World Facts and Geography

China shares borders with 14 countries, tying with Russia for the most international borders. India shares borders with 8 countries (7 counting Pakistan's divided Kashmir), Brazil with 10, and Sudan (before South Sudan's independence) shared borders with 9 countries.

Belgium earned the nickname 'Cockpit of Europe' due to its strategic location where numerous major European battles were fought. Battles like Waterloo (1815) occurred on Belgian soil, making it a frequent battleground for European powers. The term 'cockpit' refers to an arena where fighting roosters battle, symbolizing Belgium's role as Europe's fighting ground.

The Rocky Mountains are in North America, the Andes in South America, and the Alps in Europe - all are correctly matched. The Ural Mountains, however, are located in Russia forming the Europe-Asia boundary, NOT in Africa. Therefore D is the pair that is not correctly matched.

Belgium is called the 'Cockpit of Europe' because it has been the site of numerous battles throughout European history due to its strategic location between major powers. This nickname dates back to the 17th-18th centuries when it was a battleground for European conflicts. Finland, Netherlands, and Holland don't have this nickname.

The nickname 'Sick Man of Europe' was originally applied to the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century as it declined and became increasingly dependent on European powers. As Turkey succeeded the Ottoman Empire, the nickname is historically associated with Turkey. It refers to a perceived state of decline, weakness, or corruption. Italy, Germany, and Cyprus were not called this.

Tibet is called the 'Roof of the World' because it has the highest average elevation of any region on Earth, with the Tibetan Plateau averaging around 4,500 meters (14,800 ft) above sea level. China, Myanmar, and Australia don't have this nickname - they're not characterized by such high plateau regions.

Korea is known as the 'Land of Morning Calm' (Korean: Joseon, meaning 'morning fresh/calm'). This poetic nickname dates back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and reflects the peaceful scenery of Korean mornings, particularly with mountain mists and sunrise over the landscape. The phrase was popularized by Western travelers and missionaries in the late 19th century. Japan is the 'Land of the Rising Sun', while Malaysia and Thailand have different epithets.

Antananarivo is the capital of Madagascar. It is commonly abbreviated as 'Tana', which is how locals and visitors often refer to the city informally. This nickname comes from the first syllables 'Anta-nana-rivo' being shortened to 'Tana' in casual usage. The other options (Anta, Madag, Arivo) are not recognized nicknames for the city.

As of June 2009, New Zealand was ranked as the most peaceful country in the world by the Global Peace Index (GPI). The GPI measures countries based on levels of internal and external conflict, crime, and militarization.

As of 2009, Japan was ranked as the most expensive country to live in based on cost of living indices, particularly due to high prices in Tokyo. Kuwait was wealthy but not most expensive, while Russia and South Korea had lower costs of living compared to Japan's urban centers.

Africa has 54 internationally recognized sovereign countries, the most of any continent. Asia has 49 countries (depending on definitions), Europe has 44-50, and South America has only 12. The high number in Africa results from colonial-era borders and post-independence partitions.

China shares borders with 14 countries (the most in the world): Mongolia, Russia, North Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. India has 8 neighbors, Russia has 14 but only 13 if counting contiguous (excludes Kaliningrad), Brazil has 10, and Sudan has 7.

Venezuela derives its name from 'Veneziola' (Little Venice), named by Amerigo Vespucci and Alonso de Ojeda who saw indigenous stilt houses built over Lake Maracaibo, reminiscent of Venice, Italy. The name means 'Little Venice' in Spanish.