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Topics
IB Group 3 — Individuals and Societies
IB Geography 2026
IB Geography combines physical and human geography, covering populations, urban environments, resource consumption, climate change, and geophysical hazards. HL adds a Core Extension and an additional optional theme.
HL · 240hSL · 150h
HL & SL
Levels
25%
IA Weight
240h
HL Hours
Syllabus Topics
Official topic breakdown with approximate teaching hours.
| Topic | SL Hours | HL Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core: Populations in Transition | 12h | 12h |
| Core: Disparities in Wealth and Development | 12h | 12h |
| Core: Environmental Quality and Sustainability | 12h | 12h |
| Core: Patterns in Resource Consumption | 12h | 12h |
| HL Core Extension (Global Interactions — Power, Places, Networks)HL only | — | 60h |
| Optional Themes (SL: 1 theme × 30 hrs; HL: 2 themes × 30 hrs each) | 30h | 60h |
| Total | 150h | 240h |
Assessment Structure
External Assessment
Paper 1 (core geography, short-answer, 1.5 hrs, 40% SL / 35% HL). Paper 2 (optional themes, essay, 1.25 hrs, 30% SL / 25% HL). Paper 3 (HL only — global interactions, extended response, 1 hr, 20%). Internal Assessment: Fieldwork Investigation (25% both levels).
Internal Assessment — Fieldwork Investigation
HL: 25%SL: 25%
Primary data collection fieldwork with a written report (2,500 words): introduction, methodology, analysis, conclusion, and evaluation. A focused geographic question and real collected data are essential.
Exam Tips for IB Geography
1
Learn real-world case studies with specific places, statistics, and dates — generic answers score poorly
2
Use geographic terminology throughout: spatial distribution, demographic transition, ecological footprint
3
HL Paper 3: frame your global interactions argument around power, flows, and interdependence
4
IA: collect primary data — don't rely on secondary sources; the methodology section is heavily weighted
5
Annotate maps and graphs in your answer to add geographic reasoning beyond just describing
Predict your IB Geography grade
Enter your component marks and see your predicted final grade based on grade boundaries.
Related IB Subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
What topics are in IB Geography?
IB Geography covers Core: Populations in Transition, Core: Disparities in Wealth and Development, Core: Environmental Quality and Sustainability, Core: Patterns in Resource Consumption, HL Core Extension (Global Interactions — Power, Places, Networks), Optional Themes (SL: 1 theme × 30 hrs; HL: 2 themes × 30 hrs each). HL students study additional depth and some HL-only extensions. Total teaching hours: HL 240, SL 150.
How is IB Geography assessed?
Paper 1 (core geography, short-answer, 1.5 hrs, 40% SL / 35% HL). Paper 2 (optional themes, essay, 1.25 hrs, 30% SL / 25% HL). Paper 3 (HL only — global interactions, extended response, 1 hr, 20%). Internal Assessment: Fieldwork Investigation (25% both levels). The Internal Assessment (Fieldwork Investigation) counts for 25% of the final grade at SL and 25% at HL.
What is the IB Geography IA?
The IB Geography IA is the Fieldwork Investigation. Primary data collection fieldwork with a written report (2,500 words): introduction, methodology, analysis, conclusion, and evaluation. A focused geographic question and real collected data are essential. It accounts for 25% of the final grade at SL and 25% at HL.
Should I take IB Geography HL or SL?
Take HL if Geography is relevant to your university course (Environmental science, urban planning, development studies, and social science applications.), or if you are genuinely strong in the subject. HL adds 90 extra hours of content and deeper examination requirements. SL is suitable if you need the subject for the diploma but it is not your primary focus.