Beyond the answers - interesting background to this quiz

A kingdom that became a rare absolute monarchy

Eswatini, whose capital is Mbabane, is one of the world's last remaining absolute monarchies. The country was known as Swaziland until 2018, when King Mswati III officially changed its name to mark the 50th anniversary of independence from British rule. Mbabane is the administrative capital, while Lobamba serves as the royal and legislative capital, a dual arrangement that sometimes confuses geography enthusiasts.

The guillotine and the end of the French monarchy

King Louis XVI was executed in January 1793, months after the monarchy was abolished and the First French Republic was proclaimed. His trial before the National Convention ended with a narrow vote for execution. The guillotine had been adopted as France's official method of execution partly because it was considered more humane and egalitarian than previous methods, which had often differed by social class.

A river that shaped London's identity

The Thames has been central to London's development as a port, trade hub, and cultural centre. Unlike many European capitals built on large rivers, London grew around a relatively modest waterway that nevertheless allowed tidal access from the North Sea. The river's name likely derives from a Celtic word meaning "dark" or "flowing", and it remains strongly associated with landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, and the annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.

Murray River - Australia's longest waterway

The Murray River stretches over 2,500 kilometres through southeastern Australia, forming part of the border between New South Wales and Victoria. It is central to the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia's most significant agricultural region. The river supports irrigation for fruit, wine, and grain production, but its flow has long been a subject of debate among states, farmers, and environmental groups concerned about water allocation.

Parkas - from Arctic necessity to global fashion

The word "parka" comes from the Nenets language of Arctic Russia and originally referred to an animal-skin garment worn by indigenous peoples of the far north. Traditional parkas were designed for extreme cold, often featuring hoods lined with fur to protect the face from wind and frost. The design was later adopted by military forces operating in cold climates and eventually became a staple of everyday winter fashion worldwide.