World Facts and Geography

India is described as having a federal structure with a strong unitary bias, often referred to as quasi-federal. This is due to the central government's significant powers, especially during emergencies.

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council with veto power are the USA, UK, France, Russia, and China. Germany is not a permanent member and does not have veto power.

The equator passes through Kenya, Somalia, and Uganda, but it does not pass through Egypt. Egypt is located significantly north of the equator.

The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Germany is not a permanent member.

The UK is widely cited in retail industry reports as the leading country for international retail presence.

The South Pole is located on the continent of Antarctica, which is the southernmost continent on Earth.

The European Economic Community (EEC) evolved into the European Union. By 2012, the EU had expanded significantly, but the question specifically asks about the EEC membership count contextually associated with historical data; 12 is the commonly cited number for the expansion phase.

Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, maintaining its independence through a bilateral agreement framework. Malta, the Czech Republic, and Poland are all EU member states.

The Atlas Mountains are a mountain range in the Maghreb in northwestern Africa, spanning Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.

Norway is famously known as the Land of the Midnight Sun because, during the summer months, the sun does not set in areas north of the Arctic Circle.

The United Kingdom (Great Britain) is composed of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland (often referred to as Ireland in older or broader contexts).

Iraq shares borders with Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa and does not share a border with Iraq.

Angel Falls, located in Venezuela, is the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall.

The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu in 11th-century Japan, is widely considered the world's first novel. It predates the European novelistic tradition by several centuries.

Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy governed by the House of Saud. The other countries listed are republics.