9. Which African country borders the Indian Ocean and is nearest to it?
Answer: B
Madagascar is the African country that borders the Indian Ocean and is nearest to it.
Madagascar is located off the southeastern coast of Africa, directly adjacent to the Indian Ocean, making it the closest African country to this body of water.
A) Nigeria
Nigeria is located on the western coast of Africa and borders the Atlantic Ocean, not the Indian Ocean. Therefore, it is not the correct answer as it does not meet the criteria of being nearest to the Indian Ocean.
B) Madagascar
Madagascar is an island nation situated in the Indian Ocean, which makes it the correct answer. Its geographical position places it directly along the coastline of the Indian Ocean, distinguishing it from other African countries.
C) Libya
Libya is located in North Africa and borders the Mediterranean Sea, not the Indian Ocean. This disqualifies it from being the nearest African country to the Indian Ocean.
D) Chad
Chad is a landlocked country situated in Central Africa and has no coastline. As such, it cannot be considered in relation to the Indian Ocean, making it an incorrect option.
Conclusion
Madagascar stands out as the only African country that directly borders the Indian Ocean, fulfilling the requirements of the question. In contrast, all other options either border different bodies of water or are landlocked, thus failing to meet the criteria established in the question.