· Austria Population 8.6 million Joined EU in 1995 Capital (a) Salzburg (b) Vienna (c) Graz Answer: (b) Vienna Geographical What is the famous river that inspired a well-known

European Union Country Cards

The cards in this pack include the 28 European Union (EU) Member States and the five current Candidate Countries in alphabetical order.

Each card indicates when a country joined the EU or states if it is a Candidate Country. Questions include the capital of each country plus a geographical, historical and cultural question.

The cards are A5 sized – to print two per sheet on A4 paper, select ‘multiple’ and ‘2 pages per sheet’ in the print dialogue box.

Albania

Albania

Population 2.9 million Candidate Country – no joining date agreed

Capital(a) Durres (b) Tirana (c) VloreAnswer: (a) Tirana

GeographicalHow much of this country is mountainous?(a) None(b) 20%(c) 70%Answer: (c) 70% is mountainous and rugged terrain.

HistoricalWhat led to many Albanians migrating to Italy, Greece, Switzerland and Germany in the 1990s ?(a) Drought(b) Economic instability(c) FloodingAnswer: (a) Economic instability following the collapse of the communist regime. CultureWhat famous dessert is from Albania although other countries also claim it as theirs?(a) Black Forest Gateau(b) Clafoutis(c) BaklavaAnswer: (c) Baklava (a is German, b is French)

Austria

Austria

Population 8.6 million Joined EU in 1995

Capital(a) Salzburg (b) Vienna (c) GrazAnswer: (b) Vienna

GeographicalWhat is the famous river that inspired a well-known piece of music?(a) Danube(b) Elbe(c) RhineAnswer: (a) Danube

HistoricalWhat country did Austria have a joint empire with during the First World War? (a) Hungary(b) Germany(c) CroatiaAnswer: (a) Hungary CultureWhich composer was born in Salzburg? (a) Schubert(b) Beethoven(c) MozartAnswer: (c) Mozart

Belgium

Belgium

Population 11.3 million Joined EU in 1957 (founding member)

Capital(a) Brussels (b) Bruges (c) NamurAnswer: (a) Brussels

GeographicalHow many countries does Belgium share borders with? (a) Two(b) Three(c) FourAnswer: (c) Four – France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands

HistoricalWhat title does the Head of State have? (a) King or Queen(b) President(c) ChancellorAnswer: (a) King or Queen CultureWhat shellfish is popular with fries?(a) Crab(b) Crayfish(c) MusselsAnswer: (c) Mussels

Bulgaria

Bulgaria


Capital(a) Pleven (b) Sliven (c) SofiaAnswer: (c) Sofia

GeographicalWhich cross-roads is Bulgaria often said to be at?(a) North and South(b) Old and New (Europe) (c) East and WestAnswer: (c) East and West

HistoricalFrom which people did Bulgaria get its name? (a) Bulgars(b) Goths(c) Huns(d) VandalsAnswer: (a) Bulgars CultureWhat alphabet is used for Bulgarian? (a) Latin(b) Cyrillic(c) GreekAnswer: (b) Cyrillic

Croatia

Croatia


Capital(a) Rijeka (b) Sisak (c) ZagrebAnswer: (c) Zagreb

GeographicalWhich of the following is a holiday resort?(a) Opatija(b) Delnice(c) Stari GradAnswer: (a) Opatija

HistoricalWhen did Croatia achieve independence from The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia? (a) 1996(b) 1991(c) 2002Answer: (b) 1991

CultureWhat item of clothing was invented here?(a) Necktie(b) Tights (c) BeretAnswer: (a) Necktie (cravat)

Cyprus

Cyprus


Capital(a) Nicosia (b) Lanarca (c) LimassolAnswer: (a) Nicosia

GeographicalWhat Greek goddess was reputed to have her home here?(a) Aphrodite(b) Mnemosyne(c) HygieiaAnswer: (a) Aphrodite

HistoricalFrom which country did Cyprus gain its independence in 1960?(a) Greece(b) Turkey(c) United KingdomAnswer: (c) United Kingdom

CultureWhat popular fast food originated in Cyprus?(a) Kebabs(b) Fried chicken(c) Fish and chipsAnswer: (a) Kebabs

