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Quizzes > Geography > World & Continents

International Geo Bee Quiz: Test Yourself with the Hardest Geography Questions

Think you know your maps? Take on these geo bee questions and conquer the hardest geography challenges!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art map and globe icons on sky blue background promoting free International Geo Bee quiz with hard geography questions

This International Geo Bee quiz helps you practice the hardest geography questions and spot gaps before the bee. Work through tricky items on capitals, borders, and lesser-known places, and get instant feedback as you go. Want more practice? Try some sample bee questions or warm up with a world quiz .

How many continents are there on Earth?
6
7
8
5
Earth is traditionally divided into seven continents: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia. Some geographers combine Europe and Asia into Eurasia, but the seven-continent model remains the most widely accepted. Continents are defined as large, continuous landmasses separated by oceans and cultural regions. See more at .
What is the largest ocean on Earth?
Southern Ocean
Indian Ocean
Pacific Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
The Pacific Ocean covers more than 63 million square miles, making it the largest ocean basin on Earth. It extends from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south and is wider than the entire landmass of Earth. Its vast size influences global climate and marine biodiversity. Learn more at .
What is the capital city of Japan?
Kyoto
Tokyo
Osaka
Sapporo
Tokyo has been the capital of Japan since 1868, when Emperor Meiji moved the imperial seat from Kyoto. It is the political and economic center of the country and one of the world's largest metropolitan areas. Tokyo blends historic temples with modern skyscrapers and extensive public transit. More details at .
Which river is the longest in the world?
Yangtze
Mississippi
Nile
Amazon
The Nile River, flowing over approximately 6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles), is traditionally considered the longest river in the world. It drains into the Mediterranean Sea and has been a critical water source for civilizations in northeastern Africa for millennia. While some measurements contest that the Amazon may be longer, most sources still credit the Nile. For more, see .
Which mountain is the highest above sea level?
K2
Lhotse
Kangchenjunga
Mount Everest
Mount Everest reaches an elevation of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level, making it the highest point on Earth's surface. It is located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Everest attracts climbers from around the world, from highly experienced mountaineers to capable climbers willing to hire professional guides. Explore more at .
Which is the largest desert by area on Earth?
Arctic
Sahara
Antarctic
Gobi
The Antarctic Desert covers about 14.2 million square kilometers, making it the largest desert on Earth by area. Although it is a cold polar region, it qualifies as a desert due to extremely low precipitation. The Sahara is the largest hot desert but is smaller than the Antarctic Desert overall. Learn more at .
What is the smallest country by land area?
Nauru
San Marino
Vatican City
Monaco
Vatican City covers about 0.44 square kilometers, making it the world's smallest independent state by land area. It is an enclave within the city of Rome and the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. Despite its size, it holds the status of a sovereign city-state. Detailed information at .
Which country has the most time zones?
China
United States
Russia
Canada
Russia spans 11 time zones from Kaliningrad in the west to the Kamchatka Peninsula in the east. This vast expanse across Europe and Asia makes it the country with the most official time zones. Other large countries like the United States have fewer official zones. Read more at .
Which of these countries is an island nation?
Afghanistan
Nepal
Madagascar
Kazakhstan
Madagascar is the fourth-largest island in the world and lies off the southeast coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. It is entirely surrounded by water, making it an island nation. Its unique biodiversity includes many species found nowhere else. Learn more at .
Which country does NOT share a land border with any other nation?
Japan
Australia
China
United States
Australia is a continent and country surrounded entirely by the Indian and Pacific Oceans, with no land borders. Although Japan is also an island nation, the question asks for a country that does not share any land borders at all. Australia's isolation has shaped its unique ecosystems. More at .
Which mountain range forms a natural border between France and Spain?
Carpathians
Pyrenees
Alps
Urals
The Pyrenees mountain range stretches approximately 430 kilometers from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean Sea, forming a natural border between France and Spain. These mountains are known for rugged peaks, scenic valleys, and unique biodiversity. They separate the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of Europe. More details at .
What is the deepest lake in the world?
Caspian Sea
Lake Superior
Lake Baikal
Lake Tanganyika
Lake Baikal in Siberia reaches a maximum depth of about 1,642 meters, making it the deepest freshwater lake in the world. It contains around 20% of the world's unfrozen freshwater and is over 25 million years old. The lake is known for its unique flora and fauna. More information at .
Which city is the most populous in Africa?
Kinshasa
Johannesburg
Lagos
Cairo
Lagos, Nigeria's largest city, has a metropolitan population exceeding 14 million, making it the most populous city in Africa. It is a major financial center on the continent and one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Lagos spans islands and the mainland, featuring a mix of modern and traditional neighborhoods. Learn more at .
What is the capital city of Mongolia?
Bishkek
Ulaanbaatar
Tashkent
Astana
Ulaanbaatar is the capital and largest city of Mongolia, situated at an elevation of about 1,350 meters above sea level. It is the political, cultural, and economic heart of the country. The city experiences harsh winters due to its continental climate. More at .
Which sea is landlocked?
Baltic Sea
Caribbean Sea
North Sea
Aral Sea
The Aral Sea, located between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, is a landlocked saltwater lake. Once one of the four largest lakes in the world, it has drastically shrunk due to river diversion projects. It has no natural outlet, causing high salinity levels. Read more at .
The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean to which sea?
Arabian Sea
Black Sea
Mediterranean Sea
Red Sea
The Strait of Gibraltar is the narrow passage between Spain and Morocco, linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. It is only about 14 kilometers wide at its narrowest point. This strategic waterway has been important for maritime trade and military history. Details at .
