basic facts
geography
vocabulary
sights
culture and customs
100
What are the capital cities of these countries?
Canada - Ottawa, Australia - Canberra, New Zealand - Wellington.
100
What are the two main islands of New Zealand called?
The North Island and the South Island
100
What are northern lights and in which of these countries can we find them?
They are beautiful dancing waves of light (most often green, purple and blue) that have captivated people for millennia. We may find them in Canada, specifically in the North.
100
Which famous building from 1973 can you see in Sydney?
Sydney Opera House
100
Canadians have a repuation for being...
a) being nice
b) being passionate about freedom
c) being laid-back
It might be a cliche but Canadians are said to be nice. Their frequent apologizing is often included in jokes.
200
The majority of Canadians live close to the border with the USA around several bodies of water. As a group, what are they called? And name at least one of them.
The five Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario.
200
What is Canada's predominantly francophone province called?
Quebec (85% of the population); (New Brunswick (35%))
200
Explain the word tribe and say what it is associated with.
A tribe is a social group of people who share a common culture, ancestry, language or traditions. The word is often associated with Indigenous peoples, including some Indigenous communities in Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
200
In which Canadian city can you find so called CN Tower which is a concrete communications and observation structure which was the tallest building in the world from 1975 to 2007?
In Torronto.
200
Which sports are traditionally associated with these countries? Name one sport per country.
Canada - ice hockey, Australia - surfing, New Zealand - rugby.
300
What are the Indigenous peoples recognised in Canada, and which Indigenous peoples are associated with Australia and New Zealand?
In Canada, they are First Nations, Inuit and Métis. In Australia, they are Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In New Zealand, the Indigenous people are Māori.
300
What is the name of the large area of dry, sparsely populated land in central Australia?
The Outback
300
Explain the term settler colony and state how it relates to these countries.
A settler colony is a territory where people from another country settle permanently and establish communities and political institutions, often taking control of land already inhabited by Indigenous peoples. Canada, Australia and New Zealand are examples of former British settler colonies. (British colonisation led to the displacement and dispossession of Indigenous peoples and had a lasting impact on their cultures, rights and societies. All three countries are now independent states.)
300
Also known as Ayers Rock, this place is a large sandstone formation in the centre of Australia. What is its indigenous name?
Uluru
300
Can you name Canada’s national animal?
Beaver (in Australia it is the red kangaroo, although not officially, and in New Zealand it is the Kiwi bird)
400
What do Canada, Australia and New Zealand have in common politically, and what does this mean in practice?
All three are constitutional monarchies and members of the Commonwealth. They share the same monarch as head of state, but they are independent countries with their own governments and laws.
400
What is the name of the highest mountain in New Zealand? Hint: It was named in honor of a naval captain and the British explorer who famously circumnavigated and mapped New Zealand in 1769–1770. However, it also has an indigenous name.
Mount Cook or Aoraki
400
What is an anthem? Can you name at least one anthem associated with any of these three countries?
A song chosen by a country or organization to be sung on special occasions.
Canada: "O Canada", Australia: "Advance Australia Fair" , New Zealand: "God Defend New Zealand" and all of them also have "God Save the King" as their second anthem.
400
What do we call this natural sight and favourite destiantion for divers located in Australian waters?
The Great Barrier Reef
400
What is haka?
The haka is a ceremonial war dance or challenge. Haka are usually performed in a group and represent a display of a tribe's pride, strength and unity.
500
The Canadian Flag differs from the one of Australia and New Zealand. Say how and describe them to the best of your ability.
500
Which national park is famous for turquoise lakes such as Lake Louise?
Banff National Park.
500
Explain the term endemism, with which country or countries do we associate it with?
Endemism is the state of a species being found in a single defined geographic location, such as an island, state, nation, country or other defined zone. We associate it with both Canada and New Zealand.
500
These famous caves are known for their glowworms, which create a star-like effect on the cave ceilings. The caves are called Waitomo, where are they located?
On New Zealand’s North Island.
500
For each of these countries, name one famous person who comes from it. Say what they are famous for.
For example: Canada - The Rock, Keanu Reeves, Celine Dion; Australia - Chris Hemsworth, Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett; New Zealand - Sir Edmund Hillary, Peter Jackson, Taika Waititi, etc.