If You Know Where 17/24 of These Obscure Countries Are, You’re a Geography Whiz

By: Lauren Lubas
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
If You Know Where 17/24 of These Obscure Countries Are, You’re a Geography Whiz
Image: AlexSava/E+/Getty Images

About This Quiz

While most people can name some of the biggest industrial countries in the world, few realize that there are 195 countries out there, and you probably haven't even heard of many of them. These countries are on various continents, have some very interesting names and are rather obscure, because they don't necessarily export a lot and they generally just keep to themselves. Few of these countries get involved in wars, and some of them are so new you may not even recognize their names.

Whether you consider yourself a geography whiz or you simply like to look up hilarious names for countries that are out there, this quiz is definitely for you. We're going to take you around the world and point at some really interesting countries. If you know where they are or how to find them on a map, you will pass this quiz with flying colors.

It might seem pretty easy, but you may just be pulling your hair out by the end of this quiz. Don't worry — if you can simply tell us where to find 17 of the countries that we found, we'll be incredibly impressed. After all, some of the best geographers out there probably have no idea where some of these countries are. 

1 - Oman
Kerrick/E+/Getty Images
Oman is a coastal country that can be found where in the world?
The Arabian Peninsula
The Indian subcontinent
West Africa
South Africa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Officially known as the Sultanate of Oman, this Arab country is found bordering Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Surrounded by the turmoil in the Middle East, the government of Oman is a monarchy with a parliamentary system.

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2 - Chad
Michael Runkel/robertharding/Getty Images
The country of Chad might be named after your friend, but do you know where it is?
Central Europe
Central Africa
Central Asia
Central America
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although we don't often hear much about the Republic of Chad outside of political unrest, it's a relatively large country that is mostly desert landscape. It has a population of close to 15 million people, despite its climate.

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3 - Indonesia
Markus Gebauer Photography/Moment/Getty Images
Can you guess where Indonesia is?
South of Australia
East of Japan
West of Burma
North of Australia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Republic of Indonesia is a country made up of over 17,000 islands and is considered the largest island country in the world. It is right between Thailand and Australia, sitting between the Indian and Pacific oceans.

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4 - Nauru
(c) HADI ZAHER/Moment Open/Getty Images
Where can you find Nauru, the smallest country that is not a city-state?
South of the Solomon Islands
Off the coast of India
East of the Solomon Islands
In the Red Sea
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Nauru holds the record for being the smallest in many different ways. First, it is the smallest island country on the planet. Next, it is the smallest republic, and finally, it is the smallest country that is not owned or governed by another country.

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5 - Myanmar
Claude LeTien/Moment/Getty Images
Also known as Burma, Myanmar can be found where?
Between Cambodia and Vietnam
Hudson
South of Thailand
Just north of Thailand
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Myanmar has a rich religious history. Although Myanmar is a Southeast Asian country, it has a very diverse population. Living in this small country, you can find over 100 ethnic groups.

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6 - North Macedonia
Francisco Goncalves/Moment/Getty Images
On which continent would you find North Macedonia?
Europe
Africa
North America
Australia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Once a part of Yugoslavia, North Macedonia is situated on the Balkan Peninsula in Europe. It declared its independence in 1991, making it one of the younger countries you can find on a world map.

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7 - Guyana
Brandon Rosenblum/Moment Open/Getty Images
Guyana is a pretty small country, but it has a coastline where?
South of Brazil
North of Brazil
North of Puerto Rico
South of Bolivia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Guyana is an English-speaking country that can be found in northern South America. While the majority of the country is covered in rainforest, the capital city has a lot of beautiful architecture.

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8 - Mali
robertharding/DigitalVision/Getty Images
Can you tell us where the landlocked country of Mali is?
Southern Europe
Northern Europe
Northern Africa
Southern Africa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You may not hear a lot about Mali, but it is the eighth-largest country in Africa (by square miles). It's a relatively young country, as over 2/3 of the population is under the age of 30.

