Which of the following statements regarding the political and geographic groupings of Northern Europe are correct? 1. The Scandinavian countries strictly comprise Denmark, Norway, and Sweden based on linguistic and historical ties. 2. The Baltic States consist of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania along the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. 3. Great Britain is a geographical term comprising England, Scotland, and Wales. 4. The United Kingdom is a political entity comprising Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Select the answer using the code given below: |ForumIAS

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 1, 2 and 3

[C] 3 and 4 only

[D] 1 and 4 only

Answer: B

Notes:

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Culturally and linguistically, Scandinavia strictly comprises Norway, Sweden, and Denmark (Nordic countries broader definition includes Finland and Iceland).
Statement 2 is correct: The Baltic States form a distinct geopolitical group comprising Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Statement 3 is correct: Great Britain is the main island comprising England, Scotland, and Wales.
Statement 4 is incorrect: The United Kingdom comprises Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland is an independent sovereign state.