CBSE Class 6 General Knowledge

Unit 3: World Geography

Lesson: Major Countries and Capitals

📘 Study Module: Major Countries and Capitals

1. Introduction

Countries are political divisions of the world with defined boundaries, governments, and populations. Each country has a capital city that serves as the administrative and political center.

2. Meaning of Capital City

A capital city is the city where the government of a country functions. It usually houses important offices such as the parliament, president’s or prime minister’s residence, and supreme courts.

3. Major Countries of the World

Some countries are considered major due to their large area, population, economic strength, or global influence. These include countries from different continents such as Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America, and Australia.

4. Countries and Their Capitals

• India – New Delhi
• United States of America – Washington, D.C.
• United Kingdom – London
• France – Paris
• Russia – Moscow
• China – Beijing
• Japan – Tokyo
• Germany – Berlin
• Australia – Canberra
• Canada – Ottawa

5. Importance of Learning Countries and Capitals

Knowing countries and capitals helps students understand world geography, international relations, global news, and cultural diversity. It also improves map-reading and general awareness skills.

📝 Questions and Answers

A. Short Answer Questions

(One sentence each)

1. What is a country?
   Answer: A country is a region with defined boundaries, a government, and a population.
2. What is a capital city?
   Answer: A capital city is the administrative center of a country.
3. What is the capital of India?
   Answer: New Delhi is the capital of India.
4. Name the capital of the United States of America.
   Answer: Washington, D.C. is the capital of the USA.
5. Which country has Paris as its capital?
   Answer: France has Paris as its capital.
6. What is the capital of Japan?
   Answer: Tokyo is the capital of Japan.
7. Name the capital of Australia.
   Answer: Canberra is the capital of Australia.
8. Which country has Berlin as its capital?
   Answer: Germany has Berlin as its capital.
9. What is the capital of Russia?
   Answer: Moscow is the capital of Russia.
10. Why are capital cities important?
    Answer: Capital cities are important because they are centers of government and administration.

B. Long Answer Questions

(3–5 sentences each)

11. Explain the importance of capital cities.
    Answer: Capital cities are the seats of government where major decisions are taken. They house important government offices and institutions. Capitals often represent the political identity of a country. They also play a key role in administration and governance.
12. Write a short note on India and its capital.
    Answer: India is a large country in South Asia. Its capital city is New Delhi. New Delhi is the center of political activities in India. Important government buildings like Parliament House are located there.
13. Describe the United States of America and its capital.
    Answer: The United States of America is a major country in North America. Its capital is Washington, D.C. The city is not a state but a federal district. It houses important institutions like the White House and Congress.
14. Why do countries have separate capital cities?
    Answer: Capital cities help manage administration efficiently. They centralize government activities in one place. Capitals are often chosen for their location, safety, or historical importance. This helps in smooth governance.
15. Write a note on European countries and their capitals.
    Answer: Europe has many important countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Their capitals are London, Paris, and Berlin respectively. These capitals are centers of culture, history, and politics. They are also important global cities.
16. Explain the significance of learning countries and capitals.
    Answer: Learning countries and capitals improves geographical knowledge. It helps students understand world maps and current affairs. This knowledge is useful for competitive exams. It also builds global awareness.
17. Write about Australia and its capital city.
    Answer: Australia is both a country and a continent. Its capital city is Canberra. Canberra was selected as a neutral location between Sydney and Melbourne. It is the political center of Australia.
18. Describe Russia and its capital.
    Answer: Russia is the largest country in the world by area. Its capital city is Moscow. Moscow is an important political and economic center. It is known for its historical landmarks.
19. What role do capital cities play in international relations?
    Answer: Capital cities host embassies of other countries. They are centers for international meetings and diplomacy. Important treaties are often signed in capitals. Thus, they play a key role in global relations.
20. How does knowledge of world capitals help students?
    Answer: It helps students understand global geography. It improves general knowledge and confidence. Students can better follow world news. It also helps in quizzes and exams.

