Academic WorldQuest
Teams from each local public and private high school in the greater Charlotte region are invited to compete in this international knowledge competition on questions relating to foreign policy, geography, current events, and more.
Academic WorldQuest has grown in popularity that participating schools have assigned coaches and teams who compete for the honor of representing their school in this competition. This program encourages an understanding for global issues and team building in a very engaging (and fun) way. The winning school is then invited to participate in the national Academic WorldQuest held in Washington, D.C.
11. Q1. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s son Pax was adopted in 2007 from an orphanage in what Asian nation? A. Laos B. Cambodia C. Vietnam D. Thailand
12. Q1. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s new son Pax was adopted in 2007 from an orphanage in what Asian nation? A. Laos B. Cambodia C. Vietnam D. Thailand
23. Q5: Imagine this flag: There is a red isosceles triangle (based on the hoist side) dividing the flag into two right triangles; the upper triangle is green, the lower one is blue; a gold wreath encircling a gold olive branch is centered on the hoist side of the red triangle
30. 1. Where were 16 people killed by a double car bomb attack at the US Embassy in September 2008? A. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia B. Asmara, Eritrea C. Sanaa, Yemen D. Muscat, Oman
31. 2. What country is the first to pledge $1 billion to a new international fund to help Brazil save the Amazon rainforest, as long as it reduces deforestation? A. Norway B. Finland C. Japan D. Denmark
32. 3. Which nation’s president was asked to resign by the African National Congress in September 2008? A. Ghana B. South Africa C. Nigeria D. Liberia
33. 4. Which country wasn’t a news story during Barack Obama’s Presidential Election win? A. Japan B. Kenya C. Indonesia D. Mozambique
34. 5. In September 2008, the President of this South American country expelled the American Ambassador, Philip Goldberg, from the country for allegedly supporting rebel groups. A. Bolivia B. Peru C. Brazil D. Paraguay
35. 6. Once considered a member of the “Axis of Evil” by President Bush, this now compliant state was removed from the terrorism blacklist on October 11, 2008. A. Iran B. Iraq C. Syria D. North Korea
36. 7. Although the other four Scandinavian countries currently offer domestic partnerships to same-sex couples, this country became the first Scandinavian country to legalize same-sex marriage in June 2008. A. Sweden B. Norway C. Iceland D. Finland
45. 5. Where do the Blue Nile and White Nile converge? A. Luxor, Egypt B. Khartoum, Sudan C. Aswan, Egypt D. Giza, Egypt
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48. 8. What separates the two cities that make up Budapest, the capital city of Hungary? A. Drava River B. Don River C. Tisza River D. Danube River
49. 9. Besides the Vatican City, which has no permanent residents, which country has the smallest population? A. Tuvalu B. Palau C. Monaco D. San Marino
50. 10. Which is the geographically largest landlocked country? A. Kazakhstan B. Bolivia C. Mongolia D. Ethiopia
61. Answers: Round 2 1. Where were 16 people killed by a double car bomb attack at the US Embassy in September 2008? A. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia B. Asmara, Eritrea C. Sanaa, Yemen D. Muscat, Oman
62. Answers: Round 2 2. What country is the first to pledge $ 1 billion to a new international fund to help Brazil save the Amazon rainforest, as long as it reduces deforestation? A. Norway B. Finland C. Japan D. Denmak
63. Answers: Round 2 3. Which nation’s president was asked to resign by the African National Congress in September 2008? A. Ghana B. South Africa C. Nigeria D. Liberia Thabo Mbeki
64. Answers: Round 2 4. Which country wasn’t a news story for their celebrations of Barack Obama’s Presidential win? A. Japan B. Kenya C. Indonesia D. Mozambique
65. Answers: Round 2 5. In September 2008, the President of this South American country expelled the American ambassador, Philip Goldberg, from the country for allegedly supporting rebel groups? A. Bolivia B. Peru C. Brazil D. Paraguay
66. Answers: Round 2 6. Once considered a member of the “Axis of Evil” by President Bush, this now compliant state was removed from the terrorism blacklist on October 11, 2008 A. Iran B. Iraq C. Syria D. North Korea
67. Answers: Round 2 7. Although the other four Scandanavian countries currently offer domestic partnerships to same-sex couples, this country became the first Scandinavian state to legalize same-sex marriage in June 2008. A. Sweden B. Norway C. Iceland D. Finland
68. Answers: Round 2 8. Identify his name and country Name: Raul Castro, Country: Cuba Raúl Castro is the youngest brother of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro.
