WAEC SSCE - Geography - 2021

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The low population densities in the middle belt of West African countries can be best explained by the absence of rich fertile soil. Unlike other regions where agriculture thrives, the middle belt region is characterized by poor soil quality, which makes it difficult for crops to grow. This has discouraged settlement and agricultural activities in the region, leading to low population densities. Additionally, the region has not been a major center for industrial or mining activities, which would have otherwise attracted people to settle there. The trans-Saharan slave trade may have also contributed to population movements away from the region, further reducing population densities.

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The sun is overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn on December 22nd. The Tropic of Capricorn is a line of latitude located at 23.5 degrees south of the equator. On December 22nd, the sun is directly overhead at this line of latitude, meaning that the sun is at its highest point in the sky for the day. It's important to note that the sun is overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, located at 23.5 degrees north of the equator, on June 21st each year. On this date, the sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, marking the start of summer in the northern hemisphere and winter in the southern hemisphere.

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The range of temperature is the difference between the highest and the lowest temperature recorded in a given period. In this case, the highest temperature recorded was 30ºC and the lowest was 16ºC. To find the range, we subtract the lowest temperature from the highest temperature: 30ºC - 16ºC = 14ºC. Therefore, the range of temperature for this station is 14ºC.

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The mountain type described as the "lighthouse of Mediterranean" is the volcanic mountain. Volcanic mountains are formed by the accumulation of lava, ash, and other volcanic materials that are ejected from a vent in the Earth's crust. They are usually steep and conical in shape, with a well-defined summit and often have a crater at the top. The term "lighthouse of Mediterranean" is often used to describe the volcanic mountain, Mount Etna, which is located on the island of Sicily in Italy. This mountain has a conical shape and a well-defined summit, making it a prominent feature of the landscape. It is also one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with frequent eruptions that generate lava flows and ash plumes. The smoke and steam emitted from the volcano make it highly visible from a distance, hence the comparison to a lighthouse. Therefore, the mountain type that is described as the "lighthouse of Mediterranean" is the volcanic mountain.

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One effect of rural-urban migration on the source region is rural depopulation. Rural-urban migration is the movement of people from rural areas to urban areas in search of better economic opportunities and improved living conditions. As people migrate from rural areas, the population of the source region decreases, resulting in rural depopulation. This can lead to a decline in agricultural productivity, as there are fewer people left to engage in farming activities. It may also result in a decrease in the provision of basic services, such as healthcare and education, as there are fewer people to support the provision of these services. Additionally, rural depopulation can lead to social and cultural changes, as the population composition and dynamics of the source region change over time.

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Based on the map of Dambo District, the most common means of transportation in the mapped area is road. The map shows a network of roads connecting various parts of the district. The roads are labeled and appear to be well-maintained, suggesting they are in regular use. The map also shows several settlements located along the roads, indicating that they are likely to be the main transportation routes used by the local population. While the map also shows a river running through the district, it does not appear to be a major means of transportation, as there are no bridges or ferries indicated on the map. Footpaths are also shown, but they are not as well-defined or as numerous as the roads, suggesting they are not the primary means of transportation in the area. Air transport is not indicated on the map, further supporting the conclusion that the most common means of transportation in Dambo District is by road.

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A fossil fuel is a type of fuel that is formed over millions of years from the remains of dead plants and animals. One example of a fossil fuel is coal, which is formed from the remains of ancient plants that lived millions of years ago. As these plants died and were buried under layers of sediment, they were compressed and heated over time, which transformed them into coal. Other examples of fossil fuels include oil and natural gas, which are formed in a similar way from the remains of marine organisms that lived millions of years ago. Granite and sandstone are types of rocks that are not considered to be fossil fuels.

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The achievements of ECOWAS include I. common market and II. free movement of people. The common market refers to the establishment of a single market within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region, where goods, services, and capital can move freely across national borders without trade barriers or restrictions. This has encouraged regional trade and investment, and has helped to boost economic growth and development in the region. The free movement of people refers to the elimination of visa requirements and other travel restrictions for citizens of ECOWAS member states within the region. This has facilitated the movement of people for work, education, and other purposes, and has helped to foster greater social and cultural exchange among member states. Military cooperation, which is option III, is also an achievement of ECOWAS, as the organization has played a key role in promoting peace and security in the region through its peacekeeping missions, conflict prevention and resolution initiatives, and other security-related activities. Trade restriction, which is option IV, is not an achievement of ECOWAS, as the organization has worked to eliminate trade barriers and restrictions through the establishment of a common market, as mentioned earlier. In summary, the achievements of ECOWAS are I. common market, II. free movement of people, and III. military cooperation. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option I, II, and III only.

