UPSC CSE Prelims 2025

Correct Option (c)

The Andes Mountains, recognized as the world's longest continental mountain range, extend across seven South American countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. From the given list, the countries through which the Andes pass are:

• Bolivia
• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Venezuela

Therefore, the Andes Mountains pass through four of the listed countries.

Incorrect Options:

The Andes Mountains do not traverse Brazil or Paraguay.

• Brazil's geography is predominantly characterized by the Amazon Basin and the Brazilian Highlands, which are distinct geological features separate from the Andes range.
• Paraguay is located to the east of the Andes, primarily within the Paraná-Paraguay river basin, and does not contain any part of the mountain system.

Consequently, options indicating only two, only three, or only five countries are incorrect. Options (a) and (b) undercount the correct countries, while option (d) incorrectly includes countries not traversed by the Andes.