69. Answers: Round 2 9. Identify his name and country Name: Robert Mugabe Country: Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe is the president of Zimbabwe. He has served as head of state since 1980.
70. Answers: Round 2 10. Identify her name and country Name: Angela Merkel Country: Germany Angela Merkel is the Chancellor of Germany. She assumed office in November 2005
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75. Answers: Round 3 5. In which city do the Blue Nile and White Nile converge? A. Luxor, Egypt B. Khartoum, Sudan C. Aswan, Egypt D. Giza, Egypt
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78. Answers: Round 3 8. What separates the two cities that make up Budapest, the capital city of Hungary? A. Drava River B. Don River C. Tisza River D. Danube River
79. Answers: Round 3 9.Besides the Vatican City, which has no permanent residents, which country has the smallest population? A. Tuvalu B. Palau C. Monaco D. San Marino
80. Answers: Round 3 10. What is the geographically largest landlocked country? A. Kazakhstan B. Bolivia C. Mongolia D. Ethiopia
83. 2) During the hostage rescue, Colombian military intelligence agents disguised as rebels and aid workers arrived by helicopter at the group’s camp and pretended they were there to: A. Kills the hostages B. Transport the hostages elsewhere for the group C. Apply medical aid D. Interrogate the hostages
84. 3. The Chinese government announced that it would not be approving which class of visas until the conclusion of the Summer Olympic Games and Paralympics in Beijing were completed on September 20, 2008: A. Travel B. Business C. Student D. Permanent Residency
115. 2) During the hostage rescue, Colombian military intelligence agents disguised as rebels and aid workers arrived by helicopter at the group’s camp and pretended they were there to: Answers: Round 4 A. Kills the hostages B. Transport the hostages elsewhere for the group C. Apply medical aid D. Interrogate the hostages
116. Answers: Round 4 3. The Chinese government announced that it would not be approving which class of visas until the conclusion of the Summer Olympic Games and Paralympics in Beijing were completed on September 20, 2008: A. Travel B. Business C. Student D. Permanent Residency
117. Answers: Round 4 4. The Templeton Prize, founded in 1972 by philanthropist Sir John Templeton, is intended to promote progress in: A. Global Hunger B. Immunizations C. Reconciliation of Religion and Science D. Maternal and childhood health developments
118. Answers: Round 4 5. By the end of 2008, Iraqis budget surplus is likely to stand at what amount? A. $79 billion B. $979 billion C. $9 billion D. $579 million
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120. Answers: Round 4 7. Iran distributed an informal document entitled, “_________,” outlining their demands for concessions from the six global powers present at the meeting and stated that they should “refrain from taking any unilateral or multilateral action-or sanctions-against Iran, both inside and outside the UN Security Council? A. “Fair Treatment Paper” B. “No Sanctions Paper” C. “Security Partners Paper” D. “None Paper”
121. Answers: Round 4 8. In May 2008, which country successfully brokered a deal between the Sunni Muslims and Hezbollah-led Shi’a community in Lebanon to prevent a potential civil war between the two groups? A. France B. Qatar C. Bahrain D. United Arab Emirates
122. Answers: Round 4 9. According to the Great Decisions Update, with his own transition from President to Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin will now control the state coffers and the: A. State-operated oil company, Gazprom B. Military C. State-owned railway D. Television networks
123. Answers: Round 4 10. According to the Great Decisions Update, which action was recently legalized by the Russian parliament? A. Government access to medical records B. Government censorship of textbooks imported from abroad C. Denying public access to government spending records D. Assassinations committed outside of Russian territory
