Using the codes given below, select the correct answer of location sequence of the following countries from North to South:

1. Ethiopia
2. Philippines
3. Chile
4. Greenland

1. A

   4, 3, 2, 1

2. B

   4, 2, 1, 3

3. C

   2, 4, 3, 1

4. D

   1, 3, 2, 4

Appeared in: UPPSC 2017

Explanation

• The question requires arranging the countries based on their latitudinal position from North to South.
• Greenland (4) is the northernmost, located in the Arctic Circle with latitudes ranging from approximately 60°N to 83°N.
• The Philippines (2) is next, an archipelago in Southeast Asia extending from approximately 5°N to 21°N.
• Ethiopia (1) is south of the Philippines, located in the Horn of Africa with latitudes from approximately 3°N to 15°N.
• Chile (3) is the southernmost, a South American country located almost entirely in the Southern Hemisphere, with latitudes from approximately 17°S to 56°S.
• Therefore, the correct North-to-South sequence is Greenland, Philippines, Ethiopia, and Chile, which corresponds to the code 4, 2, 1, 3.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: This sequence incorrectly places Chile (3), the southernmost country, immediately after Greenland and ahead of the two Northern Hemisphere countries (Philippines and Ethiopia).
• Option C: This sequence incorrectly identifies the Philippines (2) as the northernmost country. Greenland (4) is located much farther north in the Arctic.
• Option D: This sequence is almost a complete reversal of the correct order. It incorrectly places Ethiopia (1) as the northernmost and Greenland (4) as the southernmost.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Geographical sequencing of countries by latitude as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• This question tests general knowledge and geographical awareness, which is often a component of the general intelligence section in competitive examinations for nursing positions.
• A basic understanding of world geography can be beneficial for nurses in understanding the context of global health issues, epidemiology, and the origins of patients from different parts of the world.
• What if the question asked for the order from East to West? The answer would depend on longitude. The Philippines (122°E) would be first (most easterly), followed by Ethiopia (39°E), then Greenland (40°W), and finally Chile (71°W), making the sequence 2, 1, 4, 3.

How to Approach the Question

• First, identify the task: Arrange the given countries in a specific geographical order (North to South).
• Recall the general location of each country. Use continents and major geographical features (like the Arctic Circle, Equator, South America) as anchors.
• Identify the extremes. Greenland (4) is in the Arctic, making it the northernmost. Chile (3) is in South America and extends very far south, making it the southernmost.
• This establishes that the sequence must start with '4' and end with '3'. Check the options; only '4, 2, 1, 3' fits this pattern.
• For confirmation, compare the remaining countries: the Philippines and Ethiopia. Both are in the Northern Hemisphere near the equator. The Philippines extends further north (up to ~21°N) than Ethiopia (up to ~15°N).
• Therefore, the Philippines (2) comes before Ethiopia (1) in a North-to-South sequence. The final order is 4, 2, 1, 3.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Geographical sequencing of countries by latitude.
• Stem keywords: location sequence, countries, North to South, Ethiopia, Philippines, Chile, Greenland
• Lead-in keywords: select the correct answer

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Q4xO7p_rzawKM7LjtfnBWJ

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