouver

C) Ottawa

D) Montreal

Answer: C) Ottawa

Explanation: Ottawa is the capital of Canada, located in the province of Ontario. It is the fourth largest city in Canada.

3. Which river is known as the longest river in the world?

A) Nile

B) Amazon

C) Yangtze

D) Ganges

Answer: A) Nile

Explanation: The Nile River, flowing through northeastern Africa, is traditionally considered the longest river in the world, at approximately 6,650 km long.

4. Mount Everest is located in which mountain range?

A) Alps

B) Andes

C) Rockies

D) Himalayas

Answer: D) Himalayas

Explanation: Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth, is located in the Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and China (Tibet).

5. Which ocean is the largest in the world?

A) Atlantic Ocean

B) Indian Ocean

C) Pacific Ocean

D) Arctic Ocean

Answer: C) Pacific Ocean

Explanation: The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean, covering about 63 million square miles.

6. In which city is the Golden Gate Bridge located?

A) Los Angeles

B) San Francisco

C) San Diego

D) Sacramento

Answer: B) San Francisco

Explanation: The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic suspension bridge spanning the Golden Gate Strait, the entrance to San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. Located in San Francisco, California, it is one of the most famous landmarks in the United States and a symbol of the city. 

7. Which two U.S. states do not share a border with any other state?

A) Hawaii and Alaska

B) Hawaii and Maine

C) Alaska and Washington

D) Maine and Florida

Answer: A) Hawaii and Alaska

Explanation: Hawaii and Alaska are the only two U.S. states that do not share a border with any other state. Hawaii is an archipelago located in the central Pacific Ocean, far from the U.S. mainland, making it entirely isolated. Alaska, while part of the North American continent, is sep

8. Which country is the smallest by area in the world?

A) Monaco

B) Vatican City

C) San Marino

D) Nauru

Answer: B) Vatican City

Explanation: Vatican City, an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy, is the smallest country by both area and population.

9. Which is the largest island in the world?

A) Greenland

B) New Guinea

C) Borneo

D) Madagascar

Answer: A) Greenland

Explanation: Greenland is the largest island in the world, with an area of about 2.16 million square kilometres.

10. Which continent is known as the “Dark Continent”?

A) Asia

B) Africa

C) Australia

D) Europe

Answer: B) Africa

Explanation: Africa was historically referred to as the “Dark Continent” due to the mystery surrounding its interior and the limited knowledge of the region in the 19th century.

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11. The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of which country?

A) New Zealand

B) Indonesia

C) South Africa

D) Australia

Answer: D) Australia

Explanation: The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system, is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia.

12. Which is the longest mountain range in the world?

A) Andes

B) Rockies

C) Himalayas

D) Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Answer: A) Andes

Explanation: The Andes is the longest mountain range in the world, stretching over 7,000 kilometres.

13. Which city is known as the “City of Love”?

A) Venice

B) Paris

C) Rome

D) Athens

Answer: B) Paris

Explanation: Paris, the capital of France, is famously known as the “City of Love” due to its romantic ambience, art, and culture.

14. What city is famously known as “The Eternal City”?

A) Paris

B) Cairo

C) Athens

D) Rome

Answer: D) Rome

Explanation: Rome is often referred to as “The Eternal City” because of its rich history and enduring significance in Western civilisation. 

15. Which river is known as the lifeline of Egypt?

A) Nile

B) Amazon

C) Ganges

D) Yangtze

Answer: A) Nile

Explanation: The Nile River is often referred to as the “lifeline” of Egypt, as it provides water, transportation, and fertile land for agriculture in an otherwise arid region.

16. What is the capital of Brazil?

A) Rio de Janeiro

B) São Paulo

C) Brasília

D) Porto Alegre

Answer: C) Brasília

Explanation: Brasília is the capital of Brazil, known for its modernist architecture and designed by the famous architect Oscar Niemeyer.

17. Which country has the longest coastline in the world?

A) Canada

B) Australia

C) United States

D) Russia

Answer: A) Canada

Explanation: Canada has the longest coastline in the world, stretching over 202,080 kilometers.

