Geography(World)

Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Continents of the World
3. Major Oceans and Seas
4. Major Mountain Ranges
5. Major Rivers of the World
6. Major Deserts
7. Climate Zones and Weather Patterns
8. Important Lines of Latitude and Longitude
9. Major Island Groups and Archipelagos
10. Major Straits, Canals, and Waterways
11. World Capitals and Major Cities
12. Time Zones
13. Natural Resources and Economic Geography
14. Major Lakes
15. Volcanoes and Geological Features
16. UNESCO World Heritage Natural Sites
17. Major Waterfalls
18. Peninsulas and Gulfs
19. Plateaus and Plains
20. Population and Demographic Features
21. Political Geography
22. International Organizations with Geographical Relevance
23. Geographical Extremes and Records
24. Conclusion and Exam Tips
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Introduction

World Geography is a critical component of the General Knowledge section in the Nigerian Police Exam, testing candidates' understanding of global physical features, political boundaries, climatic patterns, and significant geographical phenomena. A solid grasp of world geography enables police officers to understand international crime patterns, cross-border security challenges, and global contexts that affect Nigerian policing. This comprehensive study guide covers essential geographical knowledge from continents and countries to major physical features and climate zones that frequently appear in police examination questions.

The Continents of the World

The Earth's landmass is divided into seven continents, each with distinct characteristics that candidates must understand thoroughly.

Africa

• Area: Approximately 30.37 million km² (the second-largest continent)
• Population: Over 1.3 billion people (as of recent estimates)
• Number of countries: 54 recognized sovereign states
• Highest point: Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (5,895 meters)
• Lowest point: Lake Assal in Djibouti (155 meters below sea level)
• Longest river: River Nile (6,650 km), flowing through 11 countries
• Largest lake: Lake Victoria (shared by Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya)
• Largest desert: Sahara Desert (9.2 million km²)
• Major regions: North Africa, West Africa, East Africa, Central Africa, Southern Africa
• Equator: Passes through seven African countries (Gabon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, and São Tomé and Príncipe)

Asia

• Area: Approximately 44.58 million km² (the largest continent)
• Population: Over 4.6 billion people (about 60% of world population)
• Number of countries: 48 countries
• Highest point: Mount Everest in Nepal/China border (8,848.86 meters) - the world's highest peak
• Lowest point: Dead Sea shore (430.5 meters below sea level)
• Longest river: Yangtze River in China (6,300 km)
• Other major rivers: Ganges, Indus, Mekong, Yellow River, Brahmaputra
• Major regions: East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, West Asia (Middle East)
• Largest country by area: Russia (partially in Europe)
• Most populous country: India (recently surpassed China)

Europe

• Area: Approximately 10.18 million km²
• Population: Over 740 million people
• Number of countries: 44 countries (including Russia and Turkey, which are transcontinental)
• Highest point: Mount Elbrus in Russia (5,642 meters)
• Longest river: Volga River in Russia (3,530 km)
• Other major rivers: Danube, Rhine, Elbe, Loire
• Major regions: Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Northern Europe (Scandinavia), Southern Europe
• Smallest country: Vatican City (0.44 km²) - the world's smallest country

North America

• Area: Approximately 24.71 million km²
• Population: Over 580 million people
• Number of countries: 23 countries
• Highest point: Denali (formerly Mount McKinley) in Alaska, USA (6,190 meters)
• Longest river: Missouri-Mississippi River system (6,275 km)
• Largest lake: Lake Superior (one of the Great Lakes)
• Major countries: United States, Canada, Mexico
• Caribbean islands: Include numerous island nations and territories

South America

• Area: Approximately 17.84 million km²
• Population: Over 430 million people
• Number of countries: 12 countries
• Highest point: Mount Aconcagua in Argentina (6,961 meters)
• Longest river: Amazon River (approximately 6,400 km) - carries the largest volume of water
• Largest rainforest: Amazon Rainforest (5.5 million km²)
• Largest country: Brazil (largest Portuguese-speaking nation globally)
• Major features: Andes Mountains (longest continental mountain range), Atacama Desert (driest place on Earth)

Antarctica

• Area: Approximately 14.2 million km²
• Population: No permanent residents; only research station personnel (1,000-5,000 seasonally)
• Status: No countries; governed by Antarctic Treaty System (signed 1959)
• Highest point: Vinson Massif (4,892 meters)
• Climate: Coldest continent; temperatures can drop below -80°C
• Ice coverage: 98% covered by ice; contains 90% of world's ice and 70% of world's fresh water
• Strategic importance: Scientific research, climate studies

