SWANA Geography Quiz

Which of the following geographic factors MOST influences where people choose to live?

• The number of animals in an area

• Climate and water availability

• The height of mountains

• The color of the soil

Answer explanation

Climate and water availability are crucial for sustaining life and agriculture, making them the most significant factors influencing where people choose to live. Other factors like animals, mountain height, and soil color are less impactful.

What is a major reason why many people live near rivers?

• They provide water for farming and drinking

• They have no dangers like floods

• They are the only places where cities can exist

• They make it harder for people to travel

Answer explanation

A major reason people live near rivers is that they provide essential water for farming and drinking, which supports agriculture and sustains communities. The other options do not accurately reflect the benefits of river proximity.

The Sahara Desert is located in which region?

• South America

• North America

• North Africa

• Eastern Europe

Answer explanation

The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, primarily located in North Africa. It spans several countries in this region, making 'North Africa' the correct answer.

Which two rivers are most important to the development of ancient Mesopotamia?

• Nile and Amazon

• Tigris and Euphrates

• Mississippi and Ganges

• Yangtze and Danube

Answer explanation

The Tigris and Euphrates rivers were crucial for the development of ancient Mesopotamia, providing water for agriculture, trade routes, and supporting the growth of early civilizations in the region.

Which mountain range is located in Turkey and separates Europe and Asia?

• Taurus Mountains

• Rocky Mountains

• Zagros Mountains

• Alps

Answer explanation

The Taurus Mountains in Turkey serve as a natural boundary between Europe and Asia, making them the correct answer. The other options, such as the Rocky, Zagros, and Alps, are located in different regions.

Which body of water separates Europe from North Africa?

• Red Sea

• Mediterranean Sea

• Persian Gulf

• Indian Ocean

Answer explanation

The Mediterranean Sea is the body of water that separates Europe from North Africa, serving as a significant geographical boundary between the two continents.

Which desert covers most of North Africa?

• Arabian Desert

• Kalahari Desert

• Sahara Desert

• Mojave Desert

Answer explanation

The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, covering most of North Africa. It is significantly larger than the Arabian, Kalahari, and Mojave deserts, making it the correct answer.

Which of the following is an important urban center in Southwest Asia?

• Cairo

• Sydney

• Tokyo

• Moscow

Answer explanation

Cairo is a major urban center in Southwest Asia, known for its historical significance and cultural influence. The other options, Sydney, Tokyo, and Moscow, are located in different regions of the world.

The Persian Gulf is an important waterway because it is known for:

• Heavy rainfall

• Large forests

• Rich oil resources

• Freezing temperatures

Answer explanation

The Persian Gulf is significant due to its rich oil resources, making it a vital area for global energy supply. Other options like heavy rainfall, large forests, and freezing temperatures do not accurately describe this region.

The Nile River flows through which country?

• Saudi Arabia

• Egypt

• Iran

• Turkey

Answer explanation

The Nile River is primarily associated with Egypt, where it flows northward through the country before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. It does not flow through Saudi Arabia, Iran, or Turkey.