Czech Republic

Czech Republic


Capital(a) Brno(b) Olomouc(c) PragueAnswer: (c) Prague

GeographicalHow many coastal resorts can be enjoyed in the Czech Republic?(a) 17(b) 0(c) 112Answer: (b) 0 (it has no coastline)

HistoricalWhat is the main language spoken in the Czech Republic?(a) Czech(b) Russia-Slavic(c) Central EuropeanAnswer: (a) Czech

CultureWhat handy form of sugar was invented here?(a) Loaf sugar(b) Caster sugar(c) Cube sugarAnswer: (c) Cube sugar

Denmark

Denmark


Capital(a) Odense(b) Fredercia(c) CopenhagenAnswer: (c) Copenhagen

GeographicalAccording to a popular song, what isCopenhagen? (a) Wonderful (b) Splendid(c) GoldenAnswer: (a) Wonderful

HistoricalWhat famous writer(s) of fairy stories was born in Denmark?(a) Brothers Grimm(b) Hans Christian Andersen(c) Enid SlytonAnswer: (b) Hans Christian Andersen

CultureWhat pork product do we import the most of from Denmark?(a) Sausages(b) Bacon(c) HamAnswer: (a) Bacon

Estonia

Estonia


Capital(a) Tartu (b) Tallinn (c) PamuAnswer: (b) Tallinn

GeographicalWhat is the narrow Gulf between Estonia and Finland called? (a) Estonian Gulf(b) Gulf of Finland(c) Finnish GapAnswer: (b) Gulf of Finland

HistoricalEstonia uses the Euro now but when it gained independence in 1990-1, with what currency did it replace the Russian Rouble?(a) Hroon (b) Walloon (c) KroonAnswer: (c) Kroon

CultureWhich of these is a typical Estonian dish?(a) Herring and sour cream(b) Bratwurst(c) BigosAnswer: (a) Herring and sour cream (b is German, c is Polish)

Finland

Finland


Capital(a) Helsinki (b) Forssa (c) HankoAnswer: (a) Helsinki

GeographicalWhere does Father Christmas live – supposedly?(a) Iceland(b) Lapland(c) GreenlandAnswer: (b) Lapland in Northern Finland

HistoricalWhy was the 1907 election important?(a) Had to be run again(b) Started a war(c) First in Europe to give equal voting rightsAnswer: (c) First in Europe to give equal voting rights (everyone over the age of 24 could vote)

CultureWhat hygiene habit gets Finnish people steamed up?(a) Saunas(b) Jacuzzis(c) Hot Mud Baths Answer: (a) Saunas (they are very popular)

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia


Capital(a) Veles (b) Skopje (c) PrilepAnswer: (b) Skopje

GeographicalThis country’s name is in dispute – why?(a) It is hard to remember(b) Gets confused with Greek Macedonia(c) It is too longAnswer: (b) Gets confused with Greek Macedonia

HistoricalThis country became a member of the United Nations in:(a) 1943(b) 1973(c) 1993Answer: (c) 1993

CultureThis country is surrounded by four others; Greece, Bulgaria and Serbia are three - what is the fourth? (a) Romania(b) Albania(c) CroatiaAnswer: (b) Albania

France

France


Capital(a) Paris (b) Rouen(c) LimogesAnswer: (a) Paris

GeographicalWhat river is the capital on? (a) Rhone(b) Seine(c) AvonAnswer: (b) Seine

HistoricalWhat year did the French Revolution begin? (a) 1914(b) 1615(c) 1789Answer: (c) 1789

CultureWhat French bread name is now popular in the UK?(a) Quiche(b) Baguette(c) BloomerAnswer: (b) Baguette

Germany

Germany


Capital(a) Berlin(b) Hannover (c) Düsseldorf Answer: (a) Berlin

GeographicalGermany is bordered to the North by which two seas?(a) North and Baltic Seas(b) Atlantic Ocean and North Sea (c) Baltic Sea and Atlantic Ocean Answer: (a) North and Baltic Seas

HistoricalThe two parts of Germany – West and the communist East – were unified in which year?(a) 1990(b) 1945 (c) 2001Answer: (a) 1990