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The statement that cities of high population densities develop on plains because they have fertile soils and terrain with ease of communication is true, but the statement that plains lack heavy rainfall or act as climate barriers is not always the case. Plains provide favorable conditions for the development of cities due to their flat and open terrain, which allows for easy movement and construction of infrastructure such as roads, railways, and buildings. Additionally, plains often have fertile soils that support agriculture, which can serve as a source of food for the city's population. However, the claim that plains lack heavy rainfall or act as climate barriers is not always true. While some plains may receive less rainfall than other regions, this is not a universal characteristic of all plains. Furthermore, plains do not necessarily act as climate barriers. They can be affected by climatic factors such as temperature, humidity, and wind patterns. Thus, the factors that contribute to the development of cities on plains are primarily fertile soils and ease of communication due to the flat terrain, rather than lack of heavy rainfall or climate barriers. Therefore, the option that best describes the reason why cities of high population densities develop on plains is II and IV only, which are fertile soils and terrain with ease of communication.

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River transport is the most affected by drought and flood. When there is a drought, rivers can become shallow, which can make it difficult for boats and ships to navigate. Low water levels can also lead to obstacles such as rocks and sandbars becoming more visible and dangerous. On the other hand, when there is a flood, rivers can become swollen and fast-moving, making navigation treacherous and even impossible. Floods can also cause damage to ports and waterways infrastructure, as well as erode riverbanks, which can further impede navigation. While droughts and floods can also have some impact on other forms of transportation, such as road, air, and ocean transport, they are not as heavily reliant on water levels and river conditions as river transport is.

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The most significant factor accounting for the rapid growth in the population of the capital cities of West Africa is "rural-urban migration". This refers to the movement of people from rural areas to urban areas, such as cities, in search of better economic opportunities, education, healthcare, and other amenities. In many West African countries, the rural areas are characterized by poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to essential services. As a result, many people are forced to move to urban areas, including the capital cities, to seek better opportunities and living conditions. The rapid growth in the population of these cities has put a strain on the available resources and infrastructure, leading to overcrowding, traffic congestion, and other social and environmental problems. Therefore, policies and interventions that address the root causes of rural-urban migration, such as rural development, job creation, and access to basic services, are necessary to mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization and promote sustainable development.

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The element of weather that is matched with the wrong measuring instrument is humidity and barometer. A barometer is a device that measures air pressure, not humidity. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air, and it is typically measured using a hygrometer. A hygrometer can measure both relative humidity (the amount of water vapor in the air compared to the maximum amount of water vapor that the air can hold at a given temperature) and absolute humidity (the actual amount of water vapor in the air). Rainfall is measured using a rain gauge, which collects and measures the amount of precipitation that falls in a given area. Sunshine is measured using a sundial, which tracks the movement of the sun across the sky and indicates the time of day. Windspeed is measured using an anemometer, which uses cups or vanes to measure the speed and direction of the wind. Overall, each element of weather requires a specific type of measuring instrument to accurately record and measure its effects.

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Based on the climate data provided, the statement that is true about rainfall in station X is that "the station has a double maximum rainfall." This means that there are two months in the year when the station receives the highest amount of rainfall. Looking at the rainfall data, we can see that the rainfall amounts for May and October are the highest, with 180mm and 230mm respectively. These two months are the peak of the rainy season and have the highest rainfall amounts, indicating a double maximum rainfall pattern. The other options are not true based on the climate data provided. The rainfall duration is not six months, as there is rainfall recorded in every month of the year. Rainfall does not mainly fall in winter, as there is no winter season in tropical areas like West Africa. Finally, the rainfall in the station is not uniformly distributed over the months, as some months have significantly higher rainfall amounts than others. Therefore, the correct answer is that the station has a double maximum rainfall.

