Question map
What is the correct sequence of occurrence of the following cities in South-East Asia as one proceeds from south to north? 1. Bangkok 2. Hanoi 3. Jakarta 4. Singapore Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
The correct answer is option C: 3-4-1-2, with Jakarta (Indonesia) located farthest south[1], followed by Singapore, Bangkok, and Hanoi as one moves northward.
To understand this sequence, we need to consider the approximate latitudes of these Southeast Asian capitals. Jakarta lies at about 6°S (below the equator), making it the southernmost city. Singapore is positioned just north of the equator at approximately 1°N. Bangkok, Thailand's capital, is located further north at around 13°N. Finally, Hanoi in northern Vietnam is the northernmost of these cities at approximately 21°N.
Therefore, when proceeding from south to north, the correct sequence is: Jakarta (3) → Singapore (4) → Bangkok (1) → Hanoi (2), which corresponds to option C (3-4-1-2).
This question tests geographical knowledge of Southeast Asian cities and their relative positions, which is important for understanding regional geography and geopolitical contexts in the UPSC examination.
SourcesPROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis is a classic 'Mental Map' question. No textbook paragraph lists this sequence explicitly; it rewards students who actively engage with an Atlas rather than just reading text. The key is anchoring cities relative to the Equator and the Tropic of Cancer.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Explicit classroom task asks students to find the approximate distance (i.e., latitude) of Singapore from the Equator, highlighting Singapore's proximity to the Equator.
A student can use an atlas or world map to read Singapore's latitude (close to 0°) and compare it with other cities' latitudes to rank them.
Another exercise tells students to note approximate latitudes/longitudes for Singapore alongside other world cities, reinforcing that Singapore's latitude is an atlas-checkable fact.
Use the same atlas lookup method for Jakarta, Bangkok and Hanoi to obtain their latitudes and order them.
Gives the key definition and landmarks: latitude is angular distance north/south of the Equator and lists important latitudes (Equator = 0°, Tropic of Cancer ≈ 23.5°N).
Using these reference parallels, a student can judge whether each city lies north or south of the Equator and whether any lie near the Tropic of Cancer to help order them by latitude.
Lists Southeast Asian cities (including Bangkok and Singapore) as nodal points and situates them conceptually within the broad latitudinal belt where many inter-continental routes converge.
A student can combine this regional placement with an atlas to determine that Bangkok is north of Singapore and use precise latitudes to order cities.
Notes ASEAN membership and founding in Bangkok and lists Indonesia and Singapore among members, implicitly grouping these cities within Southeast Asia so a map comparison is appropriate.
A student can take a ASEAN/regional map (or world map) and read off relative north–south positions (latitudes) of Jakarta, Singapore, Bangkok and Hanoi to establish an order.
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