Beyond the answers - interesting background to this quiz

The Baltic capital with a baroque heart

Vilnius is not only the capital of Lithuania, but also one of Europe's most geographically unusual capitals, sitting close to the country's southeastern border rather than near its centre. Its Old Town is among the largest surviving medieval old towns in Northern Europe and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has long been shaped by Polish, Russian and Jewish cultural influences, which remain visible in its architecture and street layout.

Why July 4, 1776 is only part of the story

The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, but the formal signing by most delegates took place later, mainly in August of that year. The document primarily explained the colonies' reasons for separating from Britain, drawing heavily on Enlightenment ideas about natural rights and government by consent. It did not establish a working government; that task fell to the Articles of Confederation and later the Constitution.

Ethanol, the alcohol found in drinks and fuels

Ethanol, with the formula C2H5OH, is the type of alcohol present in beer, wine and spirits. It is also widely used as a solvent, an antiseptic and a biofuel, often blended with petrol. The molecule is small enough to mix easily with water, which is why alcoholic drinks can be diluted without separating. In industrial settings, much of the world's ethanol is produced by fermenting sugars from crops such as corn or sugarcane.

Ratatouille's humble origins in Provence

Traditional ratatouille is a vegetable stew associated with Provence in southern France, typically built around aubergine, courgette, peppers, tomatoes and onions. It began as a rural dish that made use of abundant summer produce, often cooked slowly with olive oil and herbs. The name comes from the French verb touiller, meaning to stir or toss. Its modern international fame owes much to the 2007 animated film, though the movie version is a more refined presentation than the rustic original.