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The factor that does not influence population distribution is sex ratio. Population distribution refers to how people are spread across a given area or region. It is influenced by various factors such as climate, soil, and relief, among others. Climate can affect the suitability of an area for human habitation and economic activities, while soil and relief can influence agricultural productivity and settlement patterns. However, sex ratio, which is the ratio of males to females in a population, does not directly influence population distribution. While it can indirectly affect population growth and distribution in the long run, it is not a primary factor that determines where people choose to live or settle. Thus, sex ratio is not a direct determinant of population distribution.

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A rural settlement is a type of community that is typically located in the countryside, away from urban or city areas. It is usually characterized by primary activities such as farming, fishing, forestry, and mining, which are the main sources of income for the residents. Secondary activities such as manufacturing and processing industries are not commonly found in rural settlements due to their limited infrastructure and workforce. Instead, these activities are usually located in urban areas. Tertiary activities such as trade, transportation, and services are also limited in rural settlements, although some small-scale services may be available to meet the basic needs of the residents. Rural settlements often cover a large area of land, with houses and buildings scattered throughout the landscape rather than clustered together like in urban areas. This is because rural settlements typically have lower population densities than urban areas. In summary, a rural settlement is a community located in the countryside, characterized by primary economic activities, limited secondary and tertiary activities, and a large area coverage with scattered housing.

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A notable problem of air transportation in tropical Africa is low patronage. Air transportation in tropical Africa faces many challenges, including poor infrastructure, high operating costs, and limited access to capital. However, the most significant problem is the low patronage of air travel. This is due to several factors, including high ticket prices, limited access to airports, and poor connectivity between cities. Many people in tropical Africa cannot afford air travel, and so they prefer to use other modes of transportation, such as buses or trains. Additionally, the limited number of flights available means that it is often difficult to find a convenient schedule, which further discourages people from using air travel. As a result, airlines in tropical Africa often struggle to fill their planes, which makes it difficult to operate profitably. The low patronage of air travel in tropical Africa is a significant obstacle to the development of the aviation industry in the region.

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In Koppen's classification of climates, the letter "Af" refers to a tropical wet and dry or savanna climate. This type of climate is found in areas that are near the equator and experience a lot of sun and heat. The rainy season is usually during the summer months, while the dry season is during the winter months. This type of climate is typically found in regions that receive a lot of rainfall, but also experience long periods of drought. Examples of regions with this type of climate include parts of South America, Africa, and India.

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Marble is a metamorphosed limestone. This means that the original rock, limestone, has been changed over time due to extreme heat and pressure. As a result, the minerals in the rock rearrange and recrystallize, forming a new rock called marble. Marble has a distinctive appearance, often appearing as a white or light-colored rock with swirling patterns.

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The reasons for siting industries in urban areas include I. employment and II. revenue generation. Urban areas are centers of economic activity with high population densities, which provides a ready pool of labor for industries. This makes it easier for industries to find and hire workers with the necessary skills and expertise. The concentration of people in urban areas also provides a large market for industrial goods and services, which can increase revenue generation. Religious tolerance, which is option III, is not a reason for siting industries in urban areas, as it is not directly related to economic activity or the production of goods and services. Unemployment provision, which is option IV, may be a possible reason for siting industries in urban areas, as it can create job opportunities for people who are unemployed. However, it is not as significant a reason as employment and revenue generation. In summary, the reasons for siting industries in urban areas are I. employment and II. revenue generation. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option I and II only.

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The Greenwich Meridian, which is located at 0 degrees longitude, is used as the reference point for determining the time all over the world. If the time at the Greenwich Meridian is 10:00 am, then the time at 30 degrees East would be different. Each degree of longitude is equal to 4 minutes of time difference. This means that if you travel 15 degrees to the east or west, you will either gain or lose one hour of time. Therefore, if you travel 30 degrees east, you will gain two hours of time. So, if the time at the Greenwich Meridian is 10:00 am, then the time at 30 degrees East would be 12:00 pm, which is two hours ahead.

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In the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice is experienced on June 21st. This is because the summer solstice marks the day with the longest period of daylight and the shortest night of the year. During the summer solstice, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, and the tilt of the Earth's axis is most inclined towards the sun. The summer solstice marks the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere and is a significant event in many cultures and traditions around the world. It is important to note that the opposite is true for the southern hemisphere, where the summer solstice occurs on December 22nd or 23rd, and the longest day of the year occurs on June 21st or 22nd.

