The resignation of South African President Jacob Zuma in mid-February 2018 offers some relief in South Africa’s profound national crisis. However, the challenges that lie ahead for Cyril Ramaphosa, the country’s new President, and his team are steep. We wonder: Which of the following are challenges crippling the country right now?
A. Unemployment
B. Crime and violence
C. Xenophobia
D. Corruption
E. Water supply problems
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A growing number of countries – 16 now, with more on the way – rely on high-speed rail service. Around the world, there are now 41,222 km (25,614 mi) on which trains run at speeds of at least about 250 km (155 mi) per hour. We wonder: Which nation has the largest high-speed rail network?
A. France
B. Japan
C. Spain
D. China
E. United States
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Antarctica is the world’s fifth-largest continent – and home to the coldest place on earth. One key indicator of global warming is melting ice on both the North and South poles. In that context, we wonder: What is the current elevation of the South Pole?
A. Sea level
B. 2,500 meters (8,200 feet)
C. 2,800 meters (9,200 feet)
D. 4,900 meters (16,100 feet)
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Increasing digitalization has a direct impact on the skillsets of many nations’ workforces. Students with university degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are in particular demand. We wonder: Which of the following countries currently has the highest share of such graduates in its working-age population?
A. United States
B. France
C. Germany
D. China
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