'Atlas'! It's a Map Quiz!

Answer: Cuba

Discovered by Christopher Columbus and claimed by the Spanish, Cuba is an island nation less than one hundred miles south of Florida. Known for communism, beautiful resorts, and rum production, Cuba is actually a vibrant cultural haven. The capital city, located on the island's northern coast, is Havana; it's home to a beautifully-restored downtown area, a fortified coastline, and many historical landmarks. Along the southern shore of the country is Guantánamo Bay, known for its use as a maximum security military detention camp used by the United States.

Answer: Argentina

Argentina is the eighth-largest country in the world and it borders all of the other answer options-- Uruguay, Brazil, and Chile. Brazil is the largest country by population and area in South America. The capital city, Buenos Aires, is one of the largest Spanish-speaking capitals in the world and is reputedly the birthplace of the tango.

In Argentina you can also visit the rolling plains inhabited by Gauchos, the mountains of the Andes in the west, the deserts and rainforest in the north, and the iceberg-laden waters of the southern tip.

Answer: Poland

One of the more northerly countries of Central Europe, Poland rests to the northeast of Germany on the Baltic Sea, across from Scandinavia. Highly affected by the influences of World War II, Poland has grown to become one of the most respectable nations (in terms of living conditions) in all of Europe.

The capital city, Warsaw, is situated on the Vistula River and is known for a rich cultural history, much of which is situated around the arts; famous composer Frédéric Chopin was born in this city.

Answer: Israel

Israel, found on the Mediterranean Sea, is a nation with a deep religious history. From Jerusalem to the Jordan River, the country contains many sites mentioned in the Bible. In addition, Israel is home to the Dead Sea, the world's lowest and saltiest body of water.

The city of Tel Aviv, on the northwest coast, is a bustling city known for its tourism and commerce; surprisingly it's one of the most popular resort cities in the Middle East. Israel has the highest concentration of Jewish citizens in the world.

Answer: Sierra Leone

One of the world's largest diamond producers, Sierra Leone is a country filled with poverty in Western Africa. Its southern coast sits on the Atlantic Ocean while its borders place it between Guinea and Liberia. The capital city, Freetown, was highly-affected by the slave trade in past centuries; now it's a cultural mixing pot for native residents and few European settlers.

The nation gained independence from Britain in the early 1960s. Thirty years later, the nation suffered in a civil war.

Answer: Namibia

Namibia is a country of deserts along the southwestern coast of Africa. The capital city of Windhoek is a mere oasis in a sea of sand. A lot of the country's economy is based around eco-tourism, particularly in regards to safaris and hunting on the dry African plains. Only one other country in the world is more sparsely populated: Mongolia.
Namibia became an independent nation in 1990 after a war for sovereignty though it still remains close with South Africa, its southern border.

Answer: Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is one of the largest countries in the world though it's still dwarfed by bordering Russia. Ascension Cathedral can be found in the city of Almaty in the south end of the country; Almaty was once the capital of Kazakhstan but in 1997 it was switched to Astana in the country's northern half. Astana literally translates to the word 'capital'-- perhaps a good sign.
Kazakhstan became independent of the USSR in 1991 at which point the USSR dissolved as well. It's also landlocked, as you can see on the map.

Answer: Japan

Japan consists of four major islands-- Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu-- as well as hundreds of outlying landmasses offshore. Found off the eastern coast of continental Asia, Japan is a mecca for technology, Shintoism, and efficiency. From the serene Mount Fuji to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, there's something to offer in Tokyo for every type of visitor.
Besides Tokyo, Japan is also home to Osaka, Kyoto, and Sapporo. Many call the nation 'The Land of the Rising Sun' because it's one of the first countries on the globe to see sunlight every day.

Answer: Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is a unique nation home to a truly diverse ecosystem. Many undiscovered species of animals and plants make their home on this island. The island is also culturally-diverse. Because Papua New Guinea was once under the rule of Great Britain and Australia, English is the most predominant language.

There are, however, hundreds of other dialects and language in the communities scattered throughout the nation. The capital city, Port Moresby, is on the southern coast and while it's home to several hundred thousand residents, it's considered one of the world's least-livable cities (along with Harare, Zimbabwe and Dhaka, Bangladesh).

Answer: New Zealand

Home to the Maori people, bungee jumping, Zorbing, and the set of the "Lord of the Rings" films, New Zealand is home to a diverse landscape across its North and South Islands. The North Island contains Auckland and Wellington; more than three quarters of New Zealanders live here.

The South Island is the larger of the two and contains Christchurch and Dunedin. Situated between two different tectonic plates, New Zealand is home to a southern mountain range and occasional seismic activity. Additionally, the island contains varied weather throughout due to its unique placement and landmasses. New Zealand is also home to the kiwi bird...and lots of sheep.