by Q. Consider the following countries:
UPSC Civil Services Examination (Prelims) 2025 – General Studies Paper I
How many of the above countries have more than four time zones?
(a) All the five
(b) Only four
(c) Only three
(d) Only two
Answer: (b) Only four
Explanation:
United Kingdom: The UK spans 9 time zones due to its extensive overseas territories such as Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, the Falkland Islands, and the British Indian Ocean Territory, in addition to the UK mainland.
Denmark: Denmark observes 5 time zones, primarily because of its autonomous regions—Greenland, which spans multiple time zones, and the Faroe Islands, apart from mainland Denmark.
New Zealand: New Zealand covers 5 time zones when its territories are included. These include the main islands, the Chatham Islands, and external territories such as the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau.
Australia: Australia spans 9 time zones in total when considering both the mainland (with multiple standard time zones) and external territories like Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and Norfolk Island.
Brazil: Brazil has exactly 4 time zones, covering its mainland and a few offshore islands, but does not exceed four time zones.
Answer: (b) Only four
