How to Play Name The Countries
Everything you need to know to start playing and mastering our interactive geography quiz game.
Getting Started
Name The Countries is a free, browser-based geography game where you identify countries on an interactive world map. No download or account is needed — just visit the homepage and start playing. The game works on desktop computers, tablets, and mobile phones.
When you first load the game, you will see an interactive world map powered by Leaflet. You can pan the map by clicking and dragging, and zoom in or out using your scroll wheel or the zoom buttons. Below the map is a text input field where you type country names.
Game Modes Explained
All Countries (195)
The ultimate challenge. You have a set time to name all 195 internationally recognized countries. This mode tests your comprehensive world geography knowledge and is the most popular way to play. Countries span every continent, from large nations like Russia and Canada to smaller countries like Luxembourg and Bhutan.
Continent Modes
Focus on one continent at a time. Choose from Africa (54 countries), Asia (49 countries), Europe (44 countries), North America (23 countries), South America (12 countries), or Oceania (14 countries). These modes are ideal for beginners who want to build their knowledge region by region, or for experienced players who want to perfect their scores on a specific continent.
Continents Mode
A simpler challenge where you name the seven continents themselves. This is a great warm-up or introduction for younger players who are just starting to learn about world geography.
Daily Challenge
Every day, all players receive the same geography challenge. The Daily Challenge features a specific set of countries to identify within a time limit. Your score is compared with other players worldwide. Complete challenges on consecutive days to build a streak. This mode encourages consistent practice and friendly competition.
Scoring System
Your score is based on several factors that reward both knowledge and speed:
- Accuracy:Each correctly named country adds to your score. The more countries you identify, the higher your total.
- Speed:Naming countries quickly earns bonus points. The faster you type a correct answer, the more bonus points you receive.
- Hints:Using the hint system is allowed, but each hint deducts a small number of points from your final score. Use hints strategically when you are stuck on the last few countries.
- Completion:Naming every country in a mode earns a completion bonus, rewarding players who achieve 100% accuracy.
Tips and Strategies
Start With What You Know
Begin by typing the countries you can name off the top of your head. Large countries like the United States, China, India, Brazil, and Russia are easy to spot on the map. Get these out of the way quickly to build momentum and free up time for harder ones.
Work Region by Region
Instead of jumping around the map randomly, focus on one region at a time. Zoom into Europe and name as many European countries as you can, then move to Africa, Asia, and so on. This systematic approach helps you avoid missing countries.
Learn the Tough Ones
Certain regions are harder than others. Central Africa, Central Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands are commonly missed. After each game, review which countries you missed and study their locations for your next attempt.
Practice With Continent Modes
If you are struggling with the All Countries mode, spend time with individual continent challenges first. Mastering each continent separately makes the full world quiz much more manageable. Africa and Asia have the most countries, so they deserve extra practice.
Ready to Test Your Geography Knowledge?
Now that you know how to play, jump into the game and see how many countries you can name.
Start Playing Now