Countries of the World Cryptograms Quiz

Answer: Brazil

There are a few ways to approach solving this first cryptogram. One could use trial and error for every country whose name is six letters long (with no repeats), but that would take a long time. Looking at the image might make one think of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, so one could try Brazil. Solving subsequent cryptograms would help to confirm this decision.

This gives us T = B, M = R, P = A, U = Z, B = I and C = L all of which we can apply to the rest of the quiz.

Brazil is the largest country in South America, and since 1960 its capital has been Brasilia. Its main language is Portuguese and one of its main features is the Amazon river and surrounding rainforest. Exports include coffee and football (soccer) players, such as Pele, not to mention Formula 1 drivers like Senna and the Fittipaldi family.

Answer: New Zealand

One thing to notice about this cryptogram is the group of four letters at its end - CPEF. If we have solved the previous puzzle, we already know that CP = LA and can surmise that EF = ND, giving us LAND, which occurs in the names of a number of countries. We also already know that U = Z, which gives us the beginning letter of the second word here. Having decided on New Zealand, we can add N = E, J = W and the aforementioned E = N and F = D to our alphabet.

The silhouette of a kiwi might have also helped one decide on the country, as New Zealanders are often called Kiwis after the flightless bird native to their homeland.

Situated across the Tasman Sea from Australia, New Zealand has three main islands (North, South and Stewart) and is known for producing excellent rugby teams and being the location for the filming of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Oh, and one mustn't forget 1967 F1 champion Denny Hulme!

Answer: Iceland

If one has solved the first two items, this one should pose little problem, as we already know all but one letter from those solutions. B = I, I = ?, N = E, and CPEF = LAND, giving a choice of IRELAND or ICELAND. However, we know that M represents R in the code, so the answer must be Iceland, and I = C.

The outline map of Iceland might have helped, too.

Situated in the North Atlantic, Iceland attracts tourists who want to see its volcanoes and hot springs and otherwise beautiful countryside. Famous Icelanders include the singer Bjork, "Mastermind" presenter Magnus Magnusson and a number of competitors in World's Strongest Man competitions.

Answer: Andorra

Once again, we already have most of the letters needed to solve this one, with only Y being a mystery. So, PEF = AND, Y = ?, MMP = RRA. The only possibility with these letters is Andorra, meaning that Y = O.

The image is a map of Andorra with its national flag superimposed.

Andorra sits high in the Pyrenees Mountains, between France and Spain, and it is best known as a tax haven and for having good skiing. Its official language is Catalan, and the country has produced a number of soccer players and Alpine skiers.

Answer: Mexico

Having solved the previous cryptograms, one notices that only G and L are unsolved in this one. Already we have _ E _ ICO, which, along with the eagle with snake on a cactus, should confirm that this country is Mexico. This means that G = M and L = X.

Mexico is North America's third country (after Canada and the USA) and is often a tourist destination for people from those northern neighbours. For those who don't simply enjoy relaxing in a warm, sunny place, visits to Mayan ruins can be arranged.

Answer: Switzerland

This long word might seem intimidating at first, but when one thinks about it, how many countries have names this long? Besides, a lot of these letters are already known from those already solved.
From the CPEF group one can say the country has the ending LAND, leaving HJBXUNM to be solved. Filling in known letters gives _ WI _ZERLAND, which can only be Switzerland; H = S and X =T.

The Swiss army knife in the image might also have helped.

Besides that very handy pocket tool, Switzerland makes one think of mountains, yodellers, banks and Saint Bernard dogs amongst other things. Neutrality during wartime and the Red Cross also come to mind. The Swiss flag is similar in design to that of the Red Cross, with the colours reversed.

Answer: Mongolia

Looking back we can see that we know what all of the letters but one represent. That letter is the W. The known letters give us MON_OLIA, which leads to the conclusion that W = G and the country is Mongolia.

The image is a map of Mongolia with the flag superimposed.

Sandwiched between Russia and China, Mongolia remains mysterious to most Westerners. One thinks of nomadic people in yurts and remembers Genghis Khan. The country is also rich in resources like copper, gold, silver and coal.

Answer: Iraq

The first three letters here are already known. BMP = IRA leaving only the S to be identified. Two countries would fit the first three letters, but as we already know that E = N this country can not be Iran. We conclude that S must equal Q and the country we seek is Iraq.

The image is of an ancient ziggurat located in Iraq.

Iraq was much in the news in the early part of the 21st century, most of it sad and upon which we won't dwell here. It was known in earlier times as Mesopotamia, or the land between the rivers, those being the Tigris and the Euphrates.

Answer: Kenya

Using what we have already learned, one can see that only the R and V are left to be solved here. The country's name is _ EN _ A, which together with the image of the elephant should suggest Kenya. This means R = K and V = Y.

The elephant image was meant to suggest an African country where these creatures are found.

Kenya is in eastern Africa, with a coast on the Indian Ocean. One could take a photo safari in the Masai Mara Reserve to see some elephants and other wildlife. Among those associated with Kenya are members of the Leakey family of archaeologists, and any number of long distance runners both male and female.

Answer: Costa Rica

The good news here is that we already know what all of these letters represent! Even if we are still unsure of some of them, the fact that the country has two words in its name is useful in deciding what we need. If some doubt remains, the image is a map of the country with its flag overlaid, which should be helpful.

Costa Rica is in Central America, and is a popular tourist destination, offering sun, sea, sand and ziplines. One person I know goes there frequently to birdwatch. Though it is a small country, its national football (soccer) team has made several appearances at FIFA's World Cup, including Qatar 2022, where it won its match against Japan (and lost its other two matches).