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Quizzes > General Knowledge & Mixed

Factfulness Quiz: How Well Do Your World Facts Match Reality?

Quick, free global knowledge test with instant results and myth-busting facts.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Mark LeeUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for global knowledge quiz on a golden yellow background

This factfulness quiz helps you check your view of the world against real data and trends. Answer quick multiple-choice questions to spot common myths, see where you stand, and get instant results. Explore more global topics with our world geography quiz, dive into progress and planet issues with a sustainability quiz, or test your awareness with a human rights quiz.

What region accounts for the largest share of global population growth today?
South Asia
South America
Eastern Europe
Sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest fertility rates and youngest population, driving the fastest population growth among world regions. Despite declines in fertility elsewhere, many countries in this region still average over four children per woman. This rapid growth contrasts with aging populations in other regions.
As of 2020, approximately what percentage of the world's population lives in extreme poverty (under $1.90/day)?
15%
25%
30%
9%
World Bank data shows that extreme poverty dropped dramatically from over 35% in 1990 to about 9% in 2020. This reduction reflects global economic growth and targeted poverty alleviation efforts. However, progress remains uneven across regions.
What is the global average life expectancy as of the latest UN data?
60 years
68 years
72 years
82 years
The United Nations reports that global life expectancy reached around 72.6 years in 2019, up from about 66.5 years in 2000. Improvements in healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation have driven this rise. Differences still exist between high- and low-income countries.
What percentage of children worldwide are vaccinated against measles according to WHO?
50%
95%
75%
86%
The World Health Organization estimates that first-dose measles vaccination coverage (MCV1) reached about 86% globally in recent years. High coverage is critical to preventing outbreaks, but gaps remain in many low- and middle-income countries. Efforts continue to close these gaps.
What share of the world's population has internet access according to the most recent ITU data?
85%
63%
75%
50%
The International Telecommunication Union reports that approximately 63% of the global population was using the internet as of 2020. Access varies widely by region, with over 90% penetration in developed countries and under 40% in least developed countries. Digital inclusion remains a key development goal.
Which country has the highest per capita CO2 emissions as of 2020?
India
Qatar
China
United States
According to Our World in Data, Qatar topped per capita CO? emissions in 2020 due to its small population and energy-intensive industries. Other high emitters include Kuwait and the UAE. National profiles vary widely based on energy sources and economic structures.
What proportion of the world's population lives in urban areas?
80%
55%
70%
30%
The United Nations reported that around 55% of the world's population lived in urban areas as of 2018. Urbanization rates have been rising steadily, driven by migration and city expansion. Projections suggest two-thirds will be urban by 2050.
Between 2000 and 2020, by approximately what percentage did global carbon dioxide emissions change?
Decreased by 5%
Increased by 80%
Increased by 10%
Increased by 42%
Global CO? emissions rose from around 24 billion tonnes in 2000 to approximately 34 billion tonnes in 2020, an increase of about 42%. This trend reflects industrialization and energy demand, though recent years saw a slight dip due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts to decarbonize aim to reverse this growth.
What is the current global fertility rate (average children per woman)?
3.5
1.5
2.4
5.0
United Nations data indicates the global fertility rate declined from about 3.2 children per woman in 1990 to roughly 2.4 by 2019. Declines are linked to education, urbanization, and access to family planning. Continued reduction is expected in many countries.
Which region has seen the fastest decline in under-five child mortality rates since 2000?
Europe
Latin America
Sub-Saharan Africa
South Asia
Although Sub-Saharan Africa still has high mortality rates, it experienced the fastest rate of decline in under-five deaths since 2000. Improvements in vaccination, nutrition, and healthcare access drove this change. Absolute numbers remain high despite the progress.
By 2050, the UN projects the global population to reach approximately:
12 billion
9 billion
8 billion
10 billion
The United Nations projects the world population will reach about 9.7 billion by 2050, commonly rounded to 10 billion. This growth reflects continued gains in life expectancy and fertility rates above replacement in some regions. Projections vary by scenario.
Which country is projected to become the most populous by 2100?
China
India
Nigeria
United States
UN projections suggest that Nigeria's population could exceed 800 million by 2100, surpassing both India and China at that time. High fertility rates and a young population base drive this growth. However, projections depend on future fertility trends.
In 2020, approximately what percentage of the global energy mix came from renewables?
40%
25%
15%
10%
The International Energy Agency reported that renewables (including hydro, wind, solar, and bioenergy) accounted for about 15% of total primary energy supply in 2020. Growth continues as costs fall and policies support clean energy. The share is higher in electricity generation.
What percentage of global electricity generation was from nuclear power in 2019?
20%
5%
30%
10%
According to the IEA, nuclear power contributed about 10% of global electricity generation in 2019. While some countries rely heavily on nuclear, others have low or no nuclear share. Debates over safety and waste influence policy.
What is the share of global GDP accounted for by low-income countries?
20%
5%
2%
10%
World Bank income classifications indicate that low-income economies contribute roughly 2% of global GDP. Middle- and high-income countries account for the vast majority of world output. Economic growth in low-income countries remains critical for development goals.
According to the World Bank, the global Gini coefficient for income inequality is closest to:
0.25
0.52
0.38
0.65
The World Bank's estimate of the global Gini coefficient (accounting for within- and between-country inequality) stands around 0.38. A Gini of 0 represents perfect equality, while 1 indicates maximal inequality. This metric informs policy on income distribution.
What percentage of the world's farmland is irrigated?
8%
50%
35%
20%
FAO data indicate that roughly 20% of global cropland is equipped for irrigation. Irrigated areas are essential for food security in water-scarce regions but pose sustainability challenges. Trends show gradual expansion of irrigation infrastructure.
Global average CO? emissions per capita is closest to:
2.5 metric tons
4.8 metric tons
10.0 metric tons
7.2 metric tons
World Bank data show global average CO? emissions of about 4.8 metric tons per person in recent years. Emissions vary greatly: some high-income countries average over 15 tons, while low-income countries are under 1 ton. Tracking per capita emissions guides climate policy.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Key Global Trends -

