Question

The International Date Line (IDL) is at 180 degrees longitude and not at any other location. Why?

• A. It is required that the IDL is farthest from the Greenwich meridian.
• B. It is required that IDL does not cut cross any country.
• C. It is required that IDL passes from the largest ocean.
• D. IDL is changed from time to time from 90 degrees longitude to 270 degrees longitude from the Greenwich.

Answer 1

The correct option is B It is required that IDL does not cut cross any country.

The IDL is at 180 degrees longitude, not because it is just opposite to prime meridian but because it passes majorly through the oceans. The IDL is intentionally made so that it doesn't pass from any country's landmass, and the problem of two different dates in one country does not arise.