All Practice Exams

Free Practice Questions for Catalonia PAU Geography Exam

Exam-style questions and explanations by OpenExamPrep.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card
100+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Exam Review

Key Facts: Catalonia PAU Geography Exam Exam

Official PAU examination administered by Consell Interuniversitari de Catalunya (CIC) / Generalitat de Catalunya.

90-minute written exam evaluating source analysis, cartography, and territorial synthesis.

PAU access-phase fee (EUR 41.30 examination right + EUR 68.70 access phase; +EUR 13.80 per admission exercise, Generalitat de Catalunya 2026)

Minimum 4.0 required in Access Phase to combine with Batxillerat GPA (60/40 weighted average).

Official exam is written source analysis in Catalan/Spanish; this bank is an English-language MCQ practice adaptation.

PAU Catalunya Geografia exam evaluates physical relief, climate, demography, urban systems, and economic sectors for university admission.

Sample Catalonia PAU Geography Exam Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the Catalonia PAU Geography Exam exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the geological origin of the ancient basement of the Iberian Peninsula (Macizo Ibérico / Hercynian Massif)?
A.Paleozoic Hercynian orogeny
B.Alpine folding during the Tertiary period
C.Post-Pliocene volcanic depositions
D.Mesozoic marine sedimentation
Explanation: The Macizo Ibérico formed during the Paleozoic era as a result of the Hercynian (Variscan) orogeny. It constitutes the rigid ancient basement of the western Iberian Peninsula, composed mainly of metamorphic and igneous rocks like granite, slate, and gneiss.
2Which lithological domain dominates the western half of the Iberian Peninsula, characterized by ancient rocks such as granite, slate, and gneiss?
A.Calcareous Spain
B.Siliceous Spain
C.Clay Spain
D.Volcanic Spain
Explanation: Siliceous Spain covers the western Iberian Peninsula (Galicia, western Meseta, Extremadura) where Paleozoic Hercynian rocks predominate. Hard crystalline rocks like granite, slate, and quartzite form characteristic landscapes such as granitic tors (berrocales) and pediments.
3The Pyrenean mountain range in northern Catalonia is structurally divided into which two main parallel zones?
A.Central Depression and Littoral Cordillera
B.Transversal Range and Hercynian Massif
C.Axial Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees
D.Sub-Betic Range and Penibetic Range
Explanation: The Pyrenees comprise the high central Axial Pyrenees (Paleozoic crystalline rocks, highest peaks) and the surrounding Pre-Pyrenees (Mesozoic limestone ranges divided into Inner and Outer sierras).
4What structural system forms the coastal relief of Catalonia, running parallel to the Mediterranean shore?
A.Catalan Coastal Range (Serralada Litoral and Serralada Prelitoral)
B.Cantabrian Mountains
C.Iberian System
D.Sierra Morena
Explanation: The Catalan Coastal System (Sistema Mediterrani Català) consists of two parallel mountain chains—the Serralada Litoral along the coast and the higher Serralada Prelitoral inland—separated by the intermediate Prelitoral Depression (Fossa del Vallès-Penedès).
5The interior plain between the Pyrenees and the Catalan Prelitoral Range in central Catalonia is known as the:
A.Ebro Delta Plain
B.Empordà Basin
C.Baix Llobregat Valley
D.Catalan Central Depression (Depressió Central Catalana)
Explanation: The Catalan Central Depression (Depressió Central Catalana) forms the eastern sector of the Ebro Tertiary Basin, characterized by plateau reliefs (tossals), tabular hills, and sedimentary plains carved by Pyrenean rivers.
6Which internal mountain range divides the Spanish Meseta Central into the Submeseta Norte and Submeseta Sur?
A.Montes de Toledo
B.Sistema Central
C.Cordillera Cantábrica
D.Sistema Ibérico
Explanation: The Sistema Central is a mountain range composed of Hercynian horsts (e.g., Sierra de Gredos, Sierra de Guadarrama) that splits the Meseta Central into two high plateaus: the northern Submeseta Norte (Duero basin) and southern Submeseta Sur (Tagus and Guadiana basins).
7The Alpine Orogeny during the Cenozoic era was primarily responsible for which major relief transformation in Spain?
A.Forming the Hercynian basement of Galicia
B.Creating the volcanic islands of the Canaries
C.Uplifting alpine chains like the Pyrenees and Betics and fracturing Hercynian blocks
D.Depositing Paleozoic coal basins in Asturias
Explanation: The Alpine Orogeny squeezed Mesozoic marine sediments to uplift young alpine ranges (Pyrenees, Betic Systems) and fractured the rigid Paleozoic Hercynian basement into raised blocks (horsts like the Sistema Central) and sunken basins (grabens like the Duero and Tagus basins).
8Dissolution of limestone by rainwater in Calcareous Spain creates distinct landforms such as sinkholes, lapies, and subterranean caves, collectively known as:
A.Karst topography
B.Appalachian relief
C.Volcanic caldera
D.Badlands relief
Explanation: Karst topography (modelat càrstic) develops in limestone areas (Calcareous Spain) through chemical dissolution of calcium carbonate by carbonic acid in rainwater, producing features like lapiaz (fluting), dolines (sinkholes), poljes, and cavern systems.
9In Catalonia, the comarca of La Garrotxa (Olot area) is renowned for which specific geological feature?
A.Glacial cirques and U-shaped troughs
B.Granitic batholiths and tors
C.Coastal dune ridges
D.Quaternary volcanic fields with basaltic cones and lava flows
Explanation: La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park contains over 40 volcanic cones (e.g., Santa Margarida, Croscat) and basaltic lava flows formed during Quaternary volcanic activity associated with regional tectonic faulting.
10How did the Ebro Delta (Delta de l'Ebre) form off the southern coast of Catalonia?
A.Tectonic subsidence of coastal granitic blocks
B.Accumulation of riverine sediments trapped by low marine wave energy
C.Glacial moraine deposition during the Ice Age
D.Volcanic island arc accretion
Explanation: The Ebro Delta formed as the Ebro River deposited massive volumes of alluvial sediments into the Mediterranean Sea faster than marine currents and waves could erode them, creating a 320 km² wetland delta plain with lagoons and spits.

