Geography trivia is a fun way to learn about our world, covering topics like countries, capitals, rivers, mountains, and deserts. This post offers 150 geography trivia questions and answers, perfect for trivia nights, classrooms, or personal knowledge.
Understanding geography helps us grasp the physical and cultural aspects of our planet. It informs us about landscapes, climates, ecosystems, and human activities. Geography trivia can spark curiosity and encourage exploration.
In this collection, you’ll find questions ranging from easy to challenging, suitable for all ages. Each question includes an answer and brief explanation for better understanding. Whether you’re a geography enthusiast or just testing your knowledge, these trivia questions will keep you entertained and informed.
Let’s begin this journey of discovery and see how much you know about our amazing world!
Geography Trivia Questions and Answers
1. What is the capital city of Australia?
Answer: Canberra
Canberra is often mistaken for Sydney or Melbourne, but it was chosen as a compromise between these two larger cities.
2. Which river is the longest in the world?
Answer: The Nile River
The Nile River, stretching approximately 6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles), flows through northeastern Africa, primarily Egypt and Sudan.
3. What is the smallest country in the world?
Answer: Vatican City
Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy, covering about 44 hectares (110 acres).
4. Which continent has the most countries?
Answer: Africa
Africa is home to 54 recognized countries, making it the continent with the most countries.
5. What is the tallest mountain in the world?
Answer: Mount Everest
Mount Everest, part of the Himalayas, stands at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level.
6. Which desert is the largest in the world?
Answer: The Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert in Africa covers approximately 9.2 million square kilometers (3.6 million square miles).
7. What is the longest river in the United States?
Answer: The Missouri River
The Missouri River flows for about 3,767 kilometers (2,341 miles), making it the longest river in the United States.
8. Which ocean is the largest?
Answer: The Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean covers more than 63 million square miles, making it the largest ocean on Earth.
9. Which country has the most natural lakes?
Answer: Canada
Canada is known for its vast number of lakes, with estimates of around 31,752 major lakes.
10. What is the most populous country in the world?
Answer: China
China has a population exceeding 1.4 billion people, making it the most populous country globally.
11. Which country has the largest land area?
Answer: Russia
Russia spans over 17 million square kilometers (6.6 million square miles), making it the largest country by land area.
12. What is the deepest point in the world’s oceans?
Answer: The Mariana Trench
The Mariana Trench, located in the western Pacific Ocean, reaches a depth of about 11,034 meters (36,201 feet).
13. Which European country is divided into departments instead of states or provinces?
Answer: France
France is divided into 18 administrative regions, which are further divided into 101 departments.
14. What is the capital of Brazil?
Answer: Brasília
Brasília was founded on April 21, 1960, to promote the development of the interior of the country.
15. Which country is known as the Land of the Rising Sun?
Answer: Japan
Japan is often called the Land of the Rising Sun due to its eastern position relative to the Asian continent.
16. What is the name of the largest island in the world?
Answer: Greenland
Greenland is the world’s largest island, covering over 2.16 million square kilometers (836,331 square miles).
17. Which country has the longest coastline?
Answer: Canada
Canada’s coastline stretches for approximately 202,080 kilometers (125,567 miles), the longest of any country.
18. What is the highest waterfall in the world?
Answer: Angel Falls
Angel Falls in Venezuela plunges 979 meters (3,212 feet), making it the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world.
19. Which country is home to the Great Barrier Reef?
Answer: Australia
The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system, is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
20. What is the official language of Brazil?
Answer: Portuguese
Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, making it the largest Portuguese-speaking country in the world.
21. Which U.S. state is the largest by area?
Answer: Alaska
Alaska is the largest U.S. state by area, covering 1.7 million square kilometers (663,300 square miles).
22. What is the smallest continent by land area?
Answer: Australia
Australia is the smallest continent, covering about 7.7 million square kilometers (2.9 million square miles).
23. Which African country was formerly known as Abyssinia?
Answer: Ethiopia
Ethiopia was known as Abyssinia until the mid-20th century.
24. What is the capital of Canada?
Answer: Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in the province of Ontario.
25. Which river flows through the Grand Canyon?
Answer: The Colorado River
The Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon over millions of years, creating this natural wonder.
26. What is the official currency of Japan?
Answer: Yen
The yen is the official currency of Japan, symbolized by ¥.