    Interpret factual data on population, health, and economics to gain insight into the current state of world affairs.

  2. Identify Common Misconceptions -

    Spot widely held false beliefs about global development and learn why accurate data often contradicts intuition.

  3. Analyze Quiz Performance -

    Review your Factfulness Quiz results to pinpoint strengths and gaps in your world facts knowledge.

  4. Evaluate Statistical Literacy -

    Apply critical thinking skills to assess the reliability and context of statistics presented in the quiz scenarios.

  5. Enhance Global Knowledge -

    Expand your understanding of world facts through interactive questions and immediate feedback.

  6. Apply Fact-Based Reasoning -

    Use quiz insights to inform future discussions and decisions with a more evidence-based perspective.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Global Poverty Reduction Trends -

    According to World Bank data, the percentage of people living in extreme poverty dropped from 36% in 1990 to under 10% in 2015, illustrating major progress in global well-being. Remember the mnemonic "Four Decades, Three-Quarter Cut" to recall this steep decline. Tracking these figures helps you see beyond headlines and understand long-term improvements.

  2. The Gap Instinct and Income Levels -

    Hans Rosling's "gap instinct" warns against dividing the world into just "rich" and "poor"; instead, use his four income levels (under $2, $2 - 8, $8 - 32, above $32 per day) to get a nuanced view. Visualizing bars on a chart can help you remember the four tiers. This approach trains you to avoid oversimplification by seeing gradations in global wealth.

  3. Negativity Instinct: Balancing Bad News -

    Human brains latch onto bad news, but UNESCO and WHO data show that literacy rates, life expectancy, and child mortality have steadily improved worldwide. Use the "Bad vs Good Ratio" memory trick: for every one alarming statistic, list three positive trends you know. This helps you stay objectively factful rather than skewed by negativity bias.

  4. Straight Line vs. Exponential Trends -

    Many assume trends move in straight lines, but population growth often follows an S-shaped logistic curve (P(t)=K/(1+Ae−Bt)). Practice sketching simple graphs to distinguish linear from exponential or logistic shapes. This skill prevents misjudging future projections of population, resource use, and disease spread.

  5. Verifying Data with Reputable Sources -

    Always cross-check facts using institutions like the UN, World Bank, and peer-reviewed journals; apply the "Five Fs" system: Find, Filter, Fact-check, Figure out context, and Frame results. For example, confirm vaccination rates via WHO reports rather than a single news article. Cultivating this habit makes you a confident, fact-based global thinker.

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