Global Trivia: 2013 Questions & Answers

Dec 2013 Question: This Himalayan kingdom is noted for its proactive conservation efforts - it has committed to maintain at least 60% of its territory as forest and has designated more than 40% as protected areas - which nation is it?
show answer: Bhutan, which celebrates its National Day on December 17

Nov 2013 Question: On November 3, there will be a hybrid solar eclipse - what is a 'hybrid' solar eclipse?
show answer: An eclipse that is total from certain parts of the Earth but annular from other parts - they are comparatively rare.

Oct 2013 Question: What is noteworthy about the lyrics to Spain's national anthem, "La Marcha Real"?
show answer: There are no lyrics. On October 12 you can hum along with Spaniards during their National Day.

Sep 2013 Question: On September 16, Mexicans celebrate the 'Grito de Dolores' (Cry of Dolores), which in 1810 called for their independence from Spain - who uttered the call?
show answer: The Roman Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla. The independence of Mexico was not finally recognized until 1821.

Aug 2013 Question: This is the westernmost of the six continental African countries traversed by the equator - what is its name?
show answer: Gabon, which celebrates its Independence Day on August 17.

Jul 2013 Question: Only two signers of the US Declaration of Independence went on to become US Presidents; and they both died on July 4, 1826 - who were they?
show answer: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. We wish all US Americans well as they celebrate the Fourth of July.

Jun 2013 Question: Ullortuneq is Greenland's National Day and it occurs on June 21 but what does the name mean?
show answer: It means 'Longest Day' - the date is a bit of a clue really.

May 2013 Question: The name of which South American country is a description, in the local Guarani language, of the river that runs through it?
show answer: Paraguay, which celebrates its Independence Day on May 15.

Apr 2013 Question: Africa's highest point at 5895m and lowest point at -697m (lake-bed) both lie within which country?
show answer: Mt Kilimanjaro's peak and Lake Tanganyika's deepest point are both located in Tanzania, which celebrates Union Day on April 26.

Mar 2013 Question: Which mountainous European country boasts around 1400 islands and has a blue and white flag?
show answer: Greece, whose Independence Day falls on March 25.

Feb 2013 Question: Three nations share the island of Borneo but which is the only one entirely located on the island?
show answer: Brunei, which celebrates its National Day on February 23.

Jan 2013 Question: The January 14 festival called Uttarayan in Gujarat, India, is popularly accompanied by which activity?
show answer: Kite flying. Also celebrated in January is India's Republic Day so they have much to celebrate during the month.