27. Which country is known for its tulips and windmills?
Answer: The Netherlands
The Netherlands is famous for its tulips and windmills, which are iconic symbols of the country.
28. What is the highest mountain in Africa?
Answer: Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the highest mountain in Africa, standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet).
29. Which European country is divided into cantons?
Answer: Switzerland
Switzerland is divided into 26 cantons, each with its own constitution and government.
30. What is the capital of Egypt?
Answer: Cairo
Cairo is the capital city of Egypt and the largest city in the Arab world.
31. Which country has the most volcanoes?
Answer: Indonesia
Indonesia has the most volcanoes of any country, with over 130 active volcanoes.
32. What is the longest river in South America?
Answer: The Amazon River
The Amazon River flows for about 6,400 kilometers (4,000 miles), making it the longest river in South America.
33. What is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea?
Answer: Sicily
Sicily, an autonomous region of Italy, is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
34. Which country is known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon?
Answer: Bhutan
Bhutan is referred to as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, reflecting its historical and cultural heritage.
35. What is the smallest state in the United States by area?
Answer: Rhode Island
Rhode Island is the smallest U.S. state by area, covering approximately 4,001 square kilometers (1,545 square miles).
36. Which river is the main waterway in Paris, France?
Answer: The Seine River
The Seine River flows through the heart of Paris, providing a scenic route through the city.
37. What is the capital of Argentina?
Answer: Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, known for its European-style architecture.
38. Which desert covers much of northern Africa?
Answer: The Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, spanning several countries in northern Africa.
39. What is the official language of Egypt?
Answer: Arabic
Arabic is the official language of Egypt, with Egyptian Arabic being the most widely spoken dialect.
40. Which country is known for its pyramids?
Answer: Egypt
Egypt is renowned for its ancient pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
41. What is the largest country in South America by land area?
Answer: Brazil
Brazil is the largest country in South America, covering over 8.5 million square kilometers (3.2 million square miles).
42. What is the capital of Germany?
Answer: Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and a major center for culture, politics, and history.
43. Which river is the primary source of the Amazon Rainforest’s water?
Answer: The Amazon River
The Amazon River is the primary source of water for the Amazon Rainforest, the largest tropical rainforest in the world.
44. What is the currency used in the United Kingdom?
Answer: Pound Sterling
The Pound Sterling, symbolized by £, is the official currency of the United Kingdom.
45. Which U.S. state is known as the Sunshine State?
Answer: Florida
Florida is nicknamed the Sunshine State due to its warm climate and numerous sunny days.
46. What is the largest lake in Africa?
Answer: Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria, located in East Africa, is the largest lake on the continent by surface area.
47. Which country is known for the Eiffel Tower?
Answer: France
France is famous for the Eiffel Tower, an iconic landmark located in Paris.
48. What is the capital of Russia?
Answer: Moscow
Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia, known for its historical and cultural significance.
49. Which ocean is located to the east of Africa?
Answer: The Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean lies to the east of Africa, bordered by Asia to the north and Australia to the east.
50. What is the highest mountain in North America?
Answer: Denali (Mount McKinley)
Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, is the highest peak in North America, standing at 6,190 meters (20,310 feet).
51. What is the official language of Brazil?
Answer: Portuguese
Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, making it the largest Portuguese-speaking country in the world.
52. Which U.S. state has the most national parks?
Answer: California
California is home to nine national parks, the most of any U.S. state.
53. What is the capital of Spain?
Answer: Madrid
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain, known for its rich cultural heritage.
54. Which river is the longest in Europe?
Answer: The Volga River
The Volga River, flowing through Russia, is the longest river in Europe, stretching about 3,530 kilometers (2,193 miles).
55. What is the smallest country in South America by land area?
Answer: Suriname
Suriname is the smallest country in South America by land area, covering approximately 163,821 square kilometers (63,252 square miles).
56. Which country is known for its fjords?
Answer: Norway
Norway is famous for its stunning fjords, deep glacially-carved valleys filled with seawater.
57. What is the capital of Japan?
Answer: Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital and largest city of Japan, known for its modern architecture and vibrant culture.
58. Which river forms part of the border between the United States and Mexico?
Answer: The Rio Grande
The Rio Grande River forms part of the border between the United States and Mexico, stretching from Colorado to the Gulf of Mexico.