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125. Answers: Round 5 2. According to the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime, the inhabitants of which countries consume the most cocaine? A) Colombia and Bolivia B) UK and Greece C) US and Spain D) Afghanistan and Serbia
126. Answers: Round 5 3. Which group is not considered a terrorist organization by the US government? A. Al-Qaeda B. Hamas C. Al-Ahram D. Asbat al-Ansar
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128. Answers: Round 5 5. The largest number of people trafficked into the US come from which area? A) Eastern Europe B) East Asia and Pacific C) Sub-Saharan Africa D) Latin America
129. Answers: Round 5 6. Hezbollah, Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC), and the Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) are all designated by the US government as what type of organization? A. Islamic Parties B. Terrorist organizations C. Rogue states D. Expatriate groups
130. Answers: Round 5 7. In Counterterrorism terminology, which of these would be considered a “soft target?” A. Shopping Mall B. Airport C. Military Base D. Government Building
131. Answers: Round 5 8. According to the UN, it is estimated that what percentage of heroin shipments is intercepted worldwide? A. 85-90% B. 60-65% C. 30-35% D. 10-15%
132. Answers: Round 5 9. Taiwanese gangsters, who are often executives in large corporations, are involved in white-collar crimes such as illegal stock trading, bribery, and sometimes run for public office. Which well-known organization crime group is it? A. Heijin B. Jao Pho C. Pan Yin D. Triads
133. Answers: Round 5 10. INTERPOL, an international police agency that helps other law enforcement agencies track criminals who operate across national borders is headquartered in: A. United States B. France C. United Kingdom D. Switzerland
145. 1. Approximately one million people died during Ireland’s Great Potato Famine. What time period did this occur? A. 1786-1791 B. 1896-1901 C. 1915-1921 D. 1846-1851
146. 2. The Dutch United Provinces, which includes what is known as the Netherlands today, declared their independence from which European country in 1579? A. France B. Spain C. England D. Germany
147. 3. In 1960, Burkina Faso earned its independence from which colonial power? A. Portugal B. England C. Spain D. France
148. 4. A war between India and what was then East Pakistan in 1971 resulted in the formation of what country? A. Bangladesh B. Pakistan C. Nepal D. Bhutan
149. 5. The territory now known as Taiwan was first colonized by which European power in the 17 th century? A. England B. France C. Netherlands D. Portugal
150. 6. Lithuania gained independence in 1991 from the Soviet Union. Which Western organizations did it join in 2004? A. NAFTA & OPEC B. EU & NATO C. EU & NAFTA D. ECA & NATO
151. 7. The lands that make up Croatia today were part of which empire until the end of World War I? A. Austro-Hungarian B. British C. Italian D. French
152. 8. In 800 A.D., who was crowned the Holy Roman Emperor? A. Constantine I B. Charlemagne C. Constantine IV D. Justinian II
153. 9. In 1925, Japan finally allowed which group of people to vote? A. Men B. Women C. Koreans born in Japan D. Chinese born in Japan
154. 10. St. Patrick introduced Roman civilization and the Christian Church to Ireland. When did he die? A. 1861 B. 1061 C. 1561 D. 461
156. Q1: The New Zealand sport that involves rolling downhill inside a large clear plastic ball is called what? A. Crolling B. Zorbing C. Downing D. Kiwi Racing
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158. Q3: What is the official language of Brunei? A. Italian B. Arabic C. Malay D. Urdu
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160. Q5. In which European country has Sunday shopping been recently banned in agreement with the Roman Catholic Church? A. Croatia B. Belgium C. France D. Russia
161. Q6. In Bahrain, the dominant religion is: A. Shi’ism B. Roman Catholic C. Sunnism D. Judaism
162. Q7. The festival of Lights, also called Diwali is a time when many people light small clay pots to signify victory of good over the evil within an individual. It is considered a national festival for which two countries? A. China and Korea B. Mali and Senegal C. Italy and Greece D. India and Nepal