CultureWhat meat product is particularly popular in Germany? (a) Stews(b) Sausages(c) Pork scratchingsAnswer: (b) Sausages

Greece

Greece


Capital(a) Thessaloniki(b) Tripoli(c) AthensAnswer: (c) Athens

GeographicalWho is said to have lived on Mount Olympus?(a) The Grim Reaper(b) The Greek Gods(c) The Spirits of Fallen WarriorsAnswer: (b) The Greek Gods

HistoricalWhat famous sporting tradition started here? (a) Olympics(b) Show Jumping(c) CyclingAnswer: (a) Olympics

CultureWhat Greek dish is mainly made from minced lamb and aubergines?(a) Houmous(b) Moussaka(c) Sausage ToadAnswer: (b) Moussaka

Hungary

Hungary


Capital(a) Debrecen(b) Pees(c) BudapestAnswer: (c) Budapest

GeographicalLake Heviz is the largest lake of a particular type in the world – what type? (a) Thermal(b) Salt-water(c) InlandAnswer: (a) Thermal

HistoricalWhat writing instrument was invented here?(a) Felt-tip (b) Ballpoint (c) StylusAnswer (b) Ballpoint pen (called a Biro after its inventor)

CultureWhat is the name of the spicy casserole that uses paprika? (a) Goulash(b) Curry(c) SpaghettiAnswer: (a) Goulash

Ireland

Ireland


Capital(a) Cork(b) Dublin(c) WexfordAnswer: (b) Dublin

GeographicalWhat river is the capital on? (a) Dargie(b) Liffey(c) BlackwaterAnswer: (b) Liffey

HistoricalIn which year was the Easter Rising? (a) 1916(b) 1414(c) 1954Answer: (a) 1916 (it was a pivotal attempt by Irish Republicans to end British Rule)

CultureWhat are the Irish fairies who are said to guard pots of gold called?(a) Hobgoblins(b) Trolls(c) LeprechaunsAnswer: (c) Leprechauns

Italy

Italy


Capital(a) Milan(b) Florence(c) RomeAnswer: (c) Rome

GeographicalWhat independent City State is surrounded by Rome?(a) Vatican(b) Pisa(c) BasilicaAnswer: (a) Vatican

HistoricalWho was the Italian leader whose followers wore red shirts?(a) Grimaldi (b) Garibaldi (c) PinocchioAnswer: (b) Garibaldi

CultureWhat food product that comes in many shapes and sizes is famously associated with Italy?(a) Risotto (b) Pasta (c) PizzaAnswer: (b) Pasta

Latvia

Latvia

Population 2 million Joined EU in 2004

Capital(a) Liepaja (b) Skrund (c) RigaAnswer: (c) Riga

GeographicalIn ancient times Latvia was famous for what precious stone?(a) Amber (b) Ruby (c) OpalAnswer: (a) Amber

HistoricalWhen did Latvia first become independent from Russia?(a) 1452(b) 1819 (c) 1918Answer: (c) 1918

CultureWhat did Latvian Walter Zapp invent?(a) Spy camera(b) Finger printing(c) DNA testAnswer: (a) He invented the Minox miniature camera in 1936

Lithuania

Lithuania


Capital(a) Jonava (b) Vilnius (c) PalangaAnswer: (b) Vilnius

GeographicalLithuania encloses a piece of land belonging to another country – which other country?(a) Poland (b) Latvia (c) RussiaAnswer: (c) Russia (the Kaliningrad Oblast)

HistoricalBy the end of the 14th century what marked Lithuania as being very special in Europe?(a) Largest country in Europe(b) Most warlike country(c) Biggest trading nationAnswer: (a) Largest country in Europe

CultureWhat other country’s national anthem also mentions Lithuania?(a) Russia(b) Poland(c) GermanyAnswer: (b) Poland

Luxembourg

Luxembourg


Capital(a) Luxembourg(b) Esch(c) DifferdangeAnswer: (a) Luxembourg

GeographicalWhich of these describes Luxembourg?(a) Huge(b) Tiny(c) IslandAnswer: (b) Tiny

HistoricalWhich country occupied Luxembourg during World Wars One and Two?(a) France(b) Germany(c) RussiaAnswer: (b) Germany

