Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk

---

📍 The Question

Consider the following countries:

1. Finland
2. Germany
3. Norway
4. Russia

How many of the above countries have a border with the North Sea?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Correct Answer: (b) Only two

---

🎯 Theme of the Question

World Geography | Seas & Oceans | Europe | Political Boundaries

This is a map-based factual question, testing clarity about European seas and their bordering countries.

---

🧠 Classroom Explanation

First, recall the basic geography of the North Sea.

• The North Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean
• It lies between Great Britain and continental Europe
• It connects:
  • To the Atlantic Ocean via the English Channel
  • To the Baltic Sea via the Skagerrak–Kattegat system

Now, let us examine each country.

---

🔹 1. Finland ❌

• Finland borders the Baltic Sea, not the North Sea
• It lies east of Sweden and does not have access to the North Sea

✘ Incorrect

---

🔹 2. Germany ✅

• Germany has a coastline along the southern part of the North Sea
• Important ports include:
  • Hamburg (via Elbe estuary)
  • Bremerhaven

✔️ Correct

---

🔹 3. Norway ✅

• Norway forms the northern and western boundary of the North Sea
• Its long coastline directly opens into the North Sea

✔️ Correct

---

🔹 4. Russia ❌

• Russia has access to:
  • Arctic Ocean
  • Baltic Sea
  • Black Sea
  • Pacific Ocean
• It does not border the North Sea

✘ Incorrect

---

📊 Final Assessment

Country	Borders North Sea?
Finland	❌
Germany	✅
Norway	✅
Russia	❌

👉 Only Germany and Norway border the North Sea

---

❌ UPSC Elimination Logic

• UPSC tests sea–country association
• Common trap:
  • Confusing Baltic Sea countries (Finland, Russia) with North Sea countries
• Clear map visualization eliminates the trap instantly

---

🧩 Memory Hook

“North Sea kisses Germany and Norway — not Finland, not Russia.”

---

🧠 Prelims Strategy Insight

For European seas:

• Baltic Sea → Finland, Sweden, Russia
• North Sea → UK, Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark
• Never mix the two

---

🧭 IAS Monk Whisper

In geography, borders are silent — but maps always speak.