One for the Road: Afganistan to Zimbabwe

Here’s another study aid that can be used to increase your geographic IQ — a collection of winning tips from a former Bee champion. Sure, this book is written for kids ages 8-14, but if my score on the GeoBee Challenge is any indication, then I surely could start with some help from a geo whiz kid. Break it down for me, plain and simple — what does it take to be a Bee brainiac?

2004 National Geographic Bee Champion Andrew Wojtanik clues us in a little bit — His book has gathered essential facts about each of the world’s 192 independent countries. For each country from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe there is a map with major cities, mountains, rivers and the names of bordering countries. Other facts that are crucial for Bee participants to know are also included: population stats, physical facts, language, currency, political info, current leader and date of independence.

That’s a lot more detail than the basic facts about physical location of a country, but it all falls under the realm of what may be asked at the Bee. The study of place stretches far beyond just latitude and longitude. So Bee sure to check this one if you want to Bee prepared.