World Ethnic Groups Quiz
A quiz on ethnic groups.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Most people in the Han Chinese diaspora are descended from emigrants from which two regions?
- A.
Guangdong and Fujian
- B.
Guangxi and Sichuan
- C.
Shanghai and Heibei
- D.
Beijing and Shanghai
- E.
Shanghai and Hong Kong
Correct Answer
A. Guangdong and FujianExplanation
Hong Kong and Macau were originally part of the Guangdong (also known as Canton) province until British and Portuguese colonization. Fujian is a province located directly to the east.
Most diasporic Chinese are either Hoklos/Hokkiens (from Fujian, majority of Chinese in Taiwan, Phillipines, Malaysia and Singapore), Teochew/Chiu Chew (from Chaozhou in Guangdong, a large minority in Singapore and Malaysia), Hakka (from Guangdong, large minority in ) or Cantonese (from Guangdong, including Hong Kong and Macau, largest group in the Western world).Rate this question:
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- 2.
What is the largest ethnic/ancestral group in Argentina?
- A.
Castilians
- B.
Galicians
- C.
Indigenous
- D.
Italians
- E.
Mestizos
Correct Answer
D. ItaliansExplanation
Argentines, like Australians and US-Americans, are a nationality primarily descended from colonial-era European immigrants. Among the largest groups are Iberian peoples such as Galicians and Basques, and the Italians (who, if Iberians are broken up, form a plurality of the population). Other groups include Arabs, East Asians and Indigenous peoples. Argentina has a substantial Mestizo population, who are descended from a mixture of European and Indigenous peoples.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What ethnicity did most Mauritian heads of state belong to?
- A.
Bihari
- B.
Creole/African
- C.
Punjabi
- D.
European (White)
- E.
Mauritian
Correct Answer
A. BihariExplanation
Mauritius was unique in terms of European colonies, as it did not have any indigenous populations to supplant or exploit. After failed attempts of settlement by the Dutch and Portuguese, the French claimed the island. The British then annexed Mauritius after the Napoleonic wars. Indian emigrants from Britain's Indian colony, primarily Bhojpuri-speakers from the region of Bihar, began settling in the island. Biharis then became largest ethnic group in Mauritius. Other ethnic groups include the African-Creoles, the Europeans and Chinese.
Subsequently, most Mauritian presidents have been Biharis. A notable exception is the French-Mauritian Paul Berenger.Rate this question:
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- 4.
In the context of the Han Chinese subgroups, which is the odd one out?
- A.
Taiwan
- B.
Singapore
- C.
Macau
- D.
Malaysia
- E.
Fujian
Correct Answer
C. MacauExplanation
The largest Han group in Taiwan, Singapore, Fujian and Malaysia are all Hoklo/Hokkien, while in Macau it is Cantonese.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What was Karl Marx’s ethnic background?
- A.
Russian
- B.
German
- C.
English
- D.
Ukrainian
- E.
Ashkenazi
Correct Answer
E. AshkenaziExplanation
Karl Marx's ethnic background was Ashkenazi. Ashkenazi refers to Jews who originated from Eastern Europe, specifically from regions such as Germany, Poland, and Russia. This background is significant because it influenced Marx's upbringing and perspective, as he came from a Jewish family and experienced the discrimination and social inequality faced by Jews in Europe during his time.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of these US states have (self-identified, based on Census data) English-American pluralities?
- A.
Idaho and Washington
- B.
Utah and Maine
- C.
Maine and Virginia
- D.
Utah and Kansas
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. Utah and MaineExplanation
English have historically been the largest ethnic group in the United States. Recently, according to Census data, Germans and Irish have surpassed them. However, a large number of Americans of English descent identified as just 'American', and many English-Americans prefer to identify with a more recent or differentiated ancestry of theirs (such as Italian, African or Greek) as English have been dominant for centuries.
Based on Census data, Utah and Maine are the only US states that have an English plurality.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What is the largest ethnic group in Kerala?
- A.
Hindu
- B.
Malayali
- C.
Aryan
- D.
Hindi
- E.