Australia/Oceania

• Area: Approximately 8.6 million km² (including Australia and Pacific islands)
• Population: Over 42 million people
• Number of countries: 14 countries (Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Pacific island nations)
• Highest point: Mount Wilhelm in Papua New Guinea (4,509 meters); Puncak Jaya in Indonesia (if Western New Guinea is included)
• Australia highest point: Mount Kosciuszko (2,228 meters)
• Longest river: Murray-Darling River system in Australia
• Notable feature: Great Barrier Reef (world's largest coral reef system)

Major Oceans and Seas

The Five Oceans

1. Pacific Ocean
   • Largest and deepest ocean (165.2 million km²)
   • Covers more than 30% of Earth's surface
   • Deepest point: Mariana Trench - Challenger Deep (approximately 10,994 meters)
   • Borders: Asia, Australia, Americas, Antarctica
2. Atlantic Ocean
   • Second largest ocean (106.4 million km²)
   • Separates Americas from Europe and Africa
   • Deepest point: Puerto Rico Trench (8,376 meters)
   • Important for global trade routes
   • Contains the Sargasso Sea (only sea without land boundaries)
3. Indian Ocean
   • Third largest ocean (70.6 million km²)
   • Borders: Africa, Asia, Australia, Antarctica
   • Deepest point: Sunda Trench (7,258 meters)
   • Contains important trade routes connecting Middle East to Asia
   • Monsoon winds significantly affect the region
4. Southern Ocean (Antarctic Ocean)
   • Fourth largest ocean (20.3 million km²)
   • Surrounds Antarctica
   • Recognized as distinct ocean in 2000
   • Strong currents and extreme weather conditions
5. Arctic Ocean
   • Smallest ocean (14.1 million km²)
   • Located around the North Pole
   • Largely covered by sea ice
   • Borders: Russia, Norway, Greenland, Canada, United States (Alaska)

Important Seas

• Mediterranean Sea: Between Europe, Africa, and Asia; connected to Atlantic via Strait of Gibraltar
• Red Sea: Between Africa and Asia; connected to Mediterranean via Suez Canal
• Caribbean Sea: In the Western Atlantic, bordered by Central and South America
• South China Sea: Major maritime area in Southeast Asia with territorial disputes
• Black Sea: Between Europe and Asia, connected to Mediterranean
• Dead Sea: Actually a salt lake; lowest point on Earth's surface at 430.5 meters below sea level
• Caspian Sea: World's largest enclosed inland body of water (technically a lake)

Major Mountain Ranges

Global Mountain Systems

• Himalayas (Asia)
  • Contains 10 of the world's 14 highest peaks including Mount Everest
  • Spans five countries: India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Pakistan
  • Length: approximately 2,400 km
  • Forms natural barrier between Indian subcontinent and Tibetan Plateau
• Andes Mountains (South America)
  • Longest continental mountain range (approximately 7,000 km)
  • Spans seven countries along western South America
  • Highest peak: Mount Aconcagua (6,961 meters)
  • Contains numerous active volcanoes
• Rocky Mountains (North America)
  • Extends from Canada through United States to Mexico
  • Length: approximately 4,800 km
  • Important watershed dividing rivers flowing to Pacific and Atlantic
• Atlas Mountains (Africa)
  • Located in Northwest Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia)
  • Separates Sahara Desert from Mediterranean coast
  • Highest peak: Toubkal (4,167 meters) in Morocco
• Alps (Europe)
  • Extends across eight countries in central Europe
  • Highest peak: Mont Blanc (4,808 meters) on France-Italy border
  • Length: approximately 1,200 km
  • Major tourist destination and winter sports region
• Ural Mountains (Russia)
  • Traditional boundary between Europe and Asia
  • Extends approximately 2,500 km north to south
  • Rich in mineral resources
• Caucasus Mountains
  • Between Black Sea and Caspian Sea
  • Contains Mount Elbrus (5,642 meters) - Europe's highest peak