Which tectonic plate is located off the west coast of South America?
Pacific Plate
Cocos Plate
North American Plate
Nazca Plate
The Nazca Plate is an oceanic tectonic plate located off the west coast of South America. It is subducting beneath the South American Plate, creating the Andes mountain range and frequent seismic activity. This subduction zone is one of the most studied in the world. More at .
Which river flows through Vienna?
Seine
Volga
Danube
Rhine
The Danube River, Europe's second-longest river, flows through Vienna. It has been a vital trade and cultural route since Roman times. The river adds to Vienna's scenic beauty and supports local commerce and transportation. See for more.
Which of these countries is landlocked?
Brazil
Chile
Bolivia
Paraguay
Paraguay is a landlocked country in South America bordered by Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia. It has no direct access to the ocean, relying on its river systems for trade transport. Paraguay's landlocked status affects its economic and logistical strategies. More at .
Which gulf is located between Saudi Arabia and Iran?
Persian Gulf
Gulf of Guinea
Gulf of Aden
Gulf of Oman
The Persian Gulf lies between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. It is a critical route for global oil shipments, with significant reserves along its shores. The gulf has been central to regional history and geopolitics. For further reading see .
Which country is an enclave within South Africa?
Botswana
Eswatini
Lesotho
Zimbabwe
Lesotho is a sovereign nation entirely surrounded by South African territory, making it an enclave. It is one of only three countries in the world completely surrounded by another country. Lesotho's highlands are known as the 'Kingdom in the Sky.' More information at .
Which is the only sea without any coasts?
Sargasso Sea
Aral Sea
Black Sea
Dead Sea
The Sargasso Sea is defined by ocean currents rather than land boundaries and has no shores. It is located within the North Atlantic Gyre and is characterized by floating seaweed called Sargassum. Its clear blue waters have unique ecosystems. Learn more at .
What is the capital of the only country that spans two continents?
Istanbul
Ankara
Athens
Cairo
Turkey is the only country that spans both Europe and Asia, and its capital is Ankara. Although Istanbul is the largest city and straddles both continents, the political capital was moved to Ankara in 1923. Ankara hosts foreign embassies and government institutions. More at .
Which river forms part of the border between the USA and Mexico?
Mississippi River
Colorado River
Rio Grande
Columbia River
The Rio Grande (Río Bravo del Norte) forms about 3,200 kilometers of the border between the United States and Mexico. It flows from Colorado in the USA down to the Gulf of Mexico. The river is crucial for water resources and regional ecosystems. More at .
Which African country has the most neighboring countries?
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Sudan
Egypt
Nigeria
The Democratic Republic of the Congo borders nine countries: Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania (via Lake Tanganyika), Zambia, and Angola. This makes it the African country with the most land borders. Learn more at .
Which South American country is landlocked and bordered by Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia?
Paraguay
Bolivia
Chile
Uruguay
Paraguay is the only South American country bordered by Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia without a coastline. It relies heavily on river transport, notably via the Paraguay and Paraná rivers. Its landlocked status influences trade and infrastructure. More details at .
Which US state has the shortest ocean coastline?
New Hampshire
Delaware
Rhode Island
Connecticut
New Hampshire has just 18 kilometers (approximately 11 miles) of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, the shortest among the U.S. states with ocean frontage. Its coastal towns include Portsmouth and Hampton Beach. The coastline includes tidal marshes and rocky shores. More at .
Which mountain is the highest volcano in the world?
Mount Etna
Ojos del Salado
Mount Vesuvius
Mount Fuji
Ojos del Salado, on the Argentina-Chile border, is the highest active volcano in the world at 6,893 meters above sea level. It is part of the Andes mountain range and is known for its extreme conditions. Its volcanic activity is monitored due to potential eruptions. Read more at .
Which capital city sits at the highest elevation above sea level?
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
La Paz, Bolivia
Quito, Ecuador
Kathmandu, Nepal
La Paz, Bolivia, sits at about 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level, making it the highest administrative capital city in the world. Its altitude affects weather, architecture, and the daily life of its residents. Although Sucre is Bolivia's constitutional capital, La Paz serves as the seat of government. More at .
Which country contains the geographic South Pole?
Antarctica
New Zealand
South Africa
Chile
The geographic South Pole is located on the continent of Antarctica, which is not governed by any one country but rather managed under the Antarctic Treaty System. The Amundsen - Scott South Pole Station operated by the United States sits at this location. No nation claims sovereignty over the South Pole. Learn more at .
At approximately which latitude is the Arctic Circle located?
65°N
66°33?N
70°N
60°N
The Arctic Circle is currently located at approximately 66°33?48.2? north of the Equator. This latitude marks the southernmost point where the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours. The exact position shifts slightly due to Earth's axial tilt variations. More info at .
The historic city of Königsberg was set on which river?
Pregel
Vistula
Danube
Oder
Königsberg, now Kaliningrad, was built on both sides of the Pregel River (also called the Pregolya). The city's famous Seven Bridges problem was posed on this river's bridges. The river flows into the Vistula Lagoon near the Baltic Sea. See .
Which country spans all four hemispheres?
Colombia
Indonesia
Ecuador
Kiribati
Kiribati is the only country whose territory lies in all four hemispheres: Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western. Its islands are dispersed around the equator and the 180th meridian in the central Pacific Ocean. This unusual position spans multiple time zones as well. More at .
Which strait, at its narrowest point, separates mainland Europe from Africa?
Dardanelles
Suez Canal
Bosporus Strait
Strait of Gibraltar
The Strait of Gibraltar, at its narrowest about 14 kilometers wide, separates mainland Europe (Spain) from mainland Africa (Morocco). It is a key maritime chokepoint connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The strait has strategic and historical importance for navigation and trade. Read more at .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand the International Geo Bee Format -

