Time Zone

A time zone is a geographic region that uses the same standard time. Based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), time advances eastward (UTC+) and retreats westward (UTC-). While theoretically each 15 degrees of longitude equals one hour, actual zones follow national borders and political decisions, creating 38 distinct time zones worldwide.

Some countries use fractional offsets: India (UTC+5:30), Nepal (UTC+5:45), Iran (UTC+3:30). China uses a single zone (UTC+8) despite its vast territory. Russia spans 11 time zones, the most of any country.

Fractional time zones are powerful clues since very few countries use them. UTC+5:30 means India, UTC+5:45 means Nepal - memorize these for instant answers.