GK Questions with Answers - World Geography

Geography is one of the most important subjects for students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, and various State PSCs. Understanding world geography helps aspirants develop a clear idea about countries, continents, oceans, mountains, rivers, deserts, and climatic zones — topics that are frequently asked in exams. Having a strong command of geography not only boosts your general knowledge but also enhances your overall awareness of global events and environmental issues.

In this article, we have compiled a collection of World Geography General Knowledge (GK) Questions with Answers, carefully selected from previous year papers and standard reference materials. Each question is followed by a brief explanation to help you understand the concept behind the answer. This will make your preparation more effective and ensure better retention during revision. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, these MCQs will strengthen your foundation and help you score higher in upcoming competitive exams.

GK Questions with Answers - World Geography

1. How many oceans are there in the world?

1. 3
2. 5
3. 7
4. 4

Answer: B) 5

Explanation: There are five oceans on Earth — the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Southern (Antarctic) Ocean, and Arctic Ocean. Together, they cover about 71% of the Earth’s surface and contain around 97% of the planet’s water. The Southern Ocean was officially recognized as the fifth ocean by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in 2000.

2. How many continents are there in the world?

1. 5
2. 6
3. 7
4. 8

Answer: C) 7

Explanation: The world has seven continents — Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia. These continents vary greatly in size, population, and geographic features. Asia is the largest and most populous, while Australia is the smallest.

3. Which is the largest continent in the world?

1. Africa
2. Asia
3. North America
4. Europe

Answer: B) Asia

Explanation: Asia is the largest continent both by area and population. It covers about 30% of the world’s total land area and is home to nearly 60% of the global population. It contains the world’s highest mountain — Mount Everest — and the lowest point on land — the Dead Sea.

4. Which is the largest ocean in the world?

1. Atlantic Ocean
2. Indian Ocean
3. Arctic Ocean
4. Pacific Ocean

Answer: D) Pacific Ocean

Explanation: The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean on Earth, covering more area than all landmasses combined. It spans about 165 million square kilometers, stretching between Asia & Australia on one side and the Americas on the other. The Mariana Trench, the deepest point on Earth (about 11,034 meters), is located in this ocean.

5. How many countries are there in the world?

1. 193
2. 195
3. 200
4. 197

Answer: B) 195

Explanation: According to the United Nations (UN), there are 195 countries in the world. This includes 193 member states of the UN and 2 observer states — the Vatican City and Palestine.

6. Which is the largest country in the world by area?

1. Canada
2. China
3. United States
4. Russia

Answer: D) Russia

Explanation: Russia is the largest country in the world, covering about 17.1 million square kilometers — roughly one-ninth of the Earth’s land area. It spans Europe and Asia, making it a transcontinental country. Russia has 11 time zones and borders 14 countries.

7. Which is the longest river in the world?

1. Amazon River
2. Yangtze River
3. Nile River
4. Mississippi River

Answer: C) Nile River (Africa)

Explanation: The Nile River in Africa is traditionally regarded as the longest river in the world, with a length of about 6,650 km. It flows through 11 countries, including Uganda, Sudan, and Egypt, and empties into the Mediterranean Sea. Some scientists consider the Amazon River slightly longer based on new measurements, but the Nile remains widely accepted as the longest.

8. Which is the largest lake in the world?

1. Caspian Sea
2. Lake Superior
3. Lake Victoria
4. Lake Baikal

Answer: A) Caspian Sea

Explanation: The Caspian Sea, located between Europe and Asia, is the largest lake in the world by area. Despite being called a “sea,” it is actually a landlocked saltwater lake. It borders Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan.

9. Which is the highest mountain in the world?

1. K2
2. Mount Everest
3. Kangchenjunga
4. Lhotse

Answer: B) Mount Everest

Explanation: Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The mountain is known as “Sagarmatha” in Nepali and “Chomolungma” in Tibetan.

10. Which is the highest waterfall in the world?

1. Niagara Falls
2. Tugela Falls
3. Angel Falls
4. Victoria Falls

Answer: C) Angel Falls

Explanation: Angel Falls in Venezuela is the highest waterfall in the world, with a total height of 979 meters (3,212 feet) and an uninterrupted drop of 807 meters. It is located in the Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The waterfall is named after Jimmy Angel, a U.S. aviator who discovered it in 1933.

11. Where is the Great Barrier Reef located?

1. South Africa
2. Australia
3. United States
4. India

Answer: B) Australia

Explanation: The Great Barrier Reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is the largest coral reef system in the world, stretching over 2,300 km and consisting of 2,900 reefs and 900 islands. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1981) and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.