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The industrial belt of Japan is a region that stretches along the eastern coast of Honshu Island, where many manufacturing industries are located. The primary products produced in this region are ships, electronics, and motor vehicles. The shipbuilding industry is a major contributor to the Japanese economy, with many of the world's largest and most advanced ships being built in Japan. Japan is also known for its electronics industry, which produces a wide range of products including televisions, smartphones, and computers. In addition, Japan is home to some of the world's largest and most innovative car manufacturers, such as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. While Japan does produce other goods such as fertilizers, pesticides, and pharmaceutical products, the production of ships, electronics, and motor vehicles are the primary products associated with the industrial belt of Japan. Therefore, the correct answer is ships, electronics, and motor vehicles.

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A feature produced by water in desert areas is called a "wadi." A wadi is a dry riverbed that only carries water during times of heavy rainfall. When it rains, the water rushes down the wadi and can create deep channels and gullies in the desert landscape. During dry periods, the wadi may appear as a shallow depression or as a barren, rocky channel. Wadis are an important resource in desert areas, as they can provide water for plants and animals, and sometimes for human communities as well.

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The need for international trade arises from various factors, including differences in technology, tastes, natural resources, and economies of scale. In particular, differences in natural resources can create a need for international trade. Countries with an abundance of certain natural resources, such as oil or minerals, can benefit from exporting those resources to countries that do not have them, while importing other goods that they need. This allows each country to specialize in the production of goods that they are relatively more efficient at producing, leading to increased efficiency and lower costs. On the other hand, uniformity in taste of goods does not necessarily explain the need for international trade. If all countries had the same taste preferences for goods, then it would reduce the need for trade as each country could produce and consume the same goods. However, in reality, there are significant differences in taste preferences among consumers in different countries, which creates opportunities for trade by allowing each country to specialize in producing goods that are in high demand elsewhere. Therefore, the only option that correctly identifies a factor that explains the need for international trade is I and IV only.

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(a)(i) Four industrial towns in Nigeria and (ii) a type of industrial activity in each

(Others: Aba - footwear and plastics; Nnewi - vehicle spare parts; Enugu - coal and cement.)

(b) Three contributions of industries to economic development

• They create employment and raise the incomes and living standards of the people.
• They add value to local raw materials and reduce dependence on imported goods, saving foreign exchange.
• They diversify the economy and generate revenue for government through taxes.
• They stimulate the growth of towns and the development of infrastructure such as roads and power.

(c) Three problems limiting industrial development in Nigeria

• Inadequate and unreliable power supply, forcing firms to depend on costly generators.
• Shortage of capital and high interest rates, making it hard to finance industry.
• Shortage of skilled manpower and modern technology.
• Poor infrastructure, competition from cheaper imported goods, and an unstable business and policy environment.

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(a) Sketch map of Nigeria

(b) Factors impeding the development of solar energy in Nigeria

1. High capital cost: Solar panels, batteries, inverters and other components are expensive to import, install and replace.
2. Inadequate technical manpower: There are too few trained personnel to manufacture, install, repair and maintain solar-energy equipment.
3. Inadequate government support and policy: Insufficient funding, weak policy implementation and low public awareness discourage large-scale investment in solar energy.

(c) Problems created by the construction of Kainji Dam in Nigeria

1. Displacement of people: The creation of Lake Kainji flooded settlements, forcing many people to leave their homes and be resettled.
2. Loss of agricultural and grazing land: Cultivatable land and pasture were submerged by the reservoir, reducing land available for farming and livestock rearing.
3. Spread of water-borne diseases: The reservoir provides favourable conditions for diseases such as bilharzia, while mosquitoes breeding around the water may increase malaria incidence.
4. Disruption of traditional occupations and transport: Fishing, river transport and other activities along the former river channel, especially downstream, were disrupted; fish movement was also affected by the dam.

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(a) Meaning of tourism

Tourism is the business of travelling to and staying in places away from one's usual home for pleasure, leisure, relaxation, sightseeing or business, and the services provided to cater for such travellers.

