Tropical Paradises or Not Trivia Quiz

Answer: Tropical and South Temperate

Hopefully you remembered that Australia is the answer to trivia chestnut " which continent is divided nearly in half by the Tropic of Capricorn". The Australian landmass ranges between about 15 and 45 degrees south latitude. Sydney, in the south, bears a striking resemblance to temperate San Francisco in many respects - even their relative northern/southern latitudes.

But Australia is also the tropical Great Barrier Reef and the crocodile-infested Top End of the "Crocodile Dundee" movies.

Answer: South Temperate

Many in the Northern Hemisphere lump Australia and New Zealand together as far flung bastions of the British Empire in the South Pacific, an opinion that wouldn't be popular in either country. In terms of geography, the northernmost point of New Zealand is about the same latitude as Sydney; and New Zealand extends below the 45th parallel in the south.

Answer: Tropical

The word "tropics" conjures up images of sandy beaches, relaxation, and perhaps naughtiness. Singapore, at least to those of us who haven't visited, doesn't fit this image. However, lying at the tip of the Malay Peninsula and extremely close to the equator, Singapore is definitely in the tropics.

Answer: North Temperate

The four major islands of Japan cover roughly the same degrees of latitude as most of the western United States (San Diego to Portland, Oregon). The prefecture of Okinawa, at approximately 26 degrees north latitude, is the closest Japan comes to reaching the tropics.

Answer: Tropical and North Temperate

India ranges between 37 degrees north latitude in the north to 8 degrees north latitude at its southernmost point, not including some offshore islands. The northern part, which includes the capital of New Delhi, reaches towards the Himalayas. Kolkata and the mouth of the Ganges River are close to the line of the Tropic of Cancer.

The southern peninsula, which includes most of the major cities, lies in the tropics.

Answer: North Temperate

Spain includes Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Costa del Sol, the Canary Islands, and other desirable vacation spots for Northern Europeans. These certainly the bill as ideal tropical vacations, don't they? Actually they're not in the tropics. Spain occupies the same latitudes as Baltimore to Boston in the USA, and even the Canary Islands are north of Miami.

Answer: North Temperate

Another favorite hot vacation spot, Turkey, also does not fall within the Tropics. It is roughly the same latitude as Spain and occupies the same general latitudes between the US East Central states up to around Boston. It's still a great vacation spot, even if it's not in the Tropics.

Answer: Tropical

Peru's neighbor to the north is Ecuador, which gives good indication that it's close to the equator and in the tropics. Peru is relatively moderate in size and extends only to about 15 degrees south latitude.

Answer: Tropical

The Maldive Islands are south of India at about 5 degrees north latitude. That's about the same latitude as Malaysia or Somalia. It certainly is a tropical paradise for vacationers and divers.

Answer: Tropical and North Temperate

Mexico borders on the U.S.A.; and so that makes it temperate, right? However, if you've ever traveled to the Yucatan Peninsula in the southern part of Mexico, you'll find jungle areas. In fact the large country of Mexico ranges between about 32 degrees latitude in the north to 16 degrees near its southern border.

Answer: North Temperate

It's easy to assume that Bermuda is an island in the middle of the Caribbean and therefore is one of those tropical paradises we dream about. However, Bermuda is actually in the Atlantic Ocean about 600 miles off of the coast of South Carolina at about 32 degrees latitude. Being a popular island vacation spot does not make it a tropical paradise.

Answer: Tropical

Trinidad and Tobago lies seven miles north of Venezuela at about 10 degrees north latitude. Trinidad is actually regarded geographically as part of South America, even though culturally it is thought of as the southernmost of the Caribbean islands. It's a nice vacation spot for its carnivals and noted for the origination of the steelpan drums.

Answer: South Temperate

The Falklands (or Islas Malvinas to Argentinians) lie a little northeast of Cape Horn at about 52 degrees south latitude. Although not in the tropics, the Falklands have become increasingly reliant on tourism, as well as fishing and possible oil exploration, as sources of revenue. Obviously being in the Temperate geographical zone doesn't guarantee a temperate climate.

Answer: Tropical

Indonesia is an archipelago consisting of about 13 thousand islands, lying between 11 degrees south latitude and 6 degrees north latitude. Major islands include Java, Sumatra, and the tropical island of Bali.

Answer: Tropical

Vietnam lies between 8 and 24 degrees north latitude. Those familiar with the Vietnam war will recall the steamy jungles and the monsoon season. Since the 1990s tourism has become increasingly important for Vietnam.