Beyond the answers - interesting background to this quiz

Why Canada’s size still surprises people

Canada is the second-largest country in the world by total area, behind only Russia. Its landmass includes an enormous variety of landscapes, from Arctic tundra in the north to temperate rainforests on the Pacific coast. Despite that size, much of the population lives in a relatively narrow band near the United States border, leaving vast regions sparsely inhabited.

The safety elevator and the birth of the skyscraper

Elisha Otis did not invent the elevator, but his 1852 safety brake made passenger elevators viable. Before his design, a broken rope could send a car crashing down. Otis famously demonstrated the device by cutting the rope while standing in an elevator, a dramatic public test that helped convince building owners to trust vertical transport. Without that innovation, tall buildings would have remained impractical.

The unusual origin of the chemical symbol Au

Gold’s chemical symbol Au comes from the Latin word aurum, meaning “shining dawn” or “glow of sunrise.” Many element symbols derive from Latin or Greek names rather than modern English ones, which is why gold is Au, silver is Ag from argentum, and iron is Fe from ferrum. This can make the periodic table feel inconsistent, but it preserves centuries of scientific tradition.

Baku, a capital below sea level

Baku is not only the capital of Azerbaijan but also one of the lowest-lying national capitals in the world, sitting about 28 metres below sea level. The city lies on the Absheron Peninsula along the Caspian Sea and has long been known for its oil industry. Its mix of modern architecture, medieval walls, and dramatic coastal setting makes it a distinctive capital.