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#1 What tiny principality lies between Spain and France?
Explanation
Andorra is a tiny principality in the Pyrenees mountains with an area of just 468 km². It has two co-princes: the President of France and the Spanish Bishop of Urgell, making it a unique diarchy.
#2 What is the capital of the State of Washington, United States?
Explanation
Olympia is Washington state's capital, located at the southern end of Puget Sound. Many people incorrectly assume Seattle is the capital because it's the largest city in the state.
#3 Which of these countries is not a United Nations member state?
Explanation
Niue is a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand and is not a UN member state. Tuvalu joined in 1978, South Sudan in 2011, and Montenegro in 2006.
#4 What is the capital of Australia?
Explanation
Canberra was specifically designed as Australia's capital city in 1908 to resolve the rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne. It's located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
#5 What event led to Liechenstein adding a crown to its flag?
Explanation
At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Liechtenstein discovered their flag was identical to Haiti's. To avoid future confusion, they added a golden crown to their blue and red flag in 1937.
#6 What is the official national language of Pakistan?
Explanation
Urdu is Pakistan's national language, though English is also official. While Punjabi is spoken by the majority and Pashto by many, Urdu serves as the unifying national language. 'Indian' is not a language.
#7 Where is the "Sonoran Desert" located?
Explanation
The Sonoran Desert spans parts of Arizona and California in the U.S., and Sonora and Baja California in Mexico. It's known for its saguaro cacti and diverse wildlife.
#8 "Mongolia" was a part of the now non-existent U.S.S.R.
Explanation
Mongolia was never part of the USSR. While it was a Soviet satellite state (Mongolian People's Republic 1924-1992) and heavily influenced by the Soviet Union, it remained a separate country.
#9 Which of these American cities has fewer than 1,000,000 people?
Explanation
San Francisco has around 870,000 people within city limits, while Phoenix, San Antonio, and Philadelphia each have over 1 million. However, the SF Bay Area metropolitan region has over 7 million people.
#10 What is the name of the former country that was succeeded by countries such as Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia?
Explanation
Yugoslavia (meaning 'South Slavia') dissolved in the 1990s into six countries: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. Czechoslovakia split into Czech Republic and Slovakia.
#11 Which of the following is not a megadiverse country - one that harbors a high number of the earth's endemic species?
Explanation
Thailand is not officially classified as one of the 17 megadiverse countries. Peru, Mexico, and South Africa are all megadiverse due to their exceptional biodiversity and high numbers of endemic species.
#12 What are the four corner states of the US?
Explanation
The Four Corners is the only place in the U.S. where four states meet at a single point: Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. It's a popular tourist destination marked by a monument.
#13 Montreal is in which Canadian province?
Explanation
Montreal is Quebec's largest city and the second-largest city in Canada. It's a predominantly French-speaking city and serves as Quebec's economic center.
#14 The Southeast Asian island of Borneo is politically divided among 3 countries.
Explanation
Borneo is shared by three countries: Indonesia (which controls about 73% as Kalimantan), Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak states), and Brunei. It's the world's third-largest island.
#15 Broome is a town in which state of Australia?
Explanation
Broome is a coastal town in Western Australia's Kimberley region, famous for its pearl farming history, Cable Beach, and dinosaur footprints that can be seen at low tide.
#16 On which continent is the country of Angola located?
Explanation
Angola is located on the southwestern coast of Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. It's a former Portuguese colony and is rich in oil and diamond resources.
#17 What is the capital of Senegal?
Explanation
Dakar is Senegal's capital and largest city, located on the Atlantic coast. It was the final destination of the historic Paris-Dakar Rally. Nouakchott is Mauritania's capital, Conakry is Guinea's, and Monrovia is Liberia's.
#18 What mountain range lines the border between Spain and France?
Explanation
The Pyrenees mountains form a natural border between Spain and France, stretching 491 km from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. Andorra is located within this mountain range.
#19 What is the longest river in Europe?
Explanation
The Volga River flows 3,530 km through Russia to the Caspian Sea, making it Europe's longest river. It's often called 'Mother Volga' and is crucial to Russian culture and economy.
#20 The historical city Timbuktu is located in which West African country?
Explanation
Timbuktu is located in northern Mali near the Niger River. It was once a major trading center and center of Islamic learning, famous for its ancient manuscripts and libraries.
#21 What is the name of the capital of Turkey?
Explanation
Ankara has been Turkey's capital since 1923 when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk moved it from Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) to establish a new, more centrally located capital for the modern Turkish republic.
#22 What continent is the country Lesotho in?
Explanation
Lesotho is a landlocked country completely surrounded by South Africa. It's one of only three countries in the world that are entirely enclaved by another country (along with Vatican City and San Marino).
#23 What is the name of the only remaining Grand Duchy in the world ?
Explanation
Luxembourg is the world's only remaining sovereign grand duchy, ruled by Grand Duke Henri. Liechtenstein is a principality, Andorra is a co-principality, and Montenegro is a republic.
#24 The World Health Organization headquarters is located in which European country?
Explanation
The WHO headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland. Geneva hosts many international organizations due to Switzerland's neutrality and diplomatic tradition.
#25 How many sovereign states are members of the United Nations?
Explanation
As of 2011, there are 193 UN member states plus 2 observer states (Vatican City and Palestine), totaling 195. South Sudan was the most recent member to join in 2011.
#26 What is the capital of Slovakia?