    Discover the structure and scoring of an international geo bee to navigate each section of the geography bee quiz with confidence.

  2. Analyze Hardest Geography Questions -

    Break down challenging geo bee questions to identify common patterns in physical features, capitals, and regional trivia.

  3. Apply Advanced Map-Reading Techniques -

    Use spatial reasoning and cartographic skills to interpret maps, locate obscure landmarks, and solve complex geography bee questions.

  4. Recall Key Capitals and Landmarks -

    Strengthen memory of global capitals, world wonders, and significant geographic features to quickly answer geography bee questions and answers.

  5. Evaluate Your Quiz Performance -

    Leverage instant feedback from the free geography bee quiz to identify strengths and areas for improvement in future international geo bee contests.

  6. Improve Speed and Accuracy -

    Develop timed practice strategies that boost your response time on the hardest geography questions and enhance overall quiz scores.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Master the Capitals of Lesser-Known Nations -

    Capital names often stump contestants when they don't follow familiar patterns. Use alliteration or word association - for example, "Baku Bears" for Azerbaijan's capital Baku (CIA World Factbook). Regularly quiz yourself using flashcards or apps to reinforce these mnemonics and track progress.

  2. Understand Latitude and Longitude Basics -

    Longitude and latitude form the grid that pinpoints any location, with one degree of latitude equaling roughly 111 km (NOAA). Use the haversine formula, d=2r arcsin(√(sin²((φ₂−φ₝)/2)+cosφ₝ cosφ₂ sin²((λ₂−λ₝)/2))), to calculate great-circle distances. Practice by mapping pairs of cities and computing the distance by hand to solidify the concept.

  3. Map Continental Boundaries Accurately -

    Knowing the Europe-Asia border - traced along the Ural Mountains, Ural River, and Caspian Sea - is essential for tricky geopolitics questions (Encyclopedia Britannica). Similarly, recall that the Suez Canal marks Africa - Asia separation and the Panama Canal divides North and South America. Sketching these divides periodically ensures quick recall under time pressure.

  4. Familiarize Yourself with Projection Distortions -

    Each map projection distorts at least one property: the Mercator preserves bearings but inflates high-latitude areas, whereas the Peters (Gall) projection preserves area but skews shapes (National Geographic). Identify which projection suits a question - area vs shape vs distance - to pick the right reference quickly. A simple mnemonic: "Shape for sight, area for fair" helps you choose efficiently in a pinch.

  5. Memorize Global Geographic Extremes and Landmarks -

    Questions often target extremes: the highest waterfall (Angel Falls in Venezuela), the deepest lake (Lake Baikal in Russia), and the lowest point (Dead Sea). Use a "Seven Summits + Seven Deeps" chart (UNESCO, USGS) for a visual study aid. Regularly recite this list aloud to transfer it to long-term memory.

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