How well do you know the countries of the world?

Written by:
March 12, 2019
adznano3 // Shutterstock

How well do you know the countries of the world?

The planet encompasses countries that are home to fewer than 100,000 people like Monaco and the Cayman Islands, as well as countries that are home to more than 1 billion residents like China and India.

The United Nations recognizes 195 countries in the world, and after scouring news articles, research sites, and tourism bureaus, researchers at Stacker created this quiz of 50 countries that would toggle the brains of even the savviest travelers and fact fanatics. While some facts in this article make perfect sense, others may surprise readers. Through research, Stacker discovered some interesting tidbits. For instance, the average French person eats more than 50 pounds of cheese a year and the average Norwegian eats 11 pizza pies a year. The quiz is made up of 100 slides, or 50 pairs of slides. Each pair will open with a slide of clues about a country and end with another revealing the name of the country. Clues may include details of the country's history, culture, climate, location, or flag.

Read on to discover the country that houses the world's tallest mountain and the places that produce the world's most emeralds and coffee beans.

You may also like: Strange laws to be aware of in the most popular countries for tourists

Country #1

The second largest country in Europe, the capital of this Slavic nation is Kiev. It was part of the Soviet Union until 1990. It is sometimes called the breadbasket country, due to its high production of wheat.

Ukraine

 

 

 

Country #2

This nation's green flag features a vertical white band, a large white crescent, and a white star. The first Islamic country to obtain nuclear power, its name means “land of the pure.” Its capital, Islamabad, has a population of more than 2 million people.

Pakistan

 

 

 

Country #3

More than 160 million people live in what is Africa's most populous country, which is home to the largest and longest river in West Africa and houses Nollywood, the moniker given to this country's movie industry. The nation also has the longest bridge in Africa and a diverse number of butterflies.

Nigeria

 

 

 

Country #4

This country is the largest country in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest country in the world. Its flag proudly displays a red maple leaf, and the country boasts more than 2,800 hockey rinks.

Canada

 

 

 

Country #5

Marie Curie was born here, a country that is also home to the oldest restaurant in Europe. The country boasts 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 24 national parks.

Poland

 

 

 

Country #6

The largest country in East Africa, it is the home of Mount Kilimanjaro, the largest mountain in Africa and the highest freestanding mountain in the world. It has the largest concentration of wildlife per square kilometer and the only mountain climbing lions in the world.

Tanzania

 

 

 

Country #7

The country was named Burma until 1989. Its capital is Nay Pyi Taw, and its currency is the kyat. Its flag displays three horizontal stripes in red, green, and yellow with a five-pointed white star in the middle.

Myanmar

 

 

 

Country #8

Its national game, called “buzkashi,” is enjoyed by two teams who attempt to catch a goat while riding a horse. The landlocked country is bordered by China, Iran, Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. The country has received more news coverage than any other country over the last 10 years.

Afghanistan

 

 

 

Country #9

The country gained its independence from Britain in 1932. The bronze medal won in 1960 was the only medal this country ever received in the Olympic Games since it began participating in 1948. The Arabic translation of its name means “deeply rooted, well watered and fertile.”

Iraq

 

 

 

Country #10

The second largest country in South America, it is the home of Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Its climate is the opposite of the United States, and part of the Andes Mountains is located here.

Argentina

 

 

 

Country #11

This country is the only one in South America that has coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Shakira calls this country home, and it boasts being both the world's leading source of emeralds and the third largest exporter of coffee.

Colombia

 

 

 

Country #12

The great poet Rumi was born in this country. This country's capital is in Europe and Asia. Its highest mountain, Mount Ararat, boasts two peaks and is considered a holy place where Noah brought his boat after the flood.

Turkey

 

 

 

Country #13

This country's flag is the sole non-quadrilateral shaped flag in the world and is red, white, and blue. It is thought to be the birthplace of Buddha. Tilicho Lake, located in this country, is the highest lake on earth.

Nepal

 

 

 

Country #14

More than half of this Asian country is covered in forests. There are more professional computer gamers here than anywhere else in the world. Tourists can discover over 200 types of kimchi when visiting this country.

South Korea

 

 

 

Country #15

The largest country in Africa, it is also known as the country of cherries and dates. Its national soccer team is called Les Fennecs, which is named for the national animal, the fennec fox. It is Africa's largest oat market.

Algeria

 

 

 

Country #16

The world's oldest dress was found in this country. The steppe eagle is this country's national animal. Also, the Statue of Liberty was meant for this country.

Egypt

 

 

 

Country #17

The biggest roundabout in the world is located in this country. The country's flag, featuring red and white stripes, and a yellow moon and sun in a blue square, was designed by an architect. This country is home to Borneo, the third largest island in the world.

Malaysia

 

 

 

Country #18

The game of chess was invented in this country which also pioneered studies in algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. It is the largest democracy in the world. It is home to the highest bridge in the world.

India

 

 

 

Country #19

The Royal Bengal tiger is this country's national animal. Six seasons are enjoyed in this country: summer, rainy, autumn, cool, winter, and spring. It is home to the largest bay in the world, the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh

 

 

 

Country #20

The 11th largest country in the world, this country is the second biggest in Africa. It is named for the second longest river in Africa and it is home to Mount Stanley, the third highest mountain in Africa.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

 

 

 

Country #21

Shaped like the letter “S,” this country was once blanketed in tropical forests, but now only has about 19% forest coverage. It has 270 types of mammals, 180 species of reptiles, and 800 species of birds. Its food is a mix of Chinese and Thai styles and includes seafood, fruits, and vegetables.

