Completely Coastless Trivia Quiz

Answer: Andorra

Andorra is a small country tucked into the Pyrenees mountains, wedged neatly between France and Spain. It's famous for its snowy slopes, scenic valleys, and a shopping scene that's free of taxes.

What makes Andorra especially unique is its political setup: it's a co-principality, meaning it's jointly ruled by two figures, the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell from Spain. This unusual arrangement dates back centuries and still holds true today.

Despite its mountainous beauty, Andorra has no airports or train stations. The only way in or out is by road, winding through the high passes from its neighbouring countries.

Answer: Belarus

Belarus sits in the heart of Eastern Europe, surrounded by Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia, making it completely landlocked. Its terrain is largely flat, blanketed by dense woodlands and wetlands, which has earned it the poetic nickname 'Lungs of Europe'.

The capital city, Minsk, is the country's largest urban centre and a hub of political, cultural, and economic life. Belarus boasts a layered heritage, shaped by its time within the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and later the Soviet Union. This rich past is reflected in its architecture, as fortresses, Orthodox and Catholic churches, and Soviet-era monuments dot the landscape.

Answer: Luxembourg

Luxembourg, which is a small, wealthy country in Western Europe, is bordered by Belgium, Germany, and France. It is known for its strong economy, banking sector, and as a centre of European institutions.

It's a multilingual country, with Luxembourgish, French, and German widely spoken. Despite its size, it has a rich history, with castles, fortifications, and scenic valleys.

Answer: Liechtenstein

Located between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is a tiny alpine principality. It is known for its mountains, castles, and as a centre for banking and finance.

The country is a constitutional monarchy, with the prince holding significant political powers. Its small size and scenic landscapes make it a popular destination for tourists interested in hiking and winter sports.

Answer: Switzerland

Switzerland, a small country in the middle of Europe, shares borders with Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Italy, and France. People know it for its beautiful mountains (the Alps), chocolate, watches, and banks.

It's famous for staying neutral in wars and being politically stable. Life there is comfortable, and the economy is strong. People speak four languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh.

Answer: Slovakia

Slovakia is a Central European country, sharing borders with the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Ukraine, and Poland. It's known for its natural beauty, with mountain ranges like the High Tatras, winding rivers, and over 6,000 caves hidden beneath its surface. The land is a mix of forests, valleys, and rocky peaks.

The capital city, Bratislava, sits on the Danube River, close to the border with Austria. It's a lively place with old town charm, modern buildings, and views of nearby hills. Slovakia has a deep cultural heritage, fashioned by centuries of history. It has medieval castles, traditional folk art, and music festivals that celebrate everything from classical to folk tunes.

Answer: Moldova

Moldova is a small, landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered by Romania on one side and Ukraine on the other. It doesn't have any coastline, but it does have rich farmland and gentle hills. The countryside is mostly rural, with lots of villages, forests, and fields. One of Moldova's biggest claims to fame is its wine. Some of the world's largest underground wine cellars are found here.

The capital city is Chișinău, a mix of Soviet-era buildings, parks, and newer developments. The culture of Moldova has evolved through a fusion of regional and historical traditions, especially Romanian, Russian, and Ottoman. This is evident in the language, food, music, and traditions. Even though it's a small country, Moldova has a strong sense of identity and a deep connection to its history and customs.

Answer: Kosovo

Kosovo, situated in the Balkans, is a landlocked country, bordered by Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia. Its landscape is mostly mountainous, with scenic valleys, rivers, and forested areas. The Sar Mountains in the south are especially well known for hiking and winter sports.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, and while many countries recognise it as a sovereign state, some, including Serbia and a few others, still do not. The country has a diverse cultural heritage, shaped by Ottoman rule, Albanian traditions, and Serbian history. This mix is reflected in its architecture, food, music, and religious sites.

Answer: San Marino

San Marino is a tiny, landlocked country entirely surrounded by Italy, perched on the slopes of Mount Titano. It proudly claims to be the world's oldest republic, founded in 301 AD by Saint Marinus, a stonemason fleeing religious persecution. Despite covering just over 60 square kilometres, San Marino has preserved its independence for centuries.

Though small, San Marino has built a stable economy centred around tourism, banking, and small-scale manufacturing. Visitors are drawn to its historic architecture, panoramic views, and duty-free shopping. The capital, also called San Marino, offers museums, quaint alleyways, and a strong sense of tradition. It is culturally and linguistically close to Italy.

Answer: Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, or Czechia, is a landlocked country in Central Europe bordered by Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria. Its capital, Prague, is known for its striking medieval architecture, historic bridges, and castle complex overlooking the Vltava River. The country is made up of the regions of Bohemia, Moravia, and part of Silesia, each with its own cultural flavour and scenic charm.

Czechia has a rich cultural life which is fashioned by centuries of history, with strong traditions in classical music, literature, and brewing, especially Pilsner beer, first made in Plzeň. The landscape includes forested mountains, rolling hills, and fertile plains, offering plenty of space for hiking, skiing, and exploring old towns like Český Krumlov.