Which of the following is/are coastal cities ? Hamburg Washington

Which of the following is/are coastal cities ?

  1. Hamburg
  2. Washington
  3. Berlin
  4. Cairo

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 2 and 3
2, 3 and 4
1 and 4
1 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2010
The correct option is D) 1 only.
1. **Hamburg:** A major port city in Germany, located on the River Elbe about 100 km from its mouth on the North Sea. It is considered a coastal city due to its significant port and direct access to the sea for large vessels.
2. **Washington D.C.:** Located on the Potomac River, significantly inland from the Atlantic coast (approx. 200 km). While it has a port, it is not typically classified as a coastal city in the same way as ports directly on the coast.
3. **Berlin:** The capital of Germany, located inland on the Spree River. It is a landlocked city.
4. **Cairo:** The capital of Egypt, located on the Nile River, far inland from both the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea. It is a landlocked city.
Based on the common understanding of “coastal city” (situated on the coast or with immediate access to the sea facilitating a major port), only Hamburg fits the description among the given options.
A coastal city is generally defined as a city adjacent to a coast or shore, or one whose economy and development are significantly tied to maritime activities facilitated by proximity to the sea. Port cities located on estuaries or rivers close to the sea are often included, provided they handle significant sea-going traffic. Hamburg is a prime example of this.