Major Rivers of the World

Longest Rivers

1. Nile River (Africa) - 6,650 km
   • Flows through: Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan, Egypt, and others
   • Empties into: Mediterranean Sea
   • Major tributaries: White Nile, Blue Nile
   • Historical importance to Egyptian civilization
2. Amazon River (South America) - approximately 6,400 km
   • Carries largest volume of water of any river
   • Flows through: Peru, Colombia, Brazil
   • Empties into: Atlantic Ocean
   • Basin covers 40% of South American continent
3. Yangtze River (Asia) - 6,300 km
   • Longest river in Asia and China
   • Location: Entirely in China
   • Contains Three Gorges Dam (world's largest hydroelectric facility)
4. Mississippi-Missouri River System (North America) - 6,275 km
   • Major waterway in United States
   • Empties into: Gulf of Mexico
   • Critical for trade and agriculture
5. Yenisei River (Asia) - 5,539 km
   • Flows through central Russia to Arctic Ocean
   • One of largest river systems flowing to Arctic
6. Yellow River (Huang He) (Asia) - 5,464 km
   • Second longest river in China
   • Cradle of Chinese civilization
   • Known for heavy silt content giving yellow color

Other Major Rivers

• Congo River (Africa): Second longest in Africa; deepest river in the world
• Niger River (Africa): Third longest in Africa; flows through West Africa including Nigeria
• Ganges River (Asia): Sacred river in Hinduism; flows through India and Bangladesh
• Danube River (Europe): Second longest in Europe; flows through 10 countries
• Mekong River (Asia): Major river in Southeast Asia; flows through 6 countries
• Rhine River (Europe): Important European waterway for trade
• Volga River (Europe): Longest river in Europe; flows through Russia

Major Deserts

World's Largest Deserts

1. Antarctic Desert - 14.2 million km²
   • Largest desert in the world (cold desert)
   • Receives very little precipitation
2. Arctic Desert - 13.9 million km²
   • Second largest (cold desert)
   • Covers parts of several countries around North Pole
3. Sahara Desert - 9.2 million km²
   • Largest hot desert in the world
   • Covers most of North Africa
   • Includes 11 countries
   • Expanding southward (desertification concern)
4. Arabian Desert - 2.3 million km²
   • Located in Western Asia
   • Covers most of Arabian Peninsula
   • Includes Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) - largest continuous sand desert
5. Gobi Desert - 1.3 million km²
   • Located in northern China and southern Mongolia
   • Cold desert with extreme temperature variations
6. Kalahari Desert - 900,000 km²
   • Located in Southern Africa
   • Covers parts of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa

Other Notable Deserts

• Atacama Desert (South America): Driest place on Earth; located in Chile
• Mojave Desert (North America): Contains Death Valley (lowest point in North America)
• Namib Desert (Africa): Coastal desert in Namibia; very ancient desert
• Thar Desert (Asia): Located in India and Pakistan

Climate Zones and Weather Patterns

Major Climate Classifications

1. Tropical Climate
   • Located near the Equator (between Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn)
   • Characterized by: high temperatures year-round, significant rainfall
   • Subtypes: tropical rainforest, tropical monsoon, tropical savanna
   • Examples: Amazon Basin, Congo Basin, Southeast Asia
2. Dry/Arid Climate
   • Characterized by: low precipitation, high temperature variations
   • Subtypes: desert (hot and cold), semi-arid (steppe)
   • Examples: Sahara, Arabian Peninsula, Central Australia
3. Temperate Climate
   • Located in mid-latitudes
   • Characterized by: moderate temperatures, distinct seasons
   • Subtypes: Mediterranean, humid subtropical, oceanic, continental
   • Examples: Europe, eastern United States, southern Australia
4. Continental Climate
   • Found in interior of large landmasses
   • Characterized by: extreme temperature variations, cold winters, warm summers
   • Examples: Central Russia, central Canada, northern United States
5. Polar Climate
   • Located near poles
   • Characterized by: extremely low temperatures, minimal precipitation
   • Examples: Antarctica, northern Canada, Greenland

Important Climate Phenomena

• Monsoons: Seasonal wind patterns bringing heavy rainfall; particularly important in South and Southeast Asia
• El Niño: Warming of Pacific Ocean waters affecting global weather patterns
• La Niña: Cooling of Pacific Ocean waters; opposite effect of El Niño
• Trade Winds: Consistent easterly winds in tropical regions
• Westerlies: Prevailing winds in middle latitudes

Important Lines of Latitude and Longitude

Major Lines of Latitude

• Equator (0°): Divides Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres; passes through 13 countries
• Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N): Northernmost point where sun appears directly overhead
• Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S): Southernmost point where sun appears directly overhead
• Arctic Circle (66.5°N): Marks beginning of polar day/night phenomena
• Antarctic Circle (66.5°S): Southern counterpart to Arctic Circle
• Prime Meridian (0° longitude): Passes through Greenwich, London; divides Eastern and Western Hemispheres
• International Date Line (approximately 180°): Where date changes; deviates to avoid land masses

