Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Windhoek
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question concerns the capital city of Namibia, a southern African country known for the Namib Desert and its Atlantic coastline. Capital city questions are a core part of general knowledge, and Namibia often appears in African geography sections of exams. Its capital, Windhoek, serves as the primary political and economic center of the country. Recognizing this country capital pairing helps strengthen your understanding of African geography.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Windhoek is the capital city of Namibia. It is located roughly in the central part of the country and functions as the administrative, legislative, and judicial center. Male is the capital of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, Monaco is the capital and city state on the Mediterranean coast of Europe, and Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia in Asia. Because these other cities belong to different regions and countries, they cannot be the capital of Namibia. Correctly identifying Windhoek as the capital demonstrates sound knowledge of African capitals.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the country in question, which is Namibia in southern Africa.Step 2: Recall that Windhoek is the capital and largest city of Namibia.Step 3: Review the options and recognize that Male is associated with the Maldives, Monaco with the microstate of Monaco, and Ulaanbaatar with Mongolia.Step 4: Eliminate Male, Monaco, and Ulaanbaatar as they clearly belong to other countries.Step 5: Select Windhoek as the correct answer because it is the only option that matches Namibia.
Verification / Alternative check:
Maps of Africa and general reference books list Namibia with Windhoek as its capital, usually marked with a special symbol. Travel information about Namibia describes Windhoek as the starting point for trips to the desert, wildlife reserves, and coastal towns. In contrast, Male is always described in the context of island tourism in the Maldives, Monaco is linked with European luxury and Formula One racing, and Ulaanbaatar appears in discussions of Mongolia. This clear separation in context confirms that only Windhoek is associated with Namibia as its capital.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Male is the capital city of the Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, completely separate from southern Africa. Monaco is both a city and country on the Mediterranean coast, and has nothing to do with Namibian governance. Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia, in the Asian steppe region, also unrelated to Namibia. Because the question specifically asks about Namibia, all these cities are incorrect choices. Only Windhoek fits the requirement.
Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mix up smaller or less frequently discussed capitals like Windhoek and Male because they may encounter them less often in textbooks compared to major capitals like London or New Delhi. Additionally, some may choose Monaco or Ulaanbaatar simply because the names are familiar from other contexts. To avoid such mistakes, study African capitals with a special focus on less prominent countries and use regional groupings to remember them. Linking Namibia with the Namib Desert and Windhoek with central Namibia can create a vivid memory that improves recall.
Final Answer:
The capital city of Namibia is Windhoek.
Discussion & Comments