163. Q8. Which of these celebrities is NOT Canadian? A. Nelly Furtado B. Avril Lavigne C. Will.i.am D. Mel Gibson
164. Q9. This Jamaican is the World’s Fastest Man. What is his name?
165. Q10. The Dirham is the currency used in which of the following countries: A. Saudi Arabia B. United Arab Emirates C. Yemen D. Syria
166. Answers: Round 7 1. Approximately one million people died during Ireland’s Great Potato Famine. What time period did this occur? A. 1786-1791 B. 1896-1901 C. 1915-1921 D. 1846-1851
167. Answers: Round 7 2. The Dutch United Provinces, which includes what is known as the Netherlands today, declared their independence from which European country in 1579? A. France B. Spain C. England D. Germany
168. Answers: Round 7 3. In 1960, Burkina Faso earned its independence from which colonial power? A. Portugal B. England C. Spain D. France
169. Answers: Round 7 4. A war between India and what was then East Pakistan in 1971 resulted in the formation of what country? A. Bangladesh B. Pakistan C. Nepal D. Bhutan
170. Answers: Round 7 5. The territory now known as Taiwan was first colonized by which European power in the 17th century? A. England B. France C. Netherlands D. Portugal
171. Answers: Round 7 6. Lithuania gained independence in 1991 from the Soviet Union. Which Western organizations did it join in 2004? A. NAFTA & OPEC B. EU & NATO C. EU & NAFTA D. ECA & NATO
172. Answers: Round 7 7. The lands that make up Croatia today were part of which empire until the end of World War I? A. Austro-Hungarian B. British C. Italian D. French
173. Answers: Round 7 8. In 800 A.D., who was crowned the Holy Roman Emperor? A. Constantine I B. Charlemagne C. Constantine IV D. Justinian II
174. Answers: Round 7 9. In 1925, Japan finally allowed which group of people to vote? A. Men B. Women C. Koreans born in Japan D. Chinese born in Japan
175. Answers: Round 7 10. St. Patrick introduced Roman civilization and the Christian Church to Ireland. When did he die? A. 1861 B. 1061 C. 1561 D. 461
176. Q1: The New Zealand sport that involves rolling downhill inside a large clear plastic ball is called what? Answers: Round 8 A. Crolling B. Zorbing C. Downing D. Kiwi Racing
177. Answers: Round 8 Q2: The festival attracts more than 230,000 visitors every year and is the second most important event on the French Riviera after the Nice Carnival and is just ahead of the Monaco Formula I. Which one is it? A. The Cannes Film Festival B. The Chocolate Festival C. The Lavender Festival D. The Lemon Festival
178. Answers: Round 8 A. Italian B. Arabic C. Malay D. Urdu Q3: What is the official language of Brunei?
179. Answers: Round 8 Q4: What do these flags have in common? A. Red represents the blood of those who struggled for independence B. All three are on the continent of Africa C. The color green represents Agriculture/Land D. All three countries are predominantly Muslim
180. Answers: Round 8 Q5. In which European country has Sunday shopping been recently banned in agreement with the Roman Catholic Church? A. Croatia B. Belgium C. France D. Russia
181. Answers: Round 8 Q6. In Bahrain, the dominant religion is: A. Shi’ism B. Roman Catholic C. Sunnism D. Judaism
182. Answers: Round 8 Q7. The festival of Lights, also called Diwali is a time when many people light small clay pots to signify victory of good over the evil within an individual. It is considered a national festival for which two countries? A. China and Korea B. Mali and Senegal C. Italy and Greece D. India and Nepal
183. Answers: Round 8 Q8. Which of these celebrities is NOT Canadian? A. Nelly Furtado B. Avril Lavigne C. Will.i.am D. Mel Gibson
184. Answers: Round 8 Q9. This Jamaican is the World’s Fastest Man. What is his name? USAIN BOLT
185. Answers: Round 8 A. Saudi Arabia B. United Arab Emirates C. Yemen D. Syria Q10. The Dirham is the currency used in which of the following countries:
186. Thank You For Playing Congratulations to our Winners!!!
198. Q1: Identify the country of this flag: The flag is red with a blue border around the unique shape of the two overlapping right triangles; the smaller, upper triangle bears a while stylized moon and the larger, lower triangle bears a white 12-pointed sun.