Explanation
Bratislava is Slovakia's capital, located on the Danube River near the Austrian and Hungarian borders. Sofia is Bulgaria's capital, Ljubljana is Slovenia's, and Sarajevo is Bosnia and Herzegovina's.
#27 The capital of the US State Ohio is the city of Chillicothe.
Explanation
Columbus is Ohio's capital and largest city. Chillicothe was Ohio's first capital from 1803-1810, but the capital was moved to Zanesville, then to Chillicothe again, and finally to Columbus in 1816.
#28 In which English county is Stonehenge?
Explanation
Stonehenge is located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England. This prehistoric monument was built between 3100-1600 BCE and is one of the world's most famous archaeological sites.
#29 All of the following countries have official claims to territory in Antartica EXCEPT:
Explanation
The United States does not recognize any territorial claims in Antarctica and maintains a policy of reserving the right to make claims. Seven countries have territorial claims: Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK.
#30 On a London Underground map, what colour is the Circle Line?
Explanation
The Circle Line is colored yellow on the London Underground map. It forms a loop around central London, connecting major stations like King's Cross, Liverpool Street, and Victoria.
#31 The Japanese district Akihabara is also known by what nickname?
Explanation
Akihabara in Tokyo is nicknamed 'Electric Town' (Denki Gai) due to its concentration of electronics stores. It's also famous for anime, manga, and video game culture.
#32 Which of these countries is located the FURTHEST away from the South China Sea?
Explanation
Bangladesh is located in South Asia on the Bay of Bengal, far from the South China Sea. Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines all have coastlines directly on the South China Sea.
#33 How many counties in the Republic of Ireland.
Explanation
The Republic of Ireland has 26 counties. The total island of Ireland has 32 counties, but 6 counties (in Northern Ireland) are part of the United Kingdom.
#34 What is the capital city of New Zealand?
Explanation
Wellington is New Zealand's capital, located at the southern tip of the North Island. Auckland is the largest city, Christchurch is the largest South Island city, and Melbourne is in Australia.
#35 Lake Titicaca is located between which two nations?
Explanation
Lake Titicaca straddles the border between Peru and Bolivia in the Andes mountains. At 3,812 meters above sea level, it's one of the world's highest navigable lakes.
#36 What is the capital of Vietnam?
Explanation
Hanoi has been Vietnam's capital since reunification in 1976. Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the largest city and economic center, but not the capital.
#37 The land mass of modern day Turkey is called what?
Explanation
Anatolia (also called Asia Minor) is the peninsula that forms the majority of modern Turkey. It's bordered by the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and Aegean Sea.
#38 What city has the busiest airport in the world?
Explanation
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has been the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic since 1998, serving as a major hub for Delta Air Lines and connecting flights across the globe.
#39 What was the most populous city in the Americas in 2015?
Explanation
São Paulo, Brazil was the Americas' most populous city in 2015 with over 12 million people in the metropolitan area. It's South America's largest city and economic center.
#40 What is the right way to spell the capital of Hungary?
Explanation
Budapest is the correct spelling of Hungary's capital. The city was formed in 1873 by uniting three cities: Buda and Óbuda on the west bank and Pest on the east bank of the Danube River.
#41 On which continent/s is the entire country of Spain specifically located when taking into account all of its territory?
Explanation
Spain is located on both Europe and Africa. While most of Spain is in Europe, it also controls Ceuta and Melilla, two autonomous cities located on the African continent in North Africa.
#42 Which city is the capital of Switzerland?
Explanation
Bern is Switzerland's capital (called the federal city). Zurich is the largest city, Frankfurt is in Germany, and Vienna (Wien) is Austria's capital. Bern was chosen as capital in 1848.
#43 Colchester Overpass, otherwise known as "Bunny Man Bridge", is located where?
Explanation
The Colchester Overpass in Fairfax County, Virginia is famous for the 'Bunny Man' urban legend from the 1970s, involving reported sightings of a man in a bunny costume threatening people near the bridge.
#44 How many timezones does Russia have?
Explanation
Russia spans 11 time zones, making it the country with the most time zones in the world. This reflects its enormous size stretching from Eastern Europe to the Pacific Ocean.
#45 Bridgetown is the capital of which island country in the Carribean?
Explanation
Bridgetown is the capital and largest city of Barbados. It's a historic port city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its colonial architecture and as the birthplace of rum.
#46 What is the region conjoining Pakistan, India, and China with unknown leadership called?
Explanation
Kashmir is a disputed region claimed by India, Pakistan, and China. It has been a source of conflict since 1947, with each country controlling different parts but none having undisputed control over the entire region.
#47 How many countries does Spain have a land border with?
Explanation
Spain borders five countries: France and Andorra in the north, Portugal in the west, and Gibraltar (UK) and Morocco (at Ceuta and Melilla) in the south.
#48 What is the capital of British Columbia, Canada?
Explanation
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia, located on Vancouver Island. Many people incorrectly think Vancouver is the capital because it's the largest city in the province.
#49 What European country is not a part of the EU?
Explanation
Norway is not an EU member, though it has rejected EU membership in referendums in 1972 and 1994. It maintains close ties through the European Economic Area (EEA). Lithuania, Ireland, and Czechia are all EU members.
#50 Seoul is the capital of North Korea.
Explanation
Seoul is the capital of South Korea, not North Korea. Pyongyang is the capital of North Korea. Seoul has been South Korea's capital since the country's establishment in 1948.