Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk

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📍 The Question

Consider the following countries:

1. Azerbaijan
2. Kyrgyzstan
3. Tajikistan
4. Turkmenistan
5. Uzbekistan

Which of the above have borders with Afghanistan?

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only
(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 3, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

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✅ Correct Answer: (c) 3, 4 and 5 only

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🎯 Theme of the Question

World Geography | Central Asia | International Borders | Strategic Neighbours

This is a static map-based question frequently linked to Afghanistan’s geopolitical importance in Central and South Asia.

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🧠 Classroom Explanation

🌍 Afghanistan’s Geographic Position

Afghanistan lies at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and West Asia, making its borders strategically crucial.

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🧭 Countries sharing border with Afghanistan

To the north, Afghanistan shares borders with three Central Asian republics:

• Tajikistan
• Turkmenistan
• Uzbekistan

These borders are largely defined by:

• Amu Darya river system
• Mountainous terrain in the northeast

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❌ Why the remaining countries are incorrect

• Azerbaijan ❌
  → Located in the Caucasus region, west of the Caspian Sea
  → No proximity to Afghanistan
• Kyrgyzstan ❌
  → Lies northeast of Tajikistan, separated from Afghanistan by Tajik territory

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📊 Final Assessment

Country	Borders Afghanistan?
Azerbaijan	❌
Kyrgyzstan	❌
Tajikistan	✅
Turkmenistan	✅
Uzbekistan	✅

👉 Correct combination: 3, 4 and 5

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🧩 Memory Hook

“Afghanistan’s northern wall = T-T-U
(Tajikistan – Turkmenistan – Uzbekistan)”

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🧠 Prelims Strategy Insight

For border questions:

• Always visualize clockwise neighbours
• Afghanistan’s north = Central Asia
• Afghanistan’s east & south = Pakistan
• Afghanistan’s west = Iran

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🧭 IAS Monk Whisper

Borders don’t just divide lands — they define histories and futures.