Study for the National Geographic Bee Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

In which country can the sacred Muslim city of Mecca be found?

Mecca, known as Makkah in Arabic, