Previous Year Question
Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries?
Jordan
Iraq
Lebanon
Syria
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1, 2 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
3 and 4 only
1, 3 and 4 only
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
The Mediterranean Sea is an almost landlocked sea. Europe lies to its north, Africa to its south and Asia to its east. The Strait of Gibraltar connects it with the Atlantic Ocean in the west, while the Suez Canal connects it with the Red Sea.
1. Jordan — Incorrect
Jordan does not share a boundary with the Mediterranean Sea.
It is bordered by Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories in the west, Syria in the north, Iraq in the east and Saudi Arabia in the south and south-east.
Jordan’s only maritime outlet is the Port of Aqaba, situated on the Gulf of Aqaba.
The Gulf of Aqaba is a northern extension of the Red Sea; it is not part of the Mediterranean Sea.
Therefore, Jordan possesses a coastline, but that coastline is on the Red Sea rather than the Mediterranean Sea.
2. Iraq — Incorrect
Iraq also does not share a boundary with the Mediterranean Sea.
Iraq is bordered by Syria and Jordan in the west, Türkiye in the north, Iran in the east, and Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in the south.
It has a short coastline on the Persian Gulf in the south-east.
The Tigris and Euphrates rivers join in Iraq to form the Shatt al-Arab, which empties into the Persian Gulf.
Hence, Iraq’s maritime outlet is towards the Persian Gulf and not the Mediterranean Sea.
3. Lebanon — Correct
Lebanon is located in the Levant region of West Asia and its western boundary lies along the Mediterranean Sea.
Syria borders it in the north and east, while Israel lies to its south.
Major Lebanese cities such as Beirut, Tripoli, Sidon and Tyre are situated along the Mediterranean coast.
Beirut is the capital of Lebanon and an important Mediterranean port.
4. Syria — Correct
Syria’s western boundary lies along the Mediterranean Sea.
It is bordered by Türkiye in the north, Iraq in the east, Jordan in the south, and Lebanon and Israel in the south-west.
Latakia and Tartus are Syria’s principal Mediterranean ports.
Syria’s coastal plain lies between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountain ranges running parallel to the coast.
Map recall:
Mediterranean Sea—Lebanon and Syria | Gulf of Aqaba–Red Sea—Jordan | Persian Gulf—Iraq