Beyond the answers - interesting background to this quiz

The surprising capital of Ivory Coast

Many people assume Abidjan is the capital of Ivory Coast, since it remains the country's largest city and economic hub. However, the official political capital has been Yamoussoukro since 1983. The city is also notable for the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, one of the largest church buildings in the world.

The two spines of Mexico

Mexico's geography is dominated by two major mountain ranges: the Sierra Madre Occidental in the west and the Sierra Madre Oriental in the east. Between them lies the Mexican Plateau, where much of the country's population and many of its largest cities are located. These ranges shape regional climates, from arid northern deserts to more temperate central highlands.

Jean Valjean's long shadow

Jean Valjean, the central figure of Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, is one of literature's great studies in redemption. Imprisoned for stealing bread, he spends the novel pursued by the relentless inspector Javert while trying to build an honest life. The story spans decades of French history, including the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris.

Why XIV and not IVX

Roman numerals follow subtractive notation only in specific cases. The number 14 is written as XIV: ten plus four, with the four represented as one before five. The form IVX would be non-standard because the subtractive pair must be placed directly before the larger value it modifies.