If you’re preparing for the WAEC Geography exam in 2026, this guide will help you understand exactly what WAEC expects you to know. Geography can look like a bulky subject, but once you understand the structure, it becomes much easier to study and score high.

This syllabus covers everything from the Earth’s structure to map reading, population studies, economic activities, environmental problems, and fieldwork skills.

Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible.

What the WAEC Geography Exam Is Really About

The Geography exam is designed to test:

• How well you understand natural and human environments
• Your ability to read and interpret maps
• Your skills in analysing population data, diagrams, charts, and landscapes
• Your understanding of real-world issues like climate change, erosion, and urbanization
• Your ability to apply geographic knowledge to real-life situations.

The exam is divided into:

1. Paper 1 – Objective Questions
2. Paper 2 – Essay Questions
3. Paper 3 – Map Reading, Practical Geography & Fieldwork

WAEC Geography Syllabus 2026

The syllabus has three major parts: Physical Geography, Human/Regional Geography, and Practical Geography.

1. Physical Geography

This section deals with nature and the physical features of the Earth.

a. The Earth and the Solar System

• Movements of the Earth
• Day and night
• Seasons
• Longitudes, latitudes, and time zones

b. Landforms and Landscape Formation

Learn how features like mountains, valleys, plains, dunes, and deltas are formed through:

• River action
• Wind action
• Ice
• Waves
• Weathering and erosion

c. Weather and Climate

• Elements of weather
• Climate types (equatorial, savanna, desert, Mediterranean, etc.)
• Climatic factors (altitude, latitude, ocean currents)
• Weather instruments and their uses

d. Soils and Vegetation

• Types of soils in Africa
• Soil fertility
• Types of vegetation: forest, grassland, desert
• Factors affecting soil and vegetation distribution

e. Environmental Problems

Understand major environmental hazards such as:

• Floods
• Drought
• Soil erosion
• Deforestation
• Climate change

Also know how to control or manage them.

2. Human & Regional Geography

This deals with people, their activities, and how they interact with the environment.

a. Population Geography

• Population growth
• Migration
• Population distribution
• Demographic data (age, sex, occupation)

b. Economic Geography

Study how people earn a living through:

• Agriculture
• Fishing
• Mining
• Manufacturing
• Transportation
• Trade
• Tourism

c. Settlement Geography

• Rural vs urban settlements
• Functions of towns
• Urbanization and its problems
• Housing and infrastructure issues

d. Regional Geography of West Africa

Learn about:

• Relief and drainage
• Vegetation and climate
• Resources (minerals, agriculture)
• Development challenges in the region

e. Geography of Other Regions Outside Africa

WAEC may ask questions based on:

• Asia
• Europe
• North America
• South America

Focus on:

• Climate
• Major industries
• Rivers and mountains
• Population distribution

3. Practical Geography (VERY Important!)

Many students overlook this, but it is one of the easiest areas to score high.

a. Map Reading

You must understand:

• Contours and height representation
• Scale interpretation
• Direction and bearings
• Measuring distances
• Identifying settlement types
• Drainage patterns
• Cross-sectional profiles

b. Data and Statistical Presentation

Learn how to read and draw:

• Bar graphs
• Line graphs
• Pie charts
• Climo-graphs
• Population pyramids
• Flow charts

c. Fieldwork

• How to collect data during field studies
• How to write a simple report
• How to draw sketch maps

d. Basic GIS (Geographic Information Systems)

You need a basic understanding of:

• What GIS is
• Examples of GIS applications
• How GIS helps in mapping.

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