CultureThe citizens of Luxembourg enjoy what? (a) Highest standard of living in Europe(b) Warm weather all year round(c) Longest life expectancy in EuropeAnswer: (a) Highest standard of living in Europe

Malta

Malta


Capital(a) Rabat (b) Valletta(c) MarsaxlokkAnswer: (b) Valletta

GeographicalWhat sea surrounds it? (a) Mediterranean(b) Pacific(c) AdriaticAnswer: (a) Mediterranean

HistoricalMalta is often written Malta G.C. – what does the G.C. stand for?(a) Gallant Country(b) George Cross(c) Cross for GallantryAnswer: (b) George Cross (awarded George Cross for bravery in World War II)

CultureWhich medical organisation uses a Maltese cross as its badge? (a) Red Cross(b) St John Ambulance Brigade (c) Medecins Sans Frontieres Answer: (b) St John Ambulance Brigade

Montenegro

Montenegro


Capital(a) Budva (b) Podgorica(c) Herceg-NoviAnswer: (b) Podgorica

GeographicalHow many regions does Montenegro have?(a) Six(b) Three(c) EightAnswer: (b) Three – central, coastal, mountain

HistoricalIn a 1992 referendum which country did Montenegro join to form the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia?(a) Serbia(b) Bosnia(c) YugoslaviaAnswer: (a) Serbia

CultureWhat ethical idea is central to Montenegrin culture?(a) Democracy and justice(b) Fairness and forgiveness (c) Humanity and bravery Answer: (c) Humanity and bravery

Netherlands

Netherlands


Capital(a) The Hague(b) Amsterdam(c) UtrechtAnswer: (b) Amsterdam

GeographicalWhy are bicycles so popular in the Netherlands?(a) High tax on vehicle fuels(b) It is mostly flat(c) Global warmingAnswer: (b) It is mostly flat

HistoricalHistorically, what mechanical device was used to pump out water to recover land? (a) Windmill(b) Bucket(c) Nuclear PumpAnswer: (a) Windmill

CultureWhat cheese from this country is yellow, ball-shaped and has a red covering? (a) Edam(b) Gouda (c) GorgonzolaAnswer: (a) Edam

Poland

Poland

Population 38 million Joined EU in 2004

Capital(a) Krakow (b) Poznan (c) WarsawAnswer: (c) Warsaw

GeographicalWhat are the main mountains? (a) Tatra(b) Atlas(c) PenninesAnswer: (a) Tatra

HistoricalWhen Nazi Germany invaded Poland in 1939, what other country also invaded? (a) England(b) Soviet Russia(c) USAAnswer: (b) Soviet Russia

CultureWhat is ‘kielbasa’? (a) Spiced drink (b) Small coin(c) SausageAnswer: (c) Sausage

Portugal

Portugal


Capital(a) Porto(b) Lisbon(c) FaroAnswer: (b) Lisbon

GeographicalWhat is the name of its popular holiday region?(a) Costa del Sol(b) Castelo Branco(c) AlgarveAnswer: (c) Algarve

HistoricalWhich side was Portugal on in the Second World War? (a) Neutral(b) Germany(c) United KingdomAnswer: (a) Neutral

CultureThe drink port takes its name from Portugal – how?(a) The country name(b) A district(c) A riverAnswer: (b) A district (Porto or Oporto)

Romania

Romania


Capital(a) Bucharest(b) Brasov(c) AradAnswer: (a) Bucharest

GeographicalWhat sea forms its coast? (a) North Sea(b) Mediterranean Sea(c) Black SeaAnswer: (c) Black Sea

HistoricalHistorically, Bucharest was nicknamed after another major European capital as Little…?(a) Little London(b) Little Paris(c) Little ViennaAnswer: (b) Little Paris

CultureWho is the famous horror character originating from Romania?(a) Dracula(b) Frankenstein(c) LuciferAnswer: (a) Dracula

Serbia

Serbia


Capital(a) Belgrade(b) Novi Sad(c) ZemunAnswer: (a) Belgrade

GeographicalSerbia is landlocked but which river provides shipping access to inland Europe and the Black Sea?(a) The Danube(b) The Ural(c) The TiberAnswer: (a) The Danube