Major Island Groups and Archipelagos

Significant Islands

• Greenland: World's largest island (2.17 million km²); autonomous territory of Denmark
• New Guinea: Second largest island; divided between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea
• Borneo: Third largest; shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei
• Madagascar: Fourth largest; island nation off coast of East Africa
• Baffin Island: Largest island in Canada
• Sumatra: Large island in Indonesia
• Great Britain: Contains England, Scotland, and Wales
• Honshu: Largest island of Japan

Island Groups

• Indonesian Archipelago: Over 17,000 islands; largest archipelagic state
• Philippine Archipelago: Over 7,000 islands
• Caribbean Islands: Includes Greater Antilles and Lesser Antilles
• Pacific Islands: Divided into Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia
• Maldives: Lowest-lying country; vulnerable to sea level rise

Major Straits, Canals, and Waterways

Important Straits

• Strait of Gibraltar: Connects Mediterranean Sea to Atlantic Ocean; between Spain and Morocco (14 km wide at narrowest point)
• Strait of Hormuz: Between Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman; critical oil shipping route
• Bosphorus Strait: Connects Black Sea to Mediterranean; divides European and Asian Turkey
• Strait of Malacca: Between Malaysia and Indonesia; one of world's busiest shipping lanes
• Bering Strait: Between Russia and Alaska; connects Pacific and Arctic Oceans
• Strait of Dover: Narrowest part of English Channel between England and France
• Strait of Magellan: Passage at southern tip of South America

Major Canals

• Suez Canal (Egypt):
  • Connects Mediterranean Sea to Red Sea
  • Length: 193.3 km
  • Opened: 1869
  • Eliminates need to sail around Africa
• Panama Canal (Panama):
  • Connects Atlantic Ocean to Pacific Ocean
  • Length: 82 km
  • Opened: 1914
  • Uses lock system to raise and lower ships
• Kiel Canal (Germany): Connects North Sea to Baltic Sea
• Corinth Canal (Greece): Connects Gulf of Corinth to Saronic Gulf

World Capitals and Major Cities

Important Capitals by Continent

Africa

• Egypt: Cairo (largest city in Africa and Middle East)
• Nigeria: Abuja (moved from Lagos in 1991)
• South Africa: Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
• Kenya: Nairobi
• Ethiopia: Addis Ababa (headquarters of African Union)
• Morocco: Rabat
• Ghana: Accra

Asia

• China: Beijing
• India: New Delhi
• Japan: Tokyo (largest metropolitan area in world)
• Saudi Arabia: Riyadh
• Indonesia: Jakarta
• Pakistan: Islamabad
• Thailand: Bangkok
• Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur
• Singapore: Singapore (city-state)

Europe

• United Kingdom: London
• France: Paris
• Germany: Berlin
• Italy: Rome
• Spain: Madrid
• Russia: Moscow
• Netherlands: Amsterdam
• Belgium: Brussels (headquarters of European Union)

North America

• United States: Washington, D.C.
• Canada: Ottawa
• Mexico: Mexico City
• Cuba: Havana
• Jamaica: Kingston

South America

• Brazil: Brasília
• Argentina: Buenos Aires
• Colombia: Bogotá
• Venezuela: Caracas
• Chile: Santiago
• Peru: Lima

Oceania

• Australia: Canberra
• New Zealand: Wellington
• Papua New Guinea: Port Moresby
• Fiji: Suva

Time Zones

Understanding Time Zones

• Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) / Coordinated Universal Time (UTC): Reference point for world time zones at 0° longitude
• Number of time zones: 24 major time zones (15° longitude each)
• International Date Line: Located approximately at 180° longitude where calendar date changes
• Countries with multiple time zones:
  • Russia: 11 time zones (most in world)
  • United States: 6 time zones (including Alaska and Hawaii)
  • Canada: 6 time zones
  • France: 12 time zones (including overseas territories)
• Nigeria's time zone: West Africa Time (WAT) = UTC+1

Natural Resources and Economic Geography

Major Oil Producing Regions

• Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, UAE, Kuwait - world's largest reserves
• North America: United States, Canada (oil sands), Mexico
• South America: Venezuela (largest reserves), Brazil
• Africa: Nigeria, Libya, Angola, Algeria
• Russia and Central Asia: Russia, Kazakhstan