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9 - Papua New Guinea
Yunaidi Joepoet/Moment/Getty Images
Where in the world is Papua New Guinea?
Just south of Australia
Off the eastern coast of the United States
South of Brazil
Just north of Australia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There may be a lot of active volcanoes in Papua New Guinea, but there are also gorgeous coastlines with beautiful coral reefs. It is a destination for any world travelers who love the ocean and beaches.

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10 - Bhutan
Baron Reznik (www.reznik.net)/Moment/Getty Images
Bhutan might have a name that looks odd to English speakers, but where can you find this country?
East of Nepal
West of India
North of China
South of Laos
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This small South Asian country is home to epic landscape changes that include mountainous areas and plains. It is best known as a Buddhist kingdom that houses some of the most beautiful monasteries in the world.

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11 - Kyrgyzstan
Eitan Simanor/Stockbyte/Getty Images
If you know where most of the -stan countries are located, can you tell us where we can find Kyrgyzstan?
Just south of Pakistan
Just north of Tajikistan
Just west of Turkmenistan
Far north or Uzbekistan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It might be a mouthful to say, but Kyrgzstan has a very mountainous landscape as well as over 6 million people in its population. It is surrounded by other countries that end in -stan, so if you're not a geography expert, it can be a little confusing to remember exactly where it is.

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12 - Moldova
Michael Runke/Getty Images
On which continent is Moldova?
South America
Asia
Europe
Africa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Once known as the Soviet Republic, Moldova sits between Ukraine and Romania. It is filled with Soviet architecture and historical sites, museums and artwork. Those who travel to eastern Europe cannot forget to add this to their itineraries.

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13 - Tunisia
Max shen/Moment/Getty Images
Where can you find Tunisia?
Southern Europe
Eastern Asia
Southern North America
Northern Africa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While Africa itself has a lot of history, Tunisia holds much of the world's history in its museums. Not only will you find archaeological exhibits in the Bardo Museum there, you will also see Islamic art and work from the early Romans.

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14 - Estonia
visualspace/E+/Getty Images
Can you tell us where to find Estonia?
Across the Baltic Sea from Finland
Across the Black Sea from Romania
To the east of the Caspian Sea
On the southern shores of the Mediterranean Sea
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Many don't realize that Estonia used to be a part of the Soviet Union until 1991. While you may know that Estonia is on the Gulf of Finland, you may not realize that the country is home to over 1,000 islands.

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15 - Belize
Mlenny/E+/Getty Images
If you're looking at a map, how would you find Belize?
Look in Eastern Europe
Look in Central America
Look in southern Asia
Check out the islands just north of Australia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

On the Caribbean Sea, you will find several smaller countries, but Belize is connected to Central America, just north of Guatemala. Not only is Belize beautiful, it has a lot of history and is home to Mayan ruins.

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16 - Venezuela
apomares/E+/Getty Images
Venezuela is a little more well-known, but do you know where it is?
Just south of Chile
Just west of France
Just north of Brazil
Just east of Vietnam
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although we rarely think of Venezuela as a rich country, it does have a lot of exports that are worth a lot of money around the world. As a matter of fact, in the early 1900s, oil wells were discovered, making Venezuela the owners of some of the world's largest reserves.

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17 - Togo
Peeter Viisimaa/Photodisc/Getty Images
Do you know where the country of Togo is?
Near the Mediterranian Sea in Europe
Near Iran
Just east of China
Near the Gulf of Guinea in Africa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When you think of Africa, you probably think mostly of ancient archaeological sites and desert landscape. Togo is the kind of country that can prove you wrong. It is considered a tourist destination and includes cultural and historical sites.

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18 - Djibouti
Michael Runkel / robertharding/Getty Images
It might be difficult to say "Djibouti," but do you think you know where this country is?
On the Horn of Africa
In south Africa
In the Middle East
In the Pacific Islands
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you're looking for the saltiest bodies of water in the world, you need look no further than Djibouti. This small East African country has gorgeous landscapes and interesting outdoor activities.