59. What is the largest desert in Asia?
Answer: The Gobi Desert
The Gobi Desert, located in northern China and southern Mongolia, is the largest desert in Asia.
60. What is the official currency of Canada?
Answer: Canadian Dollar
The Canadian Dollar, symbolized by $, is the official currency of Canada.
61. Which continent is home to the Amazon Rainforest?
Answer: South America
The Amazon Rainforest is primarily located in Brazil but extends into several other South American countries.
62. What is the capital of Italy?
Answer: Rome
Rome is the capital city of Italy, known for its ancient history and landmarks such as the Colosseum.
63. Which ocean is the smallest?
Answer: The Arctic Ocean
The Arctic Ocean is the smallest of the world’s oceans, located around the North Pole.
64. What is the largest country in Africa by land area?
Answer: Algeria
Algeria is the largest country in Africa by land area, covering approximately 2.38 million square kilometers (919,595 square miles).
65. What is the capital of India?
Answer: New Delhi
New Delhi is the capital city of India and the seat of all three branches of the government of India.
66. Which country is known for the Great Wall?
Answer: China
China is known for the Great Wall, a series of fortifications built to protect against invasions.
67. What is the currency used in Australia?
Answer: Australian Dollar
The Australian Dollar, symbolized by $, is the official currency of Australia.
68. What is the largest island in the Caribbean?
Answer: Cuba
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, covering about 109,884 square kilometers (42,426 square miles).
69. What is the capital of South Africa?
Answer: South Africa has three capitals: Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), and Cape Town (legislative).
70. Which mountain range is the longest in the world?
Answer: The Andes Mountains
The Andes Mountains in South America stretch for about 7,000 kilometers (4,350 miles), making them the longest mountain range in the world.
71. What is the smallest country in Europe by land area?
Answer: Vatican City
Vatican City is the smallest country in Europe by land area, encompassing only about 44 hectares (110 acres).
72. What is the capital of Greece?
Answer: Athens
Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece, known for its ancient history and landmarks such as the Parthenon.
73. Which river is the primary water source for Egypt?
Answer: The Nile River
The Nile River is the primary water source for Egypt, providing essential resources for agriculture and daily life.
74. What is the official language of Russia?
Answer: Russian
Russian is the official language of Russia, spoken by the vast majority of its population.
75. What is the capital of Australia?
Answer: Canberra
Canberra is the capital city of Australia, known for its planned design and numerous national monuments.
76. Which country has the most time zones?
Answer: France
France has the most time zones, including its overseas territories, totaling 12 different time zones.
77. What is the largest country in the Middle East by land area?
Answer: Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East by land area, covering approximately 2.15 million square kilometers (830,000 square miles).
78. Which European city is known as the City of Canals?
Answer: Venice
Venice, Italy, is known as the City of Canals due to its extensive network of waterways.
79. What is the official currency of India?
Answer: Indian Rupee
The Indian Rupee, symbolized by ₹, is the official currency of India.
80. What is the capital of China?
Answer: Beijing
Beijing is the capital city of China and a major cultural, political, and historical center.
81. Which country is the largest producer of coffee?
Answer: Brazil
Brazil is the largest producer of coffee in the world, contributing a significant portion of the global coffee supply.
82. What is the longest river in Africa?
Answer: The Nile River
The Nile River is the longest river in Africa, stretching about 6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles).
83. Which U.S. state is known as the Lone Star State?
Answer: Texas
Texas is nicknamed the Lone Star State, reflecting its history as an independent republic.
84. What is the capital of Mexico?
Answer: Mexico City
Mexico City is the capital and largest city of Mexico, known for its rich history and cultural landmarks.
85. Which country is the world’s largest island nation?
Answer: Indonesia
Indonesia is the world’s largest island nation, comprising over 17,000 islands.
86. What is the capital of the United States?
Answer: Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is the capital city of the United States and the seat of the federal government.
87. Which country is known for its maple syrup?
Answer: Canada
Canada is famous for its production of maple syrup, particularly in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario.
88. What is the smallest ocean in the world?
Answer: The Arctic Ocean
The Arctic Ocean is the smallest and shallowest of the world’s oceans, located around the North Pole.
89. What is the capital of South Korea?
Answer: Seoul
Seoul is the capital and largest city of South Korea, known for its modern skyscrapers and historic temples.
