Which of the following countries is commonly described in geography as a transcontinental state because it extends over more than one continent?

Introduction / Context:
A transcontinental country is one whose territory stretches across more than one continent. Identifying such countries is a common theme in world geography questions, because it involves understanding both physical and political boundaries. This question asks which of the listed countries covers two continents according to traditional school level geography.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Four options are provided: USSR (former Soviet Union or present day Russia), Canada, Australia and Indonesia.
• We use the broad continental divisions into Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Africa, Australia and Antarctica.
• We assume the conventional classification where the Ural Mountains and related features divide Europe and Asia.

Concept / Approach:
The former Soviet Union, and present day Russia as its largest successor state, extends across Europe and Asia. The Ural Mountains, Ural River and parts of the Caucasus range are often taken as the boundary between the European and Asian continents. West of this line lies European Russia, including cities like Moscow and St Petersburg. East of it lies Asian Russia, including Siberia and the Far East. Canada lies entirely in North America, Australia is both a country and a continent but does not cross into another continent, and Indonesia is a large archipelago in Southeast Asia and Oceania but is usually not treated as spanning two continents in basic exam references.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the USSR, now primarily represented by Russia, stretched from Eastern Europe across northern Asia.Step 2: Note that Europe and Asia are separated by the Ural Mountains and related geographical markers.Step 3: Understand that Russian territory exists on both sides of this dividing line, placing it in two continents.Step 4: Recognise that Canada lies fully within the continent of North America and does not extend into Europe or Asia.Step 5: Observe that Australia is itself considered a single continent and country combined, and Indonesia, though spread over many islands, is mainly classified within Asia in school geography.Step 6: Conclude that the USSR or Russia fits the definition of a country covering two continents.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard maps and atlases label Russia as part of both Europe and Asia. Many references explicitly call it a transcontinental country extending over the Eurasian landmass. Textbooks often give examples of transcontinental states including Russia and Turkey. Canada, Australia and Indonesia are not commonly listed in this context in basic exam guides, which confirms that the USSR or Russia is the intended correct answer for this question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Canada: Large in area but entirely located in North America, so it does not span more than one continent.Australia: Described as both a country and a continent, but it does not cross into another continent.Indonesia: Spreads over many islands and seas, and sometimes discussions mention Oceania, but in most basic geography it is not treated as a formal two continent country in the same clear way as the USSR or Russia.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students confuse the term transcontinental with simply having many islands or a large size. Others may think Indonesia qualifies because some islands are geographically close to Oceania. For exam purposes, however, the clear textbook example of a country extending across Europe and Asia is Russia or the former USSR. Keeping this association in mind helps you avoid mistakes in similar questions.

Final Answer:
The country commonly described as covering two continents is USSR (former Soviet Union / Russia).