About the Catalonia PAU Geography Exam Exam

The Catalonia PAU Geography (Geografia) exam evaluates high school seniors (2n de Batxillerat - LOMLOE) on physical relief, climate, hydrography, vegetation, demography, urban settlement, economic sectors, territorial organization, and environmental sustainability in Spain and Catalonia. Coordinated by the Consell Interuniversitari de Catalunya (CIC). Note: The official exam consists of written source-analysis tasks in Catalan/Spanish; these practice questions are an English-language MCQ study adaptation.

Exam sponsor: Consell Interuniversitari de Catalunya (CIC) / Generalitat de Catalunya. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

The official PAU Geografia examination in Catalonia is a 90-minute written test comprising source analysis (maps, graphics, climate graphs, cartograms, data tables) and open-ended essay questions administered in Catalan and Spanish. This 100-question multiple-choice practice bank serves as an English-language study adaptation to master curriculum concepts.

Time Limit

90 minutes

Passing Score

0-10 scale (min 4.0 in Access Phase).

Exam / Certification Fees

EUR 41.30 examination right + EUR 68.70 access phase + EUR 13.80 per admission-phase exercise (Generalitat de Catalunya, PAU 2026); 50% reduction and full exemption available for eligible groups

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

20%

Physical Geography & Relief

Hercynian basement, Meseta Central, Alpine folding, Pyrenees, Catalan Coastal Range (Serralada Litoral and Prelitoral), Catalan Central Depression, Ebro Basin, and coastal landforms.