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19 - Eritrea
muendo/E+/Getty Images
Which sea makes up the coastline of Eritrea?
The Black Sea
The Red Sea
The Caspian Sea
The Mediterranean Sea
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sharing borders with Ethiopia and Sudan, Eritrea can be found just north of the Horn of Africa, making it situated directly on the Red Sea. For a smaller country, it has a population of nearly 4.5 million people.

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20 - Cyprus
nejdetduzen/Moment/Getty Images
Where will you find the island country of Cyprus?
In the Black Sea
In the Gulf of Mexico
In the Mediterranean Sea
Off of the Yucatan Peninsula
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although it lies in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is considered a Middle Eastern country. It can be found off the coasts of Lebanon and Turkey, and though it is large, it is only the third-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.

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21 - Qatar
Matteo Colombo/Moment/Getty Images
Can you tell us where to find the small country of Qatar?
North of Turkey
North of Greece
Next to Italy
Next to Saudi Arabia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Qatar might be near the most ancient civilizations in the world, but it is definitely a place of the future. The skyscrapers are done in gorgeous modern and futurist architectural styles, calling tourists from around the world.

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22 - Gambia
Geraint Rowland Photography/Moment/Getty Images
The Gambia has a small Atlantic coastline, but do you know where it is?
West Africa
East South America
West South America
East Africa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Gambia may be small, but it is home to wildlife reserves and national parks that help protect some of Africa's most precious wildlife. Kiang West National Park has diverse habitats for all of its animals.

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23 - Fiji
Mike Mackinven/Moment/Getty Images
If you know that Fiji is made up of 300 islands, do you think you can guess which ocean it's in?
Atlantic
Pacific
Arctic
Indian
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When you think of paradise, chances are you are imagining one of the many beaches that rests on an island in Fiji. A popular tourist destination, the islands of Fiji are peppered throughout the South Pacific.

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24 - Latvia
Marcus Lindstrom/E+/Getty Images
There are several small European countries. Can you tell us where Latvia is?
Just south of Germany
Just south of Italy
Just south of Estonia
Just south of France
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Those who are looking for the best of both worlds should make a stop in Latvia during their European vacation. The country is full of lush forests and beautiful beaches that line the Baltic Sea.

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25 - Slovenia
AleksandarGeorgiev/E+/Getty Images
Where would someone find Slovenia?
Near Egypt
Near Georgia
Near China
Near Austria
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mountains, lakes, valleys and forests are just a few of the scenic areas you will find in Slovenia. Additionally, this country has some gorgeous classic architecture surrounding its historical and natural sites.

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26 - Suriname
David Forman/Photodisc/Getty Images
Do you know which continent Suriname is on?
South America
Europe
Asia
Africa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you were a geography expert back in the day, you may know Suriname as Dutch Guiana. These days, it is considered one of the most diverse countries in South America, as it is home to Indians, Javanese and descendants of African slaves.

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27 - Malawi
christophe_cerisier/E+/Getty Images
Where on the map would one find Malawi?
In the Pacific Ocean
In Africa
North of Iran
Next to Japan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When compared to other African countries, Malawi is actually pretty small, but it has a lot of great reasons to visit. Not only are the people there considered some of the nicest in the world, but its freshwater lake is also one of the most beautiful on the planet.

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28 - Burundi
guenterguni/E+/Getty Images
Where in Africa is Burundi?
West of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
North of Uganda
East of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
North of Rwanda
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Republic of Burundi is might not be in international news every day, but it does have quite the economy. The country produces tea and coffee, earning it a higher revenue than many other African countries.

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29 - Benin
peeterv/E+/Getty Images
On which body of water does Benin have a coastline?
Black Sea
Gulf of Mexico
Mediterranean Sea
Gulf of Guinea
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Once known as Dahomey, Benin is considered to be one of the most stable democracies in Africa. If you look at the shape of the country, you will see it's a little odd, but has perfect access to the Atlantic.

