Christmas quiz: an A to Z of capital cities, from Athens to …
- How well do you – and your friends and family – know your capital cities?
- Try making your way through the alphabet and around the world as quickly as you can
Christmas is a time of giving and goodwill, turkey and too much alcohol. In some competitive households, it is also an excuse for a festive quiz. If you plan to host or attend one this year – perhaps virtually – here’s a way to unnerve your opponents before the main event starts.
Memorise the information below then casually suggest a warm-up race through the alphabet, naming capital cities beginning with each letter.
Quiz lovers rarely turn down a challenge, so it won’t be long until someone gets the ball rolling with Athens. As they are discussing whether Amsterdam is acceptable (The Hague is the administrative capital of the Netherlands but Amsterdam is the official capital), chip in with Amman (Jordan) and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). Now that you’ve got everyone’s attention, begin brainstorming B.
The group are sure to come up with Beijing, Bangkok and Berlin in no time, but while they are congratulating themselves, nonchalantly point out that Baku (Azerbaijan) is the world’s lowest lying capital, at 28 metres below sea level. Bask in the admiring looks and turn the attention to C.
Canberra and Copenhagen are likely to lead the way but if anyone suggests Cairo, remind them that it won’t be for much longer. Egypt’s new administrative capital, Wedian City, is due for completion in 2022.