The hinterland of a port is

Analyze the question: The question asks for the meaning of "hinterland" in relation to a port.

Explain the concept: The word hinterland comes from German, meaning "the land behind." In Geography, the hinterland of a port is the inland area that supplies the port with goods for export and receives the goods imported through that port. It is also called the port's "catchment area" or "area of influence."

For example, the hinterland of Lagos (Apapa) port includes much of southwestern Nigeria and extends northward. Goods such as cocoa, timber, and manufactured items move between this region and the port. The hinterland of Port Harcourt port includes the eastern region, with crude oil, coal from Enugu, and agricultural produce.

Solve step by step:

• A. Deepest part of a port: This describes the harbour's draught or channel depth, not the hinterland. ✗
• B. Container section of a port: This is the container terminal. ✗
• C. Walled area of a port: This refers to the port's enclosed or secure area, not the hinterland. ✗
• D. Area served by a port: This matches the definition: the inland region that uses the port to send out and receive goods. ✓

Answer: The hinterland is the area served by a port.

Exam tip: Remember "hinter" = "behind." The hinterland is the land behind the port that feeds it and depends on it. A related term is foreland, the overseas areas a port trades with. Hinterland is inland, foreland is overseas.