Kerala
Correct Answer
B. MalayaliExplanation
Hindus are a religious group, while 'Aryans' were an ancient people that settled in the north of India, not the south. 'Hindi' is a language, and the proper adjective form of 'Kerala' is 'Keralite', not 'Kerala'. The correct answer is therefore Malaylis (an ethno-linguistic group formed out of many Keralite communities). They are mostly Hindu and speak Malayalam.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What is the largest ethnic group in Israel?
- A.
Sephardic Jewish
- B.
Ashkenazic Jewish
- C.
Yemenite Jewish
- D.
Old Yishuv Jewish
- E.
Israeli
Correct Answer
B. Ashkenazic JewishExplanation
Israeli is the nationality that describes people from Israel, and thus is not an ethnic group. Ashkenazi Jews are the largest ethnicity in Israel. They originated in the region of Rhineland in Germany, and then spread all over Europe. Later, Ashkenazim, mostly from Eastern Europe and Germany, immigrated to European colonies, particularly the United States. These American and European Jewish immigrants and their descendants form the largest group of Jews in Israel.
Sephardi, on the other hand, originated in Spain but later immigrated to France, northern Europe (a notable example of a northern European Sephardi is Benjamin Disraeli, former Prime Minister of Britain), Italy, Greece, northwest Africa and the Middle East. Yemenite Jews originated in southern Arabia, while Old Yishuv Jews originated in Palestine.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which is the odd one out, out of the following: Arab, Jewish, Turkish, Assyrian, Tigrinya, Amhara?
- A.
Arab
- B.
Jewish
- C.
Turkish
- D.
Amhara
- E.
Tigrinya
Correct Answer
C. TurkishExplanation
Arabs, Jews, Amhara and Tigrinya are all Semitic peoples, although Arabs and Jews are of Middle Eastern origin like Turks, while Tigrinya and Amhara are Ethiopic Semites. Semites are ethnic groups that is associated with a Semitic language.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What is the largest Indian ethnic group in Singapore?
- A.
Malayali
- B.
Punjabi
- C.
Gujarati
- D.
Tamil
- E.
Hindu
Correct Answer
D. TamilExplanation
Tamils were brought to Singapore by the British as 'Coolies', or plantation workers, in the 1800s. Punjabis and Malayalis are the next largest groups, but neither group has a population nearly as large as that of the Tamil Singaporeans.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What are the two largest Indian ethnic groups in New Zealand?
- A.
Malayali, Tamil
- B.
Punjabi, Gujarati
- C.
Punjabi, Tamil
- D.
Bengali, Malayali
- E.
Bihari, Tamil
Correct Answer
B. Punjabi, GujaratiExplanation
Many Punjabis and Gujaratis from British India and later the Republic of India immigrated to New Zealand during the 1900s. Indians are the second fastest growing ethnic group in New Zealand.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What is the largest Han Chinese people in Australia?
- A.
Hokkien
- B.
Cantonese
- C.
Shanghainese
- D.
Mandarin-speaking Chinese
- E.
Teochew
Correct Answer
B. CantoneseExplanation
Due to its British colony status, Cantonese-speakers from Hong Kong had easier access to Australia than their Cantonese, Shanghainese, Teochew or Mandarin speaking neighbors. However, a larger number of Mandarin-speakers have begun immigrating to Australia in recent decades.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which is the largest non-European minority in Australia?
- A.
East Asians
- B.
Indians
- C.
Indigenous Australian
- D.
Middle Easterners
Correct Answer
A. East AsiansExplanation
Chinese are the largest non-European ethnic group at nearly 700, 000 people. The mostly Catholic Lebanese only number around 180, 000, while Muslims as a whole only around 350, 000. Less than 100, 000 Australians are Assyrians, Jews or Coptic-Arabs.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which country contains the largest number of Italians outside of Italy?
- A.
United States
- B.
Argentina
- C.
Brazil
- D.
Switzerland
- E.
Australia
Correct Answer
C. BrazilExplanation
Although there are substantial Italian populations in all these countries, Brazil has the largest Italian population.Rate this question:
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- 15.
What are the two largest ethnic groups of South Africa?
- A.
Dutch and English
- B.
Tswana and Xhosa
- C.
Xhosa and Zulu
- D.