Major Mineral Resources

• Gold: China, Australia, Russia, United States, South Africa
• Diamonds: Russia, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Australia
• Copper: Chile, Peru, China, United States
• Iron Ore: Australia, Brazil, China, India
• Coal: China, India, United States, Australia
• Uranium: Kazakhstan, Canada, Australia
• Bauxite (aluminum ore): Australia, Guinea, China, Brazil

Major Lakes

Largest Lakes by Area

1. Caspian Sea: 371,000 km² (largest enclosed body of water; technically a lake)
2. Lake Superior: 82,100 km² (largest freshwater lake by area)
3. Lake Victoria: 68,870 km² (largest lake in Africa; second largest freshwater lake)
4. Lake Huron: 59,600 km² (one of North American Great Lakes)
5. Lake Michigan: 58,000 km² (entirely within United States)
6. Lake Tanganyika: 32,900 km² (second deepest lake in world; Africa)
7. Lake Baikal: 31,500 km² (deepest lake in world at 1,642 meters; Russia; contains 20% of world's fresh water)

Other Notable Lakes

• Great Salt Lake (USA): Largest salt water lake in Western Hemisphere
• Lake Titicaca (Peru/Bolivia): Highest navigable lake (3,812 meters elevation)
• Lake Chad (Africa): Shared by four countries; significantly shrunk in recent decades

Volcanoes and Geological Features

Major Volcanic Regions

• Ring of Fire: Horseshoe-shaped zone around Pacific Ocean with 75% of world's active volcanoes and 90% of earthquakes
• Mid-Atlantic Ridge: Underwater mountain range with volcanic activity
• East African Rift: Zone of volcanic and seismic activity in East Africa

Notable Volcanoes

• Mount Vesuvius (Italy): Famous for destruction of Pompeii in 79 AD
• Mount Fuji (Japan): Highest peak in Japan (3,776 meters); iconic symbol
• Mount Kilauea (Hawaii): One of world's most active volcanoes
• Mount Krakatoa (Indonesia): 1883 eruption among most violent in recorded history
• Mount St. Helens (USA): Major eruption in 1980
• Mount Etna (Italy): Europe's highest active volcano

UNESCO World Heritage Natural Sites

Notable Natural Heritage Sites

• Grand Canyon (USA): Massive gorge carved by Colorado River
• Great Barrier Reef (Australia): World's largest coral reef system
• Galápagos Islands (Ecuador): Unique biodiversity; inspiration for Darwin's theory
• Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe): One of largest waterfalls in world
• Serengeti National Park (Tanzania): Famous for annual animal migration
• Amazon Rainforest: Spans multiple countries; world's largest tropical rainforest

Major Waterfalls

• Angel Falls (Venezuela): World's highest uninterrupted waterfall (979 meters)
• Tugela Falls (South Africa): Second highest (948 meters)
• Niagara Falls (USA/Canada): Famous tourist destination on border
• Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe): Largest sheet of falling water; known as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" (The Smoke That Thunders)
• Iguazu Falls (Argentina/Brazil): System of 275 waterfalls

Peninsulas and Gulfs

Major Peninsulas

• Arabian Peninsula: Largest peninsula (3.2 million km²); contains 7 countries
• Indian Peninsula (Deccan Peninsula): Southern India
• Indochina Peninsula: Southeast Asia; contains Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam
• Korean Peninsula: Contains North and South Korea
• Iberian Peninsula: Contains Spain and Portugal
• Italian Peninsula: Southern Europe extending into Mediterranean
• Balkan Peninsula: Southeast Europe
• Scandinavian Peninsula: Contains Norway and Sweden

Important Gulfs

• Persian Gulf: Between Iran and Arabian Peninsula; major oil shipping route
• Gulf of Mexico: Between USA, Mexico, and Cuba
• Gulf of Guinea: Atlantic coast of West Africa; Nigeria's coastline
• Gulf of Aden: Between Yemen and Somalia; connects Red Sea to Indian Ocean
• Gulf of California: Between Mexican mainland and Baja California

Plateaus and Plains

Major Plateaus

• Tibetan Plateau: "Roof of the World"; average elevation over 4,500 meters; largest plateau
• Colorado Plateau (USA): Contains Grand Canyon
• Deccan Plateau (India): Covers most of southern India
• Ethiopian Highlands: High plateau region in Horn of Africa
• Brazilian Highlands: Covers about half of Brazil's land area

