Beyond the answers - interesting background to this quiz

A dish that tells the story of a country

Sushi is often described as Japan's national dish, and its history stretches back centuries. What began as a method of preserving fish in fermented rice gradually evolved into the refined cuisine we recognise today. The version most people know - fresh fish on seasoned rice - took shape much later, and regional styles still differ widely across Japan.

The many faces of the European Union

The European Union is a political and economic union of member states, but not every European country belongs to it. Norway and Switzerland have chosen to stay outside, while Turkey has long sought membership without joining. Germany and France, by contrast, were founding members of the European Communities that eventually became the EU.

One lake, two great rivers

Lake Tana in Ethiopia is the source of the Blue Nile, which flows onward to meet the White Nile at Khartoum in Sudan. Together they form the Nile, the river that has sustained Egypt for millennia. The Blue Nile carries a large share of the river's water during the flood season, making Lake Tana a remarkably influential stretch of water.

Mary Shelley's lasting invention

Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein, published in 1818, when she was still in her early twenties. The novel grew out of a storytelling challenge among friends during a stay near Lake Geneva. Often called an early example of science fiction, it has shaped how we imagine scientists, creation and responsibility ever since.