🧠 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

(With Answers and Detailed Explanations)

1. What is the capital of India?
   a) Mumbai
   b) Kolkata
   c) New Delhi
   d) Chennai
   Answer: c) New Delhi
   Explanation: New Delhi is the official capital where the central government functions.
2. Which country has Washington, D.C. as its capital?
   a) Canada
   b) USA
   c) UK
   d) Australia
   Answer: b) USA
   Explanation: Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States of America.
3. Paris is the capital of which country?
   a) Italy
   b) Spain
   c) France
   d) Germany
   Answer: c) France
   Explanation: Paris is the capital and largest city of France.
4. What is the capital of Japan?
   a) Kyoto
   b) Osaka
   c) Tokyo
   d) Hiroshima
   Answer: c) Tokyo
   Explanation: Tokyo is Japan’s political and economic center.
5. Which country has Berlin as its capital?
   a) Poland
   b) Germany
   c) Austria
   d) Netherlands
   Answer: b) Germany
   Explanation: Berlin is the capital city of Germany.
6. Canberra is the capital of which country?
   a) New Zealand
   b) Canada
   c) Australia
   d) South Africa
   Answer: c) Australia
   Explanation: Canberra is the capital of Australia.
7. Moscow is the capital of ______.
   a) Ukraine
   b) Russia
   c) Finland
   d) Sweden
   Answer: b) Russia
   Explanation: Moscow is Russia’s capital and largest city.
8. Which country has London as its capital?
   a) Ireland
   b) France
   c) United Kingdom
   d) Belgium
   Answer: c) United Kingdom
   Explanation: London is the capital of the UK.
9. Ottawa is the capital of which country?
   a) USA
   b) Canada
   c) Australia
   d) Germany
   Answer: b) Canada
   Explanation: Ottawa is the official capital of Canada.
10. What is a capital city?
    a) Largest city
    b) Port city
    c) Government center
    d) Tourist city
    Answer: c) Government center
    Explanation: Capitals are centers of administration and governance.
11. Beijing is the capital of ______.
    a) Japan
    b) China
    c) Korea
    d) Thailand
    Answer: b) China
    Explanation: Beijing is the capital of China.
12. Which continent is France located in?
    a) Asia
    b) Africa
    c) Europe
    d) Australia
    Answer: c) Europe
    Explanation: France is a European country.
13. Which capital city is located in North America?
    a) Paris
    b) Tokyo
    c) Ottawa
    d) Berlin
    Answer: c) Ottawa
    Explanation: Ottawa is the capital of Canada in North America.
14. Capitals are important because they ______.
    a) produce crops
    b) control oceans
    c) run governments
    d) form rivers
    Answer: c) run governments
    Explanation: Capitals house government offices.
15. Which country is also a continent?
    a) India
    b) Australia
    c) Canada
    d) China
    Answer: b) Australia
    Explanation: Australia is both a country and a continent.
16. Which capital city houses the White House?
    a) London
    b) Paris
    c) Washington, D.C.
    d) Ottawa
    Answer: c) Washington, D.C.
    Explanation: The White House is in Washington, D.C.
17. Berlin is located in which continent?
    a) Asia
    b) Europe
    c) Africa
    d) Australia
    Answer: b) Europe
    Explanation: Germany is a European country.
18. Which of the following is a capital city?
    a) Sydney
    b) New York
    c) Canberra
    d) Shanghai
    Answer: c) Canberra
    Explanation: Canberra is Australia’s capital.
19. Capitals usually contain ______.
    a) farms
    b) deserts
    c) government offices
    d) forests
    Answer: c) government offices
    Explanation: Capitals are administrative centers.
20. Learning capitals helps in understanding ______.
    a) mathematics
    b) world geography
    c) chemistry
    d) physics
    Answer: b) world geography
    Explanation: Capitals are key elements of geographical knowledge.

✅ End of Lesson

Prepared strictly according to NCERT guidelines and CBSE Class 6 examination standards.