Voter participation rates vary widely. Among developed countries, they range from under 40% (Switzerland) to a level of nearly 90% (Belgium). We wonder: Which of the following countries had the highest voter turnout in its most recent national election?
A. United States
B. France
C. Mexico
D. South Korea
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From massive flooding to crippling drought and thick haze, the world has seen some extreme weather this year due to the El Niño phenomenon. The 2015 episode is projected to be one of the worst in the modern era. We wonder: Which regions of the world have already experienced devastating effects from El Niño in 2015?
A. Northern America and Europe
B. Latin America
C. Oceania
D. Eastern and Southern Africa
Australia is an immigration magnet for people around the world. The country has also benefited from a commodities boom. Australia’s role as a raw materials exporter, in particular to China, has been critical to its recent growth. We wonder: Which of following statements about Australia is not true?
A. Australia’s population is smaller than that of some major cities around the world.
B. It is one of the world’s five largest countries by land area.
C. Australia has among the lowest population densities in the world.
D. There is limited land suitable for extensive farming or habitation.
Establishing and/or raising minimum wages is a hot topic of global debate right now. Some economists and companies support them, while others say they are harmful. We wonder: Where in the world did government-set minimum wages originate?
A. United Kingdom
B. United States
C. New Zealand
D. Germany
As of 1990, only five countries in the world had a GDP in excess of $1 trillion — the United States, Japan, Germany, the Soviet Union and France. By 2000, this club had nine members. Now, even the world’s 17th largest economy has an annual GDP of $1 trillion. Can you name that country?
