The sport of orienteering originated in which geographical region?

Orienteering originated in Scandinavia, particularly during the late 19th century. It began as a training exercise for military personnel in Sweden, where they navigated across varied terrains using maps and compasses. The sport quickly evolved from these military roots into a recreational and competitive activity. Scandinavia's unique landscapes, with dense forests, mountains, and lakes, provided an ideal setting for the development of orienteering, allowing participants to hone their navigational skills in challenging environments.

The other options, while being significant geographical areas in their own right, do not have the historical connection to the sport's origins that Scandinavia does. Therefore, recognizing the historical context of orienteering helps clarify why Scandinavia is the correct answer.