The International Geography Olympiad (iGeo) is an annual competition for 16- to 19-year-old geography students from all over the world. Students chosen to represent their countries are some of the best, chosen from thousands of students who participate enthusiastically in their own National Geography Olympiads. iGeo tests the abilities of every participant in spatial patterns and processes. The iGeo consists of three parts: a written test, a multimedia test and a substantial fieldwork exercise requiring observation, leading to cartographic representation and geographical analysis. The programme also includes poster presentations by teams, cultural exchanges, and time for students to know their fellow students and explore the host city.
The International Geography Olympiad is organised by the International Geographical Union (IGU) Olympiad Task Force, who produce tests with reference to the local organisers and the international board.
After the first iGeo in 1996, it was recommended that the competition was held biennially. Due to the competition growing in popularity, since 2012 the competition has been held annually, rather than biennially, as is the case with the other large International Science Olympiads.
2024 International Geography Olympiad
The 2024 iGeo will be held in the Maynooth University, Trinity College Dublin and Maynooth Post-Primary School. For the first time, Ireland will present a team to the competition, as the winners of the Geography Olympiad for Ireland will attend. The IGEO event is organised by the IGEO 2024 Local Organising Committee, chaired by Dr Susan Pike of Trinity College Dublin.