Zulu and Sotho
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. Xhosa and ZuluExplanation
Although Dutch and English may well be the largest European groups, the Xhosa of the Eastern Cape and the Zulu of Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng are the largest peoples overall.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What is the largest super-ethnic (“racial”) grouping in South Africa?
- A.
Bantus
- B.
Khoisan
- C.
Europeans (Whites)
- D.
Indians (South Asians)
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. BantusExplanation
The Bantu-speakers spread from West Africa throughout most of Central and Southern Africa, supplanting the native Khoisan and Pygmy peoples.Rate this question:
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- 17.
What are the two Coloured-majority states of South Africa?
- A.
KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng
- B.
Free State and Limpopo
- C.
Northern Cape and Western Cape
- D.
Free State and KwaZulu-Natal
- E.
Free State and Northern Cape
Correct Answer
C. Northern Cape and Western CapeExplanation
Coloureds are a Southern African community comprised of a mixture of various ethnic groups in South Africa.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Which Southern African country contains the largest number of people of European descent?
- A.
Namibia
- B.
Zimbabwe
- C.
Botswana
- D.
South Africa
- E.
Angola
Correct Answer
D. South AfricaExplanation
Europeans had a greater degree of success in colonizing the Cape of South Africa than other African regions due to its 'Mediterranean' climate.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Other than Dutch, what two European peoples contributed the most to the present Afrikaner population?
- A.
Scots and English
- B.
French and German
- C.
French Hugenot and British
- D.
English and German
- E.
French and English
Correct Answer
B. French and GermanExplanation
French Protestants (known as Huguenots) and Germans contributed a significant amount to the present Afrikaner population. Many Afrikaners have Dutch-icized French and German surnames.Rate this question:
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- 20.
What is Nelson Mandela’s ethnic background?
- A.
Zulu
- B.
Xhosa
- C.
Afrikaner
- D.
Tswana
- E.
Shona
Correct Answer
B. XhosaExplanation
Nelson Mandela's ethnic background is Xhosa. The Xhosa people are a Bantu ethnic group native to South Africa, and Mandela himself was born into the Xhosa royal family. He played a pivotal role in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and later became the country's first black president.Rate this question:
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- 21.
What was Mohandas Gandhi’s ethnic background?
- A.
Punjabi
- B.
Rajasthani
- C.
Uttar Pradeshi
- D.
Hindu
- E.
Gujarati
Correct Answer
E. GujaratiExplanation
Gandhi was a Gujarati Hindu Brahmin. Uttar Pradeshi and Hindu are not ethnicities.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Which country hosts the largest Turkish diaspora population in Europe?
- A.
UK
- B.
France
- C.
Spain
- D.
Greece
- E.
Germany
Correct Answer
E. GermanyExplanation
Germany hosts the largest Turkish diaspora population in Europe. This is because Germany has a history of labor migration from Turkey, with many Turkish people moving to Germany for work opportunities. As a result, there is a significant Turkish community in Germany, making it the country with the largest Turkish diaspora population in Europe.Rate this question:
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- 23.
What is the largest ethnic minority in Albania?
- A.
Greeks
- B.
Roma/Gypsies
- C.
Romanians
- D.
Slavs
- E.
Albanians
Correct Answer
A. GreeksExplanation
The largest ethnic minority in Albania is the Greeks. This is because there is a significant Greek population living in Albania, especially in the southern region near the border with Greece. The historical and cultural ties between Albania and Greece have led to a large Greek community in Albania.Rate this question:
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- 24.
The Kabyles are a Berber people found in which North African country?
- A.
Morocco
- B.
Algeria
- C.
Egypt
- D.
Saudi Arabia
- E.
Tunisia
Correct Answer
B. AlgeriaExplanation
The Kabyles are a Berber people, and Berbers are indigenous to North Africa. Among the given options, Algeria is the North African country where the Kabyles are found. Therefore, the correct answer is Algeria.Rate this question:
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- 25.
What are the two subgroups of Indigenous Australians according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics?
- A.
Australian Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders
- B.
Australian Aborigines and Maori Australians
- C.
Pama-Nygungan and Tasmanian aboriginal
- D.
