Study for the National Geographic Bee Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which West African country's north and south boundaries parallel a river?

The Gambia is a unique country in West Africa that has its geographical boundaries closely aligned with the Gambia River. The country is long and narrow, extending about 300 kilometers inland from the Atlantic Ocean, and its borders to the north and south are largely defined by this river. The river flows from the east to the west across the country, forming a natural boundary that runs parallel to the northern and southern edges of The Gambia. This distinct river-bound configuration makes The Gambia stand out in West Africa, as few other countries have their boundaries so closely aligned with a significant river. In contrast, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo have more complex geographical boundaries that do not consistently run parallel to any prominent rivers. For instance, while Senegal does have a river (the Senegal River) that marks part of its border with Mauritania, its overall shape and boundaries are not parallel to that river. Similar complexities occur with Nigeria and Togo, where the connections between their boundaries and rivers are not as clearly defined.

The Gambia is a unique country in West Africa that has its geographical boundaries closely aligned with the Gambia River. The country is long and narrow, extending about 300 kilometers inland from the Atlantic Ocean, and its borders to the north and south are largely defined by this river.

The river flows from the east to the west across the country, forming a natural boundary that runs parallel to the northern and southern edges of The Gambia. This distinct river-bound configuration makes The Gambia stand out in West Africa, as few other countries have their boundaries so closely aligned with a significant river.

In contrast, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo have more complex geographical boundaries that do not consistently run parallel to any prominent rivers. For instance, while Senegal does have a river (the Senegal River) that marks part of its border with Mauritania, its overall shape and boundaries are not parallel to that river. Similar complexities occur with Nigeria and Togo, where the connections between their boundaries and rivers are not as clearly defined.