HistoricalDuring World War I how many Serbian men were called to arms?(a) 185,000(b) 275,000(c) 350,000Answer: (c) 350,000 – Serbia had the most effective manpower mobilisation of the war. CultureWhat is the Slava?(a) A Serbian custom of venerating each family’s patron saint on their feast day (b) A type of Serbian bread(c) A song sung at ChristmasAnswer: (a) A custom

Slovakia

Slovakia


Capital(a) Bratislava(b) Nitra(c) MartinAnswer: (a) Bratislava

GeographicalWhat mountain range extends across most of the North of the country?(a) Atlas(b) Tatra(c) CarpathianAnswer: (c) Carpathian

HistoricalWhat was the Velvet Divorce of 1 Jan ‘93?(a) A separation of Czech and Slovak Republics(b) Separation of Church and State(c) Divorce was made legalAnswer: (a) A separation of Czech and Slovak Republics (they were one country) CultureWhat is the Slovak national weapon? (a) Pike(b) Axe(c) Cross bowAnswer: (b) Axe (Valaška - an axe on a long handle often used as a walking stick)

Slovenia

Slovenia


Capital(a) Novo Mesto(b) Ljubljana(c) ValenjeAnswer: (b) Ljubljana

GeographicalWhat sea borders Slovenia? (a) Irish(b) Adriatic(c) MediterraneanAnswer: (b) Adriatic

HistoricalIn what year was Slovenia formally invited to begin the process for joining the European Union (the accession process)?(a) 1981(b) 1997(c) 2000Answer: (c) 2000

CultureWhat is the majority religion? (a) Anglican(b) Eastern Orthodox(c) Roman CatholicAnswer: (c) Roman Catholic

Spain

Spain


Capital(a) Madrid (b) Valencia (c) SevilleAnswer: (a) Madrid

GeographicalSpain is the largest of the three countries of the Iberian Peninsula - what are the other two?(a) Portugal, France(b) Andorra, France(c) Portugal, AndorraAnswer: (c) Portugal, Andorra

HistoricalWhen was the Spanish Civil War?(a) 1936-1939 (b) 1927-1932 (c) 1939-1945Answer: (a) 1936-1939

CultureWhat dance is famously associated with Spain?(a) Rhumba (b) Flamenco (c) SambaAnswer: (b) Flamenco

Sweden

Sweden


Capital(a) Halmstad (b) Jonkoping (c) StockholmAnswer: (c) Stockholm

GeographicalWhat animal do the Sarni people of Northern Sweden rely on? (a) Giant snow rats(b) Reindeer(c) Husky dogsAnswer: (b) Reindeer

HistoricalWhere did Swedish Vikings mostly raid? (a) Russia(b) England(c) GermanyAnswer: (a) Russia

CultureWhat was the famous Swedish pop group of the 1970s called?(a) The Kinks(b) Abba(c) LarsAnswer: (b) Abba

Turkey

Turkey


Capital(a) Ankara (b) Istanbul (c) BursaAnswer: (a) Ankara

GeographicalWhat was the city of Istanbul once called?(a) Timbuktu(b) Atlanta(c) ConstantinopleAnswer: (c) Constantinople

HistoricalWhat was the Turkish Empire called? (a) Turkile Empire(b) Ottoman Empire(c) Constantinian EmpireAnswer: (b) Ottoman Empire

CultureTurkish coffee is traditionally served with a glass of water, how do you drink the coffee?(a) Slowly(b) Down it in one(c) Slurp itAnswer: (a) Slowly

United Kingdom

United Kingdom


Capital(a) Swansea(b) London(c) John O’ GroatsAnswer: (b) London

GeographicalWhat four nations constitute the UK?(a) England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland(b) England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland(c) England, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man Answer: (b) England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland

HistoricalWhen did the United Kingdom, including Ireland, first come into being?(a) 1603 (b) 1952 (c) 1801Answer: (c) 1801

CultureHow many official languages are there in the UK?(a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 7Answer: (a) 4 (English, Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic)

· Austria Population 8.6 million Joined EU in 1995 Capital (a) Salzburg (b) Vienna (c) Graz Answer: (b) Vienna Geographical What is the famous river that inspired a well-known

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