90. Which river is the longest in Asia?
Answer: The Yangtze River
The Yangtze River in China is the longest river in Asia, stretching about 6,300 kilometers (3,917 miles).
91. What is the official language of Italy?
Answer: Italian
Italian is the official language of Italy, spoken by the majority of its population.
92. What is the capital of France?
Answer: Paris
Paris is the capital city of France, known for its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum.
93. Which desert is the driest in the world?
Answer: The Atacama Desert
The Atacama Desert in Chile is considered the driest desert in the world, receiving very little rainfall each year.
94. What is the largest island in the world by area?
Answer: Greenland
Greenland is the largest island in the world by area, covering about 2.16 million square kilometers (836,331 square miles).
95. What is the official currency of Japan?
Answer: Yen
The yen, symbolized by ¥, is the official currency of Japan.
96. What is the capital of the United Kingdom?
Answer: London
London is the capital city of the United Kingdom and a major global financial center.
97. Which country is the largest by population in Europe?
Answer: Russia
Russia is the largest country by population in Europe, with a population of over 144 million people.
98. What is the official language of Brazil?
Answer: Portuguese
Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, spoken by nearly the entire population.
99. What is the highest mountain in South America?
Answer: Aconcagua
A
concagua, located in Argentina, is the highest mountain in South America, standing at 6,962 meters (22,841 feet).
100. What is the capital of Australia?
Answer: Canberra
Canberra is the capital city of Australia, chosen as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne.
101. Which country has the most islands?
Answer: Sweden
Sweden has the most islands of any country, with an estimated 267,570 islands.
102. What is the official currency of Switzerland?
Answer: Swiss Franc
The Swiss Franc, symbolized by CHF, is the official currency of Switzerland.
103. What is the capital of Canada?
Answer: Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in the province of Ontario.
104. Which river is the longest in Europe?
Answer: The Volga River
The Volga River in Russia is the longest river in Europe, stretching about 3,530 kilometers (2,193 miles).
105. What is the capital of Spain?
Answer: Madrid
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain, known for its vibrant culture and history.
106. Which desert covers much of northern Africa?
Answer: The Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, spanning several countries in northern Africa.
107. What is the official language of Egypt?
Answer: Arabic
Arabic is the official language of Egypt, with Egyptian Arabic being the most widely spoken dialect.
108. Which country is known for its pyramids?
Answer: Egypt
Egypt is renowned for its ancient pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
109. What is the largest country in South America by land area?
Answer: Brazil
Brazil is the largest country in South America, covering over 8.5 million square kilometers (3.2 million square miles).
110. What is the capital of Germany?
Answer: Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and a major center for culture, politics, and history.
111. Which river is the primary source of the Amazon Rainforest’s water?
Answer: The Amazon River
The Amazon River is the primary source of water for the Amazon Rainforest, the largest tropical rainforest in the world.
112. What is the currency used in the United Kingdom?
Answer: Pound Sterling
The Pound Sterling, symbolized by £, is the official currency of the United Kingdom.
113. Which U.S. state is known as the Sunshine State?
Answer: Florida
Florida is nicknamed the Sunshine State due to its warm climate and numerous sunny days.
114. What is the largest lake in Africa?
Answer: Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria, located in East Africa, is the largest lake on the continent by surface area.
115. Which country is known for the Eiffel Tower?
Answer: France
France is famous for the Eiffel Tower, an iconic landmark located in Paris.
116. What is the capital of Russia?
Answer: Moscow
Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia, known for its historical and cultural significance.
117. Which ocean is located to the east of Africa?
Answer: The Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean lies to the east of Africa, bordered by Asia to the north and Australia to the east.
118. What is the highest mountain in North America?
Answer: Denali (Mount McKinley)
Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, is the highest peak in North America, standing at 6,190 meters (20,310 feet).
119. What is the official language of Brazil?
Answer: Portuguese
Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, making it the largest Portuguese-speaking country in the world.
120. Which U.S. state has the most national parks?
Answer: California
California is home to nine national parks, the most of any U.S. state.
121. What is the capital of Spain?
Answer: Madrid
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain, known for its rich cultural heritage.
122. Which river is the longest in Europe?
Answer: The Volga River
The Volga River, flowing through Russia, is the longest river in Europe, stretching about 3,530 kilometers (2,193 miles).
