Location

A landlocked country in West Africa, bordered by Algeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Senegal, and Mauritania.

Total Area

It is the 8th largest country in Africa.

Major Rivers

Niger River and Senegal River, are essential for agriculture, fishing, and transportation.

Topography

Mostly flat to rolling plains; the northern region is dominated by the Sahara Desert.

Desert

The Sahara Desert covers the northern two-thirds of the country.

Mountain Range

Adrar des Ifoghas in the northeast, known for rocky plateaus and valleys.

Highest Point

Mount Hombori is located in the central region.

Climate

Arid to semi-arid; hot and dry in the north, with a tropical climate in the southern regions.

Vegetation

Sparse vegetation in the north; savanna and forests in the southern and central regions.

Natural Resources

Gold, salt, phosphates, limestone, and uranium.

Regions

Divided into three ecological zones: Sahara (north), Sahel (central), and Sudanian savanna (south).

Biodiversity

Home to diverse wildlife including elephants, lions, hippos, and various bird species.

Location

West Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

Neighboring Countries

Mauritania (north), Mali (east), Guinea and Guinea-Bissau (south), The Gambia (enclave).

Climate

Tropical, with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Major Rivers

Senegal River (forms northern border), Gambia River, Casamance River.

Topography

Generally low-lying, with rolling plains and a few highlands in the southeast.

Highest Point

Nepen Diakha in the southeastern region near the Guinea border.

Major Cities

Dakar (capital), Saint-Louis, Touba, Thiès, Kaolack.

Natural Resources

Fish, phosphates, iron ore, gold, oil, natural gas.

Ecoregions

Sahelian region in the north, Sudanian savanna in the center, and Guinean forest zone in the south.

Biodiversity

Includes Niokolo-Koba National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna like lions, hippos, and antelopes.

Islands

Saloum Delta, Île de Gorée, Îles de la Madeleine.

Location

A landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar.

Topography

Predominantly mountainous with rugged terrain, including the Annamite Range.

Highest Point

Phou Bia, at 2,819 meters above sea level.

Major River

Mekong River, which flows along its western border and is vital for transportation, agriculture, and fishing.

Plains

Lowland plains found along the Mekong River valley, supporting agriculture.

Forests

Rich in tropical and subtropical forests, covering a significant portion of the country.

Climate

Tropical monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Natural Resources

Includes timber, hydropower potential, minerals (copper, gold, tin), and fertile land.

Biodiversity

High biodiversity with numerous protected areas and species endemic to the region.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Which of the following countries does Laos share a border with?

1. Thailand
2. Vietnam
3. Cambodia
4. Myanmar
5. China

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1, 2, 3, 4

(b) 1, 2, 4, 5

(c) 2, 3, 4, 5

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Answer: d

Explanation

Laos is bounded to the north by China, to the northeast and east by Vietnam, to the south by Cambodia, to the west by Thailand, and to the northwest by Myanmar (Burma).