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Question

Consider the following countries :

1. Azerbaijan

2. Kyrgyzstan

3. Tajikistan

4. Turkmenistan

5. Uzbekistan Which of the above have borders with Afghanistan ?

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2022 (Prelims) CSAT Previous Year Paper (05-June-2022)
The correct answer is

3, 4 and 5 only

Identifying Countries Bordering Afghanistan

The question asks us to identify which of the given countries share a border with Afghanistan. Let's examine each country on the list to determine if it borders Afghanistan.

1. Azerbaijan and Afghanistan's Border

Azerbaijan is located in the South Caucasus region, at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Its neighbors are Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, and Turkey. Azerbaijan is separated from Afghanistan by Iran and Turkmenistan, and the Caspian Sea. Therefore, Azerbaijan does not share a direct land border with Afghanistan.

2. Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan's Border

Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia. It borders Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. While relatively close geographically, Tajikistan lies between Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. Thus, Kyrgyzstan does not directly border Afghanistan.

3. Tajikistan and Afghanistan's Border

Tajikistan is located north and east of Afghanistan. It shares a significant border with Afghanistan, primarily along the Panj River. The border is part of Tajikistan's southern boundary. So, Tajikistan does border Afghanistan.

4. Turkmenistan and Afghanistan's Border

Turkmenistan is located to the north-west of Afghanistan in Central Asia. It shares a border with Afghanistan in the south. This border is part of Turkmenistan's southern boundary, adjacent to Afghanistan's northern provinces. Thus, Turkmenistan does border Afghanistan.

5. Uzbekistan and Afghanistan's Border

Uzbekistan is situated directly to the north of Afghanistan. It shares a relatively short but strategically important border with Afghanistan. The Friendship Bridge connects the two countries across the Amu Darya river. So, Uzbekistan does border Afghanistan.

Based on this analysis, the countries from the given list that share a border with Afghanistan are Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

The countries bordering Afghanistan from the provided list are:

  • 3. Tajikistan
  • 4. Turkmenistan
  • 5. Uzbekistan

Therefore, the correct combination of countries bordering Afghanistan is 3, 4, and 5 only.

Revision Table: Countries and Afghanistan Borders

Country Borders Afghanistan? Notes on Location Relative to Afghanistan
Azerbaijan No Located west; separated by Iran/Turkmenistan.
Kyrgyzstan No Located north-east; separated by Tajikistan.
Tajikistan Yes Located north-east; shares southern border.
Turkmenistan Yes Located north-west; shares southern border.
Uzbekistan Yes Located north; shares southern border.

Additional Information: Afghanistan's Neighbors and Geography

Afghanistan is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and South Asia. It is bordered by six other countries. Understanding its neighbors is key to understanding its geopolitical position and regional dynamics.

  • Pakistan: Borders Afghanistan to the south and east. This is the longest border.
  • Iran: Borders Afghanistan to the west.
  • Turkmenistan: Borders Afghanistan to the north-west.
  • Uzbekistan: Borders Afghanistan to the north.
  • Tajikistan: Borders Afghanistan to the north-east.
  • China: Borders Afghanistan to the far north-east, via the narrow Wakhan Corridor. This is the shortest border.

The countries listed in the question are all in Central Asia or the South Caucasus region, highlighting Afghanistan's position as a bridge between these areas.

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Important Questions from Maps

  1. Which of the following statements about maps are correct?
    1. Maps that maintain the true shapes of areas are known as conformal maps.
    2. Maps are used to show spatial relationships.
    3. Maps cannot show route from one place to another.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.
  2. Consider the following statements :

    1. GPS uses signals from a network of satellites to determine a position on the Earth.

    2. The GPS receiver calculates the distances from satellites to triangulate the exact location by the use of latitude.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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