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30 - Northern Mariana Islands
KAZUYA TANAKA/amanaimagesRF/Getty Images
The Northern Mariana Islands can be found where?
East of the Philippines
West of the Philippines
South of Australia
South of Papua New Guinea
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This island country is officially known as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. That can be a mouthful, so most people just call it the Northern Mariana Islands. The country is known for its beautiful views and interesting history.

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31 - Haiti
John Seaton Callahan/Moment/Getty Images
Haiti shares an island with which country?
Puerto Rico
Dominican Republic
Cuba
Cayman
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Haiti is considered to be one of the most visited Caribbean countries. Tourists flock there for its beautiful views, great people and unique food. These tourists helped to build the country's economy over the years.

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32 - The Bahamas
©thierrydehove.com/Moment/Getty Images
Where are The Bahamas?
South America
The Pacific Ocean
The Caribbean
South Africa
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Just south of Florida, you can find the Bahamas. The country is well-known for its perfect tropical weather all year, and boasts a solid tourist economy that attracts more and more people every year.

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33 - Czechia
Miguel Sanz/Moment/Getty Images
Czechia, or the Czech Republic, was founded in 1993. Where is it?
Eastern Europe
Western Europe
Southern Europe
Central Europe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Once a part of Czechoslovakia, the Czech Republic (also known as Czechia) has some of the most beautiful European landscapes available. This country is rich in European history as it lies directly in the center of the continent.

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34 - Maldives
levente bodo/Moment/Getty Images
Where would you find the island country of Maldives?
South of India
North of England
West of Africa
North of Japan
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When it comes to tropical vacations and outdoor sports, tourists love to visit the Maldives. This country is picturesque and offers travelers a way to engage in their journey, instead of passively watching the waves roll by.

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35 - United Arab Emirates
EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER/E+/Getty Images
On which body of water would you find United Arab Emirates?
Red Sea
Persian Gulf
Arabian Sea
Gulf of Aden
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Those who have never been to the Middle East might not realize that there are some very modern and even futuristic cities available for tourists. In UAE, you can find Dubai and Abu Dhabi, cities that are gorgeous and ahead of their time.

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36 - Malaysia
Yongyuan Dai/E+/Getty Images
Do you know where Malaysia is?
North of Burma
South of Indonesia
South of Thailand
North of Vietnam
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Although you may not hear a lot about Malaysia, it has a booming economy. The tourist economy enjoys gorgeous cities and vast beaches while the financial economy has become a power player in the world market.

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37 - Bangladesh
By shibu bhattacharjee/Moment Open/Getty Images
Can you tell us where we might find Bangladesh?
West of India
South of Africa
North of Europe
East of India
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you're looking for the longest sea beach in the world, you need look no further than Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar. This beach is well-known for its stunning views and wonderful people.

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38 - Cameroon
Carsten ten Brink/Moment Open/Getty Images
Cameroon is on which continent?
Africa
Europe
Antarctica
Asia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you've never heard of Cameroon, it's time to find out a bit more. The African country has a booming agricultural center that produces everything from bananas to coffee to cotton.

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39 - Guinea-Bissau
Michele D'Amico supersky77/Moment Open/Getty Images
Where would you find the country of Guinea-Bissau?
The Pacific Ocean
West Africa
South Africa
Asia
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In West Africa, you can find a lot of smaller countries, and most of them have great tourist attractions such as beautiful beaches and landscapes. However, Guinea-Bissau has a little more sordid history, as it attracted South American drug lords as a stop for deliveries to Europe.

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40 - Lesotho
Nadine Swart/Moment Open/Getty Images
Do you know which country completely encircles the country of Lesotho?
Botswana
Namibia
South Africa
Zimbabwe
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Also known as the Kingdom of Lesotho, this landlocked country is well known for its near-perfect mountain view and beautiful countrysides. The interesting thing about Lesotho is that it is completely surrounded by another country: South Africa.

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You Got:
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