Sunday quiz | Easy like Sunday morning

Weekly Sunday morning quiz

1. Founded on September 3 in 301 AD, San Marino is the fifth smallest nation in the world. Founded by Saint Marinus, it covers just 61 km2. After the city he was born in was destroyed by pirates, he helped rebuild it and then founded an independently ruled monastic community. According to its constitution, the democratically elected legislature must elect two heads of state every six months. Now 1722 years old, what does this make San Marino?

2. On on September 3 in 1752, people throughout the British Empire (including the American colonies) lost 11 whole days. People started rioting against the government shouting ‘Give us our 11 days’, believing their lives had been shortened. Till today in history books, it is noted that ‘nothing happened in these days’. What did the British Empire do to cause this confusion?

3. On on September 3 in 1875, the first official game of this sport was played in Argentina after being introduced by British ranchers. Although initially played only by aristocrats, the native players became quite adept as they had more experience in controlling the horses. Eventually, Argentina went on to win Gold in the sport at two Olympic games. What sport is this, which has a rule that all players must play right-handed?

4. On on September 3 in 1934, the northern-most country in Africa began its move for independence. It contains the eastern end of the Atlas mountains and the northern end of the Sahara desert. With a history dating back thousands of years, it contains many archaeologically important sites. Which country is this that gets its name from the Carthage goddess ‘Tanit’?

5. On on September 3 in 1967, Sweden carried out a massive operation known as ‘Dagen H.’ The government implemented a four-year campaign to get the people ready, including songs, TV ads, milk cartons and underwear letting them know about the change about to happen. The previous night, 350,000 signs were moved from one side to the other. On the day itself, interestingly only 157 minor accidents happened, but thanks to people being more careful than usual, things smoothened out. What did the country do on this day?

6. On on September 3 in 1971, this country became an independent state from the British. Of the 2.6 million inhabitants, only 313,000 are actually citizens with more than 2 million expatriates. It is a high-income economy as it has the third largest oil reserve. Which country is this that Ptolemy referred to as ‘Catara’ on his map?

7. On on September 3 in 2007, thousands of people gathered together to see an explosion that began the project to install two new sets of locks to help lessen traffic in one of the most commercially vital passageways. It takes about 8-10 hours to cross the 65 km, a voyage which earlier used to take 5 months and 12,000 km. What important piece of engineering is this that connects two massive oceans?