20%

Climate & Hydrography

Oceanic, Mediterranean (coastal, continentalized), mountain, semi-arid climates, air masses, DANA/Gota Freda, wind systems (Tramuntana, Garbí), Atlantic vs Mediterranean slopes, and Internal Basins of Catalonia (Ter, Llobregat).

15%

Biogeography & Soil Systems

Eurosiberian deciduous forests (beech, oak), Mediterranean sclerophyllous forests (holm oak, cork oak, Aleppo pine), garrigue, maquis, alpine/subalpine vegetation, soil profiles, and degradation processes.

25%

Demography & Urban Systems

Birth rates, mortality, aging index, demographic transition, international and internal migrations, rural exodus, population distribution in coastal Catalonia vs interior, urban hierarchy, Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB), and suburbanization.

20%

Economic Sectors & Environment

Agrarian landscapes, rainfed vs irrigated farming, EU CAP, textile and chemical industrial heritage, energy transition, high-speed rail, Mediterranean Corridor, ports of Barcelona/Tarragona, water scarcity, desalination plants, and protected spaces (PEIN).

Preparing for the Catalonia PAU Geography Exam Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 0-10 scale (min 4.0 in Access Phase).
  • Assessment: The official PAU Geografia examination in Catalonia is a 90-minute written test comprising source analysis (maps, graphics, climate graphs, cartograms, data tables) and open-ended essay questions administered in Catalan and Spanish. This 100-question multiple-choice practice bank serves as an English-language study adaptation to master curriculum concepts.
  • Time limit: 90 minutes
  • Exam / certification fees: EUR 41.30 examination right + EUR 68.70 access phase + EUR 13.80 per admission-phase exercise (Generalitat de Catalunya, PAU 2026); 50% reduction and full exemption available for eligible groups Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Catalonia PAU Geography Exam: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master cartographic and graphic interpretation: practice reading climographs, population pyramids, choropleth maps, and structural profiles of Spain and Catalonia.
2Understand Catalonia s specific physical geography: differentiate the Pyrenees, Catalan Coastal Ranges (Serralada Litoral and Prelitoral), and the Central Depression.
3Analyze water management dynamics: study the distinction between the Internal Basins of Catalonia (Conques Internes) and the Ebro basin tributaries, along with desalination and drought protocols.
4Learn demography and urban organization: focus on the concentration of population in the Barcelona Metropolitan Area and coastal strip versus inland rural depopulation.
5Examine modern economic geography: review industrial clusters (chemical in Tarragona, automotive), logistics corridors (Corredor Mediterrani), and agrarian Specializations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PAU Geography (Geografia) exam in Catalonia?

It is the official university entrance examination (PAU / Selectivitat) in Catalonia for 2n de Batxillerat students under the LOMLOE curriculum, evaluating geographical analysis, spatial planning, and socio-economic geography.

What format does the official PAU Geography exam take?

The official exam is a 90-minute written examination in Catalan or Spanish featuring source analysis (maps, graphics, climographs, tables) and written essay questions. This practice bank provides an English-language MCQ study adaptation.

Who administers the PAU exams in Catalonia and what is the fee?

The Generalitat de Catalunya, through the Consell Interuniversitari de Catalunya (CIC), sets the 2026 PAU ordinary fees at EUR 41.30 examination right, EUR 68.70 access phase, and EUR 13.80 per admission-phase exercise. A 50% reduction and a full exemption are available for eligible groups such as large families (família nombrosa general), scholarship holders, and students with a recognised disability of 33% or more.

What is the passing score and grading structure?

The exam is graded on a 0–10 scale. Students need a minimum score of 4.0 in the Access Phase to calculate their university admission mark (60% Batxillerat GPA + 40% PAU Access Phase).

How many practice questions are included in this study bank?

This module contains 100 high-quality multiple-choice practice questions directly mapped to the 5 key topic areas of the official 2n de Batxillerat Geography curriculum in Catalonia.