UPSC Prelims 2026 · GS Paper 1 · Question 31

Tungurahua Volcano, which was declared a Global Geopark by UNESCO in 2025, is situated in which one among the following countries ?

Correct answer: Option A

Geography

Options

  • (a) Ecuador
  • (b) Peru
  • (c) Bolivia
  • (d) Colombia

Detailed solution

Answer

Option (A) — Ecuador

Explanation
  • Tungurahua Volcano is an active stratovolcano located in the Cordillera Oriental of the Andes in central Ecuador, rising to about 5,023 metres.
  • The name Tungurahua comes from the Quichua words meaning 'Throat of Fire'. It lies within the Sangay National Park region and is part of Ecuador's Pacific Ring of Fire chain.
  • In 2025, UNESCO designated the Tungurahua Volcano area as a Global Geopark, recognising its volcanic geology, biodiversity, and cultural heritage of indigenous communities like the Kichwa and Salasaka.
  • UNESCO Global Geoparks are unified geographical areas where sites of international geological significance are managed with a focus on protection, education, and sustainable development.
Statement Analysis
  • Option (a) Ecuador: Correct. Tungurahua Volcano lies in the Tungurahua Province of central Ecuador in the Andean region.
  • Option (b) Peru: Incorrect. Peru has volcanoes like Misti and Ubinas, but not Tungurahua.
  • Option (c) Bolivia: Incorrect. Bolivian volcanoes include Sajama and Uturuncu, not Tungurahua.
  • Option (d) Colombia: Incorrect. Colombia hosts volcanoes such as Nevado del Ruiz and Galeras, but Tungurahua is not located there.
    UPSC Prelims 2026 GS Paper 1 Q31 Answer & Solution | ThinQ IAS