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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why did many observers argue that Turkey should be allowed to join the European Union?
(a) Because Europe's influence would discourage terrorist activity in Turkey.
(b) Because Turkey is geographically part of Europe and Asia.
(c) Because it would improve understanding between the Christian and Muslim worlds.
(d) Because Turkey will become an economic superpower in the next century.

2. What is Russia's connection with the European Union?
(a) Russia was invited, but has refused to join, the European Union.
(b) Russia is not being considered for admission to the European Union.
(c) Russia was once, but no longer is, part of the European Union.
(d) Russia is likely to be accepted into the European Union.

3. How did China change after Mao's death?
(a) It became much more isolated.
(b) It began to have a more market-driven economy.
(c) It turned to a more agriculturally-based economy.
(d) It stopped being Communist.

4. What is Afghanistan like today?
(a) It lacks most modern amenities.
(b) It has a thriving agriculturally-based economy.
(c) It is a modern Islamic country.
(d) It has become a satellite of Communist Russia.

5. Where does de Blij hope that a new, more liberal form of Islam will emerge?
(a) In Europe.
(b) In the Middle East.
(c) In Africa.
(d) In the Pacific Rim.

6. In which of the following countries are Muslims and Christians at war with each other?
(a) Morocco.
(b) Sudan.
(c) Egypt.
(d) South Africa.

7. Why do many people argue that it is pointless to send foreign aid to Africa?
(a) Because Africa's problems are too big for the U.S. to help with.
(b) Because Africans do not need help from anyone.
(c) Because Africa is too far away to affect the U.S.
(d) Because African governments are so corrupt.

8. What geographic challenges does Russia have?
(a) It is landlocked and lies in high latitudes.
(b) It has frequent mudslides and earthquakes.
(c) Its territory is very small and cramped.
(d) It has very few natural resources.

9. What does de Blij say is the difference between an act of state-sponsored terrorism and an act of war?
(a) De Blij says that it is not clear what the difference is.
(b) De Blij says that terrorist acts are motivated by religious faith.
(c) De Blij says that terrorist attacks target soldiers and politicians.
(d) De Blij says that terrorist attacks are personal vendettas.

10. What is a fatwa?
(a) A holy war.
(b) An extremist Islamic school.
(c) A religious pilgrimmage.
(d) A proclamation dictating how Muslims should live.

11. Why does de Blij feel that it is appropriate to end Why Geography Matters with a chapter on Africa?
(a) Because sub-Saharan Africa has been so geographically isolated.
(b) Because African countries are becoming important economic powers.
(c) Because humanity first evolved in Africa.
(d) Because the world owes a debt to Africa from the time of the slave trade.

12. What factors have helped to bring about the recovery of Europe after World War II?
(a) A good position geographically and temperate weather.
(b) Foreign aid from the United States and from the former Soviet Union.
(c) Cultural homogeneity and speaking a single language.
(d) Economic improvements and the fall of communism in Eastern Europe.

13. Who is Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab?
(a) A conservative, extremist Muslim theologian.
(b) The founder of Islam.
(c) The leader of a terrorist movement targeting Americans.
(d) The leader of the Iranian government.

14. What is the easiest way to trace how terrorist groups get funded?
(a) Listen in on international phone calls.
(b) Have agents infiltrate terrorist cells.
(c) Follow the trail of bank transactions and internet contacts.
(d) Send marked American dollars to a terrorist group.

15. How does de Blij characterize sub-Saharan Africa?
(a) As the world's most dangerous region.
(b) As the world's neediest region.
(c) As the world's politically corrupt region.
(d) As the world's most geographically challenged region.

Short Answer Questions

1. What changes does de Blij suggest show that the European Union may eventually form one nation?

2. What is the world's largest country in terms of territory?

3. Why is Russia's population declining?

4. What treaty, signed by Italy, France, West Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg in 1957, created the European Economic Community?

5. From which direction are terrorists most likely to enter the U.S., according to de Blij?

(see the answer keys)

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