1.
What U.S. state is the “Cornhusker State” even though it lags behind both Illinois and Iowa in corn production?
Explanation
Nebraska is known as the "Cornhusker State" because of its historical association with corn agriculture, despite the fact that Illinois and Iowa produce more corn. This nickname reflects Nebraska's strong agricultural heritage and the importance of corn farming in its economy.
2.
Between Alexandria and Port Said lies the vast delta of what river?
Explanation
The correct answer is "Nile, The Nile, Nile River, The Nile River". The question asks about the river that lies between Alexandria and Port Said. The Nile is the river that flows through Egypt and forms a vast delta in this region, making it the correct answer.
3.
The narrowest strait of the English Channel is named for what British port town?
Explanation
The narrowest strait of the English Channel is named after the British port town of Dover. Dover is located in the county of Kent, England, and is known for its iconic white cliffs. The town is an important transportation hub, with its port being one of the busiest in the world. The Dover Strait, also known as the Strait of Dover, separates England from France and is approximately 33.8 kilometers wide at its narrowest point.
4.
In what country do over 60 million people speak Farsi as a native language?
Explanation
Over 60 million people speak Farsi as a native language in Iran. Farsi, also known as Persian, is the official language of Iran. It is widely spoken by the majority of the population in Iran and is also spoken in some neighboring countries. Therefore, Iran is the correct answer to the question.
5.
In what American city do many tourists stay in the South Beach neighborhood between Biscayne Bay and the ocean?
Explanation
Many tourists stay in the South Beach neighborhood between Biscayne Bay and the ocean in Miami, Florida.
6.
The Apennine Mountains run almost the entire length of what European country?
Explanation
The correct answer is Italy because the Apennine Mountains, a mountain range that stretches from north to south, run almost the entire length of the country. Italy is known for its diverse geography, and the Apennines play a significant role in shaping the landscape of the country. They are home to several national parks and provide a natural barrier between the east and west coasts of Italy.
7.
Indonesian coffee was first grown in 1699 on what island, the most populous on Earth?
Explanation
Indonesian coffee was first grown on the island of Java in 1699. Java is not only the most populous island in Indonesia but also the most populous on Earth. The ideal climate and fertile volcanic soil of Java make it a suitable region for coffee cultivation. The island has a long history of coffee production and is renowned for its high-quality beans. Therefore, it is not surprising that Java is the correct answer to this question.
8.
In what country would you find Parícutin, the volcano that rose out of a farmer’s field in 1943?
Explanation
ParÃcutin is a volcano that emerged suddenly in 1943 in a farmer's field in Mexico. It is located in the state of Michoacán, in the central part of the country. The eruption of ParÃcutin was a significant geological event, as it provided scientists with a unique opportunity to study the formation and development of a volcano from its very beginning. The volcano's growth and subsequent eruption had a profound impact on the surrounding area, causing the evacuation of nearby towns and covering them in volcanic ash.
9.
Perth, Australia and Mombasa, Kenya are both ports on which ocean?
Explanation
Perth, Australia and Mombasa, Kenya are both located on the coastlines of the Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean is the third largest ocean in the world and is bounded by Africa to the west, Asia to the north, Australia to the east, and the Southern Ocean to the south. Both Perth and Mombasa serve as important ports for trade and commerce, connecting their respective regions to the rest of the world through the Indian Ocean. Therefore, the correct answer is Indian Ocean.
10.
The southernmost point of the Canadian mainland is Point Pelee, in which province?
Explanation
The southernmost point of the Canadian mainland is Point Pelee, which is located in the province of Ontario, Canada.
11.
Jodhpur, India is famous for the houses around Mehrangarh Fort, which are painted in a brilliant shade of what color?
Explanation
Jodhpur, India is famous for its houses painted in a brilliant shade of blue. The blue color is traditionally associated with the Brahmin caste, and it is believed to ward off insects and keep the houses cool during the hot summers. The blue houses create a stunning visual contrast against the backdrop of the Mehrangarh Fort, making Jodhpur a popular tourist destination.
12.
Besides Ecuador, name another South American country that the Equator passes through.
Explanation
The Equator passes through Brazil and Colombia, in addition to Ecuador. These two countries are located in South America and are crossed by the imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Brazil is the largest country in South America and has a significant portion of its territory located near the Equator. Colombia, located to the northwest of Brazil, also has a small portion of its land crossed by the Equator.
13.
Which U.S. time zone includes all of 17 states and parts of 6 others?
Explanation
The correct answer is Eastern, Eastern Time, Eastern Time Zone, Eastern Standard Time, EST, Eastern Standard Time Zone. This time zone includes all of 17 states and parts of 6 others.
14.
What’s the only country that borders both the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea?
Explanation
Saudi Arabia is the only country that borders both the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea. It is located in the Middle East and is the largest country on the Arabian Peninsula. The Persian Gulf is located to the east of Saudi Arabia, while the Red Sea is located to the west. This unique geographical position allows Saudi Arabia to have access to both bodies of water, making it the only country that shares borders with both.
15.
Death Valley is located in what vast desert, the hottest in North America?
Explanation
Death Valley is located in the Mojave Desert, which is the hottest desert in North America. The Mojave Desert covers a vast area and is known for its extreme temperatures, making Death Valley one of the hottest places on Earth.