Vietnam

 

 

 

Country #22

Home to the world's largest skyscraper, this country also houses a city named Mocha, the inspiration for caffè mocha's name. Once one of the wealthiest Arab nations, it was formerly known as Arabia Felix which means “happy land.” The unique dragon blood tree lives here.

Yemen

 

 

 

Country #23

Africa's seventh largest country, it is the home of Ruacana Falls, one of Africa's largest waterfalls. The Sable antelope is the national animal, and appears on this country's currency and postage stamps. Dreadlocks were first worn here by the country's early tribes.

Angola

 

 

 

Country #24

University is free to residents of this country. A trip here offers the opportunity to visit over 2,100 castles and sample over 1,500 varieties of beers. The country is divided into 16 states and was the first country in the world to implement daylight savings time.

Germany

 

 

 

 

Country #25

Soccer, rugby, golf, boxing, and cricket were all invented in this country. It is home to 28 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Children over the age of 5 can legally consume alcohol at home.

United Kingdom

 

 

 

Country #26

Red is considered a lucky color in this country where white is the color of mourning. It is home to the second-tallest building in the world and to over half of the world's pig population. Paper and printing were invented here.

China

 

 

 

Country #27

Its native language is derived from Latin. It is subdivided into 20 regions. Its capital is often referred to as the “Eternal City” and is home to over 3.5 million people.

Italy

 

 

 

Country #28

The name of this country means “warrior king.” Kejetia Market, located in this country, is the largest market in West Africa. The country is the world's second largest producer of cocoa.

Ghana

 

 

 

Country #29

This country is home to the highest number of Nobel Prize in Literature victors. It launched the public transport system and houses half of the world's roundabouts.

France

 

 

 

Country #30

This country is the world's largest exporter of petroleum liquids. It is home to Islam's most sacred cities, Medina and Mecca. It is approximately one-fifth the size of the United States.

Saudi Arabia

 

 

 

Country #31

Its capital city, Addis Ababa, stands over 7,700 feet above sea level and is the highest capital city in Africa. In 1974, remains of the oldest petrified human skeleton named “Lucy” were discovered here.

Ethiopia

 

 

 

Country #32

It is the world capital of melons, boasting 150 varieties. It is a double landlocked country where handshakes are only exchanged between two men. It is the world's second-largest exporter of cotton.

Uzbekistan

 

 

 

Country #33

It is Africa's largest country relative to its land size. Its name translated from Arabic means “land of the blacks.” Its population is north of 36,787,000.

Sudan

 

 

 

Country #34

This country is home to Africa's highest ski resort. Soccer is its most popular sport, and its national soccer team is nicknamed “Lions of the Atlas.” Tea is its national drink.

Morocco

 

 

 

Country #35

The country is the world's fifth largest country by both geographical area and population. It has reigned as the world's largest coffee exporter for over 150 years.

Brazil

 

 

 

Country #36

This country has a trio of state capitals, administrative, legislative, and judicial. There are nine provinces in this country. It is the first country, outside of the United States, to offer an master of business administration (MBA) program.

South Africa

 

 

 

Country #37

The largest lizard in the world, known as the Komodo dragon, can be found here. Rafflesia arnoldii, the world's largest flower, blooms in this country. This country also houses the world's largest Buddhist temple.

Indonesia

 

 

 

Country #38

This country, known as the “land of smiles,” has 1,500 species of orchids growing in its forests. This Southeast Asian country houses over 35,000 temples. It is the only country in Southeast Asia that Europeans did not colonize. 

Thailand

 

 

 

Country #39

The largest country in the world also possesses the biggest nuclear arsenal on the planet. Over 100 languages are spoken in this country where women outlive men by 12 years.

Russia

 

 

 

Country #40

Almost 80% of this country is covered in mountains. It is the only country in the world with a ruling emperor. This country is hit by over 1,000 earthquakes a year and has 200 volcanoes.

Japan

 

 

 

Country #41

This country has only two seasons, dry and rainy. Coffee is this country's key revenue source, followed by tourism. It is home to the biggest airport in East Africa.

Kenya

 

 

 

Country #42

This country has over 25,000 orchid species. Its official currency was the bolívar fuerte until Aug. 20, 2018 when it was replaced by the bolívar soberano. It is home to the world's largest oil reserves.

Venezuela

 

 

 

Country #43

Half of the people living in this country live on less than $1 per day. One of this country's elephant reserves is home to over 350 elephants. Over 1,200 species of fish swim in its waters, which contain rich coral reefs.

Mozambique

 

 

 

Country #44

This country produces the most olive oil in the world. It houses more bars than any other European country and has more than 4,900 miles of beaches.

Spain

 

 

 

Country #45

Renowned as Africa's top birding destination, this country also boasts the highest gorilla population on the planet. Winston Churchill named this country, “The Pearl of Africa.”

Uganda

 

 

 

Country #46

It is the second largest archipelago on the planet. It produces and exports the most coconuts in the world. One of its islands has more volcanoes per square inch than any other island on the planet. 

Philippines

 

 

 

Country #47

The tallest mountain in the world is in this country, which is also the birthplace of the Ferris wheel. There are over 182 places in this country that have the word “Christmas” as part of their names.

United States

 

 

 

Country #48

Nearly half of this country has an arid desert climate that receives less than 4 inches of rainfall annually. Its capital is home to more than 12 million people, and around 70% of this country's population is under 30 years old.

Iran

 

 

 

Country #49

Its citizens work the longest average hours in the world. It is home to a pyramid that was named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. It has the world's smallest volcano.

Mexico

 

 

 

Country #50

It is home to the world's highest sand dune. Over 3,000 different types of potatoes grow here. Its citizens toast to good times with a pisco sour, considered the national drink.

Peru

 

 

 

Trending Now