Test Your Geography: A Capital Idea
Answer Key
The following are the answers for the Test Your Geography capitals quiz. In this quiz, you were given a country and what was supposedly its capital. However, some of the capitals were actually made up, and it was up to you to decide which was which.
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Question #1
Antananarivo, Madagascar
True!
Antananarivo is really the capital of Madagascar. Contrary to what the popular animated movie of the same name would suggest, the island nation of Madagascar is actually highly populated, with over 22 million inhabitants. It is known for its unique biodiversity and natural beauty, though many of its residents are far below the poverty line. Antananarivo itself has a population of over 700,000 people, and its landmarks include the Rova of Antananarivo palace, the beautiful Lake Anosy, and the University of Antananarivo. Though its name may draw a few chuckles, this is a sophisticated city filled with history.
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Question #2
Kerlingarskard, Iceland
False!
Though Kerlingarskard is a real city in Iceland, it is not the island nation’s capital. Instead, Reykjavik is the bustling capital. Reykjavik may have a small population for a capital, called home by only about 100,000, but it is a unique and dynamic city. This city is known for its natural beauty, sitting right next to stunning fields, snowy mountains, and pristine lakes. It has a unique hometown feel, its skyline dominated by colorful buildings and beautiful church steeples. Not surprisingly, Iceland’s capital is a very popular tourist spot.
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Question #3
El Perrito, Uruguay
False!
Not surprisingly, there is no city in Uruguay that literally translates as “The Dog,” as great as that would be (though I may be a little biased). Instead, the capital of Uruguay is Montevideo, which is home to over one million people. Montevideo is a unique blend of both the modern and the historical. There are many locations in this city that are full of historical significance, such as the famous Palacio Salvo, the Plaza Independencia, and an array of colonial-era homes and buildings throughout. Yet, this metropolis is still a bustling commercial center with all the features of a modern city.
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Question #4
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
True!
Though many would find the spelling of its name comical or absurd, Ulaanbaatar is a showcase of Mongolia’s rich and fascinating history. Though at night it transforms into a neon hub of commerce and nightlife, it is also full of historical landmarks from its days as a part of the Mongol Empire and a Buddhist religious center. Popular sites include the Gandan Khiid (a monastery), the Chinggis Khaan Square, and Choijin Lama Temple Museum.
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Question #5
Baloogoo, Papua New Guinea
False!
Though it would be in keeping with some of the colorful names we’ve seen so far in this quiz, Baloogoo is not a real city. Papua New Guinea’s capital actually has the incredibly European-sounding name of Port Moresby. Also called simply “Moresby,” this city is the largest in Papua New Guinea and sits on the coast of the Gulf of Papua. Port Moresby has an interesting variety of environments, from a thriving waterside community to expanses of slums, but for the most part this city is filled with poverty and crime. There are various tourist locations that draw visitors in, such as the National Museum & Art Gallery and the Port Moresby Nature Park.
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Question #6
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
True!
Probably the most amusing name on this list is that of Burkina Faso’s capital. It is often shortened to Ouaga, which is reasonable, and has a population of over a million people. It is the undisputed hub of the small African nation of Burkina Faso, and it is full of a long history as the center of the Mossi Kingdom.
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That’s the end of the quiz! Hopefully, even if you got all the answers right, you still learned something about the cities of the world. Leave a comment below or email us at thedaily.chomp@warren.kyschools.us if you would like to see more quizzes and content like this!