18. The Taj Mahal is located in which city?

A) Delhi

B) Mumbai

C) Agra

D) Jaipur

Answer: C) Agra

Explanation: The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is located in Agra, India, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

19. Which continent is known as the “Frozen Continent”?

A) Antarctica

B) Arctic

C) Greenland

D) Australia

Answer: A) Antarctica

Explanation: Antarctica is known as the “Frozen Continent” due to its icy landscape, extreme cold, and being covered by an ice sheet.

20. In which U.S. state is the country’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, located?

A) Florida

B) California

C) Georgia

D) New York

Answer: C) Georgia

Explanation: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is the busiest airport in the United States. Known for its extensive passenger traffic and numerous connecting flights, it has consistently ranked as the world’s busiest airport for several years.

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21. Which lake is the largest freshwater lake by area?

A) Lake Superior

B) Lake Victoria

C) Lake Michigan

D) Lake Baikal

Answer: A) Lake Superior

Explanation: Lake Superior is the largest by surface area, located in North America.

22. Which continent is the only one with land in all four hemispheres?

A) Asia

B) Australia

C) South America

D) Africa

Answer: D) Africa

Explanation: Africa is the only continent that extends into all four hemispheres. 

23. What is the state capital of New York?

A) New York City

B) Albany

C) Buffalo

D) Rochester

Answer: B) Albany

Explanation: Albany is the capital of New York State, serving as the center of state government since 1797. While New York City is the state’s largest and most well-known city, Albany was chosen for its central location within the state at the time, making it more accessible to residents from various regions.

24. Which desert is the coldest in the world?

A) Gobi

B) Atacama

C) Antarctica Desert

D) Arctic Desert

Answer: C) Antarctica Desert

Explanation: The Antarctica Desert experiences extreme cold temperatures.

25. Which strait separates Europe and Asia?

A) Gibraltar Strait

B) Bosporus Strait

C) Bering Strait

D) Hormuz Strait

Answer: B) Bosporus Strait

Explanation: The Bosporus Strait divides Turkey into its European and Asian parts.

26. What is the largest country in South America?

A) Argentina

B) Chile

C) Colombia

D) Brazil

Answer: D) Brazil

Explanation: Brazil is the largest country in South America by area and population.

27. Which river is known as the “Father of Rivers” in the US?

A) Amazon

B) Mississippi

C) Nile

D) Yangtze

Answer: B) Mississippi

Explanation: The Mississippi is often referred to as the “Father of Rivers” due to its importance in North America.

28. Which city is called the “Gateway to India”?

A) Delhi

B) Mumbai

C) Chennai

D) Kolkata

Answer: B) Mumbai

Explanation: Mumbai is called the “Gateway to India” because of the iconic Gateway of India monument.

29. Which sea is the saltiest in the world?

A) Red Sea

B) Black Sea

C) Dead Sea

D) Caspian Sea

Answer: C) Dead Sea

Explanation: The Dead Sea has a salinity of around 34%, making it the saltiest body of water.

30. What is the largest peninsula in the world?

A) Arabian Peninsula

B) Indian Peninsula

C) Malay Peninsula

D) Scandinavian Peninsula

Answer: A) Arabian Peninsula

Explanation: The Arabian Peninsula spans approximately 3.2 million square kilometers.

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31. Which is the world’s deepest ocean trench?

A) Java Trench

B) Tonga Trench

C) Puerto Rico Trench

D) Mariana Trench

Answer: D) Mariana Trench

Explanation: The Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean is the deepest point, reaching about a depth of 36,000 feet. 

32. Which country is nicknamed “The Land of the Rising Sun”?

A) China

B) Japan

C) South Korea

D) Thailand

Answer: B) Japan

Explanation: Japan is called “The Land of the Rising Sun” due to its position east of China and Korea.

33. What is the longest river in India?

A) Ganges

B) Brahmaputra

C) Godavari

D) Yamuna

Answer: A) Ganges

Explanation: The Ganges is 2,525 kilometres long, making it India’s longest river.