(b) Five factors that favour the development of tourism

• Attractive natural features such as beaches, waterfalls, mountains, game reserves and pleasant climate.
• Historical and cultural attractions such as monuments, festivals, ancient sites and traditional arts.
• Good transport and communication - airports, good roads and railways that make the attractions easy to reach.
• Adequate accommodation and infrastructure such as hotels, water, electricity and health facilities.
• Peace, security and political stability that make visitors feel safe.
• Effective advertising and a welcoming, hospitable population.

(c) Four problems created by the tourism industry in developing countries

• Environmental damage - pollution, destruction of vegetation and disturbance of wildlife by large numbers of visitors.
• Undesirable social effects - spread of foreign values, prostitution, drug abuse and crime.
• Over-dependence and seasonal, insecure employment that fluctuates with the tourist season.
• Pressure on local resources and facilities - competition for water, land and services, and rising prices for local people.
• Much of the profit is repatriated by foreign-owned hotels and tour firms, so the host country gains little.

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(a)(i) Definition of settlement

A settlement is any place where people live, ranging from a single dwelling to a large city, together with the buildings and facilities they use.

(a)(ii) Two types of urban settlement classified by population size

• A town (smaller urban settlement).
• A city or metropolis / conurbation (larger urban settlement).

(b) Five ways urban settlements depend on rural settlements

• Food supply - towns depend on the villages for food crops, meat, fish and other farm produce.
• Raw materials - rural areas supply agricultural and mineral raw materials to urban factories.
• Labour - the rural areas provide the workers who migrate to the towns to fill jobs.
• Water and other natural resources - much of the water, timber and fuel used in towns comes from rural areas.
• Market for urban goods and services - the rural people buy the manufactured goods and use the services (education, health, administration) provided in the towns.
• Rural areas also provide land into which towns expand and sites for recreation.

(c) Three functions of urban settlements

• Administrative function (seats of government).
• Commercial function (trade, banking and markets).
• Industrial function (manufacturing).
• Others: educational, medical, transport and cultural functions.

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(a)(i) Total population of country Z

\(5.5 + 8.0 + 6.7 + 4.8 = 25.0\) million, i.e. 25,000,000 people.

(a)(ii) Total land area of country Z

\(60{,}000 + 105{,}000 + 125{,}000 + 88{,}000 = 378{,}000\ \text{km}^2\).

(a)(iii) Population density of country Z

\[\text{Density} = \frac{\text{total population}}{\text{total land area}} = \frac{25{,}000{,}000}{378{,}000} \approx 66.1\ \text{persons per km}^2.\] The population density is about 66 persons per km².

(b) Four factors responsible for high population densities

1. Favourable climate: moderate temperatures and reliable rainfall attract dense settlement.
2. Fertile soils and gentle relief: lowland plains and river valleys with rich soils support intensive farming and large populations.
3. Availability of water: steady fresh-water supply from rivers, lakes or coasts draws people together.
4. Economic and industrial development: abundant jobs in industry, mining, commerce and services, with good transport and social amenities, pull large numbers of people into an area (urbanisation).

(c) Three advantages associated with countries of high population density

1. Large labour force: plenty of workers are available for farms, factories and services, boosting production.
2. Large home market: the big population creates strong demand for goods and services, encouraging industry, trade and investment.
3. Cheaper provision of services and defence: where people are concentrated, roads, water, electricity, schools and hospitals can be supplied to many people at lower cost per head, and a large population strengthens national defence.

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(a) Sketch map of Nigeria

(b) Description of Nigeria

(i) Size

• Nigeria has a total land area of approximately 923,768 km².
• It extends for about 1,100 km from north to south and about 1,300 km from east to west.
• It occupies about one-seventh of the land area of West Africa and is one of the largest countries in the sub-region.

(ii) Location

• Nigeria is situated in West Africa, on the African continent.
• It lies wholly north of the Equator, between latitudes 4°N and 14°N.
• It lies between longitudes 3°E and 15°E.
• Its latitudinal extent is about 10°, while its longitudinal extent is about 12°.

(iii) Position

• Nigeria is bounded to the north by the Republic of Niger.
• It is bounded to the north-east by Chad.
• It is bounded to the east by Cameroon.
• It is bounded to the west by the Republic of Benin.
• It is bounded to the south by the Atlantic Ocean (Gulf of Guinea).
• It is almost centrally placed on the inward curve of the West African coast.