Major Plains

• Great Plains (North America): Vast grassland region in central North America
• Indo-Gangetic Plain (Asia): Fertile region watered by Indus and Ganges rivers
• European Plain: Extends from France to Ural Mountains
• Amazon Basin: Vast lowland area in South America
• West Siberian Plain: One of world's largest flatlands

Population and Demographic Features

Most Populous Countries

1. India: Approximately 1.43 billion (recently surpassed China)
2. China: Approximately 1.42 billion
3. United States: Approximately 335 million
4. Indonesia: Approximately 275 million
5. Pakistan: Approximately 235 million
6. Nigeria: Approximately 220 million (largest in Africa; projected to be 3rd globally by 2050)
7. Brazil: Approximately 215 million
8. Bangladesh: Approximately 170 million
9. Russia: Approximately 145 million
10. Mexico: Approximately 130 million

Most Densely Populated Countries

• Monaco: Over 26,000 people per km²
• Singapore: Over 8,000 people per km²
• Bangladesh: Over 1,200 people per km²
• Malta: Over 1,600 people per km²

Most Populated Cities

• Tokyo, Japan: Largest metropolitan area (approximately 37 million)
• Delhi, India: Over 31 million (metropolitan area)
• Shanghai, China: Over 28 million
• São Paulo, Brazil: Over 22 million
• Mexico City, Mexico: Over 22 million
• Cairo, Egypt: Over 21 million
• Mumbai, India: Over 20 million
• Beijing, China: Over 20 million
• Lagos, Nigeria: Over 15 million (fastest growing major city)

Political Geography

Largest Countries by Area

1. Russia: 17.1 million km² (largest country; spans Europe and Asia)
2. Canada: 9.98 million km²
3. United States: 9.83 million km²
4. China: 9.6 million km²
5. Brazil: 8.51 million km²
6. Australia: 7.69 million km²
7. India: 3.29 million km²
8. Argentina: 2.78 million km²
9. Kazakhstan: 2.72 million km²
10. Algeria: 2.38 million km² (largest in Africa)

Smallest Countries

1. Vatican City: 0.44 km² (smallest)
2. Monaco: 2.02 km²
3. San Marino: 61 km²
4. Liechtenstein: 160 km²
5. Malta: 316 km²
6. Maldives: 300 km²

Landlocked Countries

• Definition: Countries with no direct access to ocean or sea
• Total number: 44 landlocked countries worldwide
• Doubly landlocked: Only 2 countries - Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan (surrounded only by landlocked countries)
• Africa examples: Ethiopia, Chad, Niger, Mali, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi
• Asia examples: Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Laos, Mongolia, Armenia
• Europe examples: Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia
• Largest landlocked: Kazakhstan

International Organizations with Geographical Relevance

Regional Organizations

• European Union (EU): 27 member states (as of 2023); headquarters in Brussels, Belgium
• African Union (AU): 55 member states; headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): 10 member states; headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia
• Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS): 15 member states including Nigeria; headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria
• Arab League: 22 member states; headquarters in Cairo, Egypt
• Organization of American States (OAS): 35 member states; headquarters in Washington D.C.

Geographical Extremes and Records

Highest and Lowest Points

• Highest point on land: Mount Everest (8,848.86 meters)
• Lowest point on land: Dead Sea shore (430.5 meters below sea level)
• Deepest ocean point: Mariana Trench - Challenger Deep (approximately 10,994 meters)
• Hottest place: Death Valley, USA (recorded 56.7°C in 1913)
• Coldest place: East Antarctic Plateau (recorded -93.2°C)
• Wettest place: Mawsynram, India (average 11,872 mm annual rainfall)
• Driest place: Atacama Desert, Chile (some areas with no recorded rainfall)

Other Geographic Records

• Longest coastline: Canada (243,042 km including islands)
• Longest land border: Canada-USA (8,891 km)
• Largest island: Greenland (2.17 million km²)
• Largest archipelagic state: Indonesia (over 17,000 islands)
• Country with most neighbors: China and Russia (both border 14 countries)

Conclusion and Exam Tips

For success in the Geography section of the Nigerian Police Exam, candidates should focus on memorizing specific numerical data (heights, lengths, areas), locations of major physical features, and political boundaries. Pay particular attention to superlatives (largest, longest, highest, etc.) as these frequently appear in exam questions. Practice associating countries with their capitals, major features, and regional groupings. Understanding the relationship between physical geography and human activities (such as why certain regions produce oil or minerals) demonstrates comprehensive knowledge. Regular revision of maps and atlases will reinforce spatial understanding and help visualize the locations discussed in this guide.