34. Which is the smallest continent by land area?

A) Europe

B) Australia

C) Antarctica

D) South America

Answer: B) Australia

Explanation: Australia is the smallest continent, covering about 8.6 million square kilometres.

35. Which European country is known for its fjords?

A) Sweden

B) Denmark

C) Finland

D) Norway

Answer: D) Norway

Explanation: Norway is famous for its fjords, which are narrow inlets with steep cliffs.

36. Which city is called the “Big Apple”?

A) Los Angeles

B) New York City

C) Chicago

D) Boston

Answer: B) New York City

Explanation: The nickname “Big Apple” became popular in the 1920s and symbolises the city’s prominence.

37. Which country is the largest producer of coffee in the world?

A) Vietnam

B) Colombia

C) Brazil

D) Ethiopia

Answer: C) Brazil

Explanation: Brazil has been the largest coffee producer for over 150 years.

38. Which ocean surrounds the Maldives?

A) Pacific Ocean

B) Indian Ocean

C) Atlantic Ocean

D) Arctic Ocean

Answer: B) Indian Ocean

Explanation: The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean.

39. Which Indian state has the longest coastline?

A) Tamil Nadu

B) Maharashtra

C) Andhra Pradesh

D) Gujarat

Answer: D) Gujarat

Explanation: Gujarat has a coastline of about 1,600 kilometres.

40. Which U.S. state has the most active volcanoes?

A) Hawaii

B) Alaska

C) California

D) Washington

Answer: B) Alaska

Explanation: Alaska has the highest number of active volcanoes, particularly in the Aleutian Islands.

41. Which city is also known as the “Pearl of the Orient”?

A) Bangkok

B) Manila

C) Shanghai

D) Hong Kong

Answer: D) Hong Kong

Explanation: Hong Kong is called the “Pearl of the Orient” for its stunning skyline and cultural blend.

42. Which country is home to the Great Victoria Desert?

A) United States

B) Australia

C) South Africa

D) Chile

Answer: B) Australia

Explanation: The Great Victoria Desert is the largest desert in Australia.

43. Which river flows through the Grand Canyon?

A) Colorado River

B) Mississippi River

C) Rio Grande

D) Columbia River

Answer: A) Colorado River

Explanation: The Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon over millions of years.

44. Which is the highest waterfall in the world?

A) Niagara Falls

B) Angel Falls

C) Victoria Falls

D) Iguazu Falls

Answer: B) Angel Falls

Explanation: Angel Falls in Venezuela has a height of 979 meters.

45. What is the name of the line that separates the Earth into northern and southern hemispheres?

A) Prime Meridian

B) Tropic of Cancer

C) Equator

D) Tropic of Capricorn

Answer: C) Equator

Explanation: The Equator is the 0° latitude line dividing the Earth into two hemispheres.

46. Which is the largest desert in India?

A) Thar Desert

B) Deccan Plateau

C) Rann of Kutch

D) Ladakh Desert

Answer: A) Thar Desert

Explanation: The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is located in northwest India.

47. Which city is located on two continents?

A) Karachi

B) Moscow

C) Cairo

D) Istanbul

Answer: D) Istanbul

Explanation: Istanbul spans Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosporus Strait.

48. Which country is the world’s largest producer of diamonds?

A) South Africa

B) Botswana

C) Russia

D) Canada

Answer: C) Russia

Explanation: Russia is the top producer of diamonds by volume.

49. What is the largest lake in Africa?

A) Lake Chad

B) Lake Victoria

C) Lake Tanganyika

D) Lake Malawi

Answer: B) Lake Victoria

Explanation: Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa by area, covering 26,828 square miles (69,484 square km).

50. Which river is known as the “Yellow River”?

A) Mekong

B) Yangtze

C) Huang He

D) Brahmaputra

Answer: C) Huang He

Explanation: The Huang He, or Yellow River, gets its name from the yellow silt it carries.

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