Tasmanian aboriginal and Australian aboriginal
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. Australian Aborigines and Torres Strait IslandersExplanation
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the two subgroups of Indigenous Australians are Australian Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Which is the largest ethnic group in Nepal?
- A.
Bhojpuri
- B.
Bhotiya
- C.
Sherpa
- D.
Pahari
- E.
Hill-Brahmin
Correct Answer
D. PahariExplanation
Paharis are the various Indo-Aryan hill groups that speak a variety of related dialects, including Kumaoni, Garhwali and Gurkha.Rate this question:
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- 27.
What is the Canadian province or territory with an Inuit plurality?
- A.
Nunavut
- B.
Ontario
- C.
Yukon
- D.
Saskatchewan
- E.
Newfoundland
Correct Answer
A. NunavutExplanation
Nunavut is the correct answer because it is the only Canadian province or territory with an Inuit plurality. Inuit people make up the majority of the population in Nunavut, with Inuktitut being one of the official languages of the territory. Ontario, Yukon, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland do not have an Inuit plurality.Rate this question:
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- 28.
What is the main language of the Tajiks?
- A.
Tajiki
- B.
Persian
- C.
Dari
- D.
Pashto
- E.
Arabic
Correct Answer(s)
B. Persian
C. DariExplanation
Dari is the language of the Tajiks of Afghanistan, which is also spoken by the Hazaras. Tajiki is spoken in Tajikistan, where there is a smaller Tajik population. Persian is also a correct answer, as both Dari and Tajiki are dialects of Persian.Rate this question:
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- 29.
What ethno-linguistic group were historical the dominant group of Andorra?
- A.
French
- B.
Portuguese
- C.
Basques
- D.
Castilians
- E.
Catalans
Correct Answer
E. CatalansExplanation
Catalans were the largest group in Andorra for centuries. More recently, Spanish and Portuguese immigration has challenged this dominance.Rate this question:
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- 30.
The largest Angolan people, the Ovimbundu, are dominant in which of the following cities?
- A.
Luanda
- B.
Ovimbunda
- C.
Ambrizate
- D.
Nova Lisboa
- E.
Angola City
Correct Answer
D. Nova LisboaExplanation
Neither Ovimbunda nor Angola City exist. Luanda, though the capital of Angola, is dominated by Kimbundu.Rate this question:
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- 31.
Which of the following countries does not have an African-diasporic (Black) majority?
- A.
Antigua and Barbuda
- B.
Brazil
- C.
Jamaica
- D.
Bahamas
- E.
Dominican Republic
Correct Answer
B. BrazilExplanation
Although Brazil has a large African community, Africans do not form more than 50% of the population. The Dominican Republic has a Mulatto (mixed European/African) majority, but this still counts as an African majority.Rate this question:
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- 32.
What two regions have an Armenian majority?
- A.
Armenia and Azerbaijan
- B.
Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh
- C.
Anatolia and Armenia
- D.
Anatolia and Nagorno-Karabakh
- E.
Armenia and Turkey
Correct Answer
B. Armenia and Nagorno-KarabakhExplanation
Nagorno-Karabakh is an Azerbaijani region with an Armenian majority. It borders Armenia.Rate this question:
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- 33.
What is the largest indigenous minority of Austria?
- A.
Germans
- B.
Slovenes
- C.
Hungarians
- D.
Croats
- E.
Jews
Correct Answer
B. SlovenesExplanation
The Slovene-speakers are the largest indigenous minority. There are also substantial Hungarian and Croatian speaking communities. German-speaking immigrants from Italy, Switzerland and Germany constitute the largest immigrant group. Serbs, Croats, and Turks are also large immigrant groups.Rate this question:
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- 34.
Which of the following is the odd one out?
- A.
Azeri
- B.
Turkish
- C.
Turcoman (Iraqi Turkmen)
- D.
Turkmen
- E.
Uzbek
Correct Answer
E. UzbekExplanation
The Azeris, Turks, Turcomans and Turkmens all all part of the Oghuz subgroup of Turkic peoples. Uzbeks, on the other hand, are Karluks.Rate this question:
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jun 06, 2009Quiz Created by
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