123. What is the smallest country in South America by land area?
Answer: Suriname
Suriname is the smallest country in South America by land area, covering approximately 163,821 square kilometers (63,252 square miles).
124. Which country is known for its fjords?
Answer: Norway
Norway is famous for its stunning fjords, deep glacially-carved valleys filled with seawater.
125. What is the capital of Japan?
Answer: Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital and largest city of Japan, known for its modern architecture and vibrant culture.
126. Which river forms part of the border between the United States and Mexico?
Answer: The Rio Grande
The Rio Grande River forms part of the border between the United States and Mexico, stretching from Colorado to the Gulf of Mexico.
127. What is the largest desert in Asia?
Answer: The Gobi Desert
The Gobi Desert, located in northern China and southern Mongolia, is the largest desert in Asia.
128. What is the official currency of Canada?
Answer: Canadian Dollar
The Canadian Dollar, symbolized by $, is the official currency of Canada.
129. Which continent is home to the Amazon Rainforest?
Answer: South America
The Amazon Rainforest is primarily located in Brazil but extends into several other South American countries.
130. What is the capital of Italy?
Answer: Rome
Rome is the capital city of Italy, known for its ancient history and landmarks such as the Colosseum.
131. Which ocean is the smallest?
Answer: The Arctic Ocean
The Arctic Ocean is the smallest of the world’s oceans, located around the North Pole.
132. What is the largest country in Africa by land area?
Answer: Algeria
Algeria is the largest country in Africa by land area, covering approximately 2.38 million square kilometers (919,595 square miles).
133. What is the capital of India?
Answer: New Delhi
New Delhi is the capital city of India and the seat of all three branches of the government of India.
134. Which country is known for the Great Wall?
Answer: China
China is known for the Great Wall, a series of fortifications built to protect against invasions.
135. What is the currency used in Australia?
Answer: Australian Dollar
The Australian Dollar, symbolized by $, is the official currency of Australia.
136. What is the largest island in the Caribbean?
Answer: Cuba
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, covering about 109,884 square kilometers (42,426 square miles).
137. What is the capital of South Africa?
Answer: South Africa has three capitals: Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), and Cape Town (legislative).
138. Which mountain range is the longest in the world?
Answer: The Andes Mountains
The Andes Mountains in South America stretch for about 7,000 kilometers (4,350 miles), making them the longest mountain range in the world.
139. What is the smallest country in Europe by land area?
Answer: Vatican City
Vatican City is the smallest country in Europe by land area, encompassing only about 44 hectares (110 acres).
140. What is the capital of Greece?
Answer: Athens
Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece, known for its ancient history and landmarks such as the Parthenon.
141. Which river is the primary water source for Egypt?
Answer: The Nile River
The Nile River is the primary water source for Egypt, providing essential resources for agriculture and daily life.
142. What is the official language of Russia?
Answer: Russian
Russian is the official language of Russia, spoken by the vast majority of its population.
143. What is the capital of Australia?
Answer: Canberra
Canberra is the capital city of Australia, known for its planned design and numerous national monuments.
144. Which country has the most time zones?
Answer: France
France has the most time zones, including its overseas territories, totaling 12 different time zones.
145. What is the largest country in the Middle East by land area?
Answer: Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East by land area, covering approximately 2.15 million square kilometers (830,000 square miles).
146. Which European city is known as the City of Canals?
Answer: Venice
Venice, Italy, is known as the City of Canals due to its extensive network of waterways.
147. What is the official currency of India?
Answer: Indian Rupee
The Indian Rupee, symbolized by ₹, is the official currency of India.
148. What is the capital of China?
Answer: Beijing
Beijing is the capital city of China and a major cultural, political, and historical center.
149. Which country is the largest producer of coffee?
Answer: Brazil
Brazil is the largest producer of coffee in the world, contributing a significant portion of the global coffee supply.
150. What is the longest river in Africa?
Answer: The Nile River
The Nile River is the longest river in Africa, stretching about
6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles).
Conclusion
Geography trivia is a wonderful way to explore and learn about the world. From the highest mountains to the deepest oceans, and from bustling capitals to tranquil islands, each question helps us appreciate the diversity and complexity of our planet. Use these questions to challenge your friends, family, or yourself, and continue to grow your knowledge of geography.
Feel free to share this post with others who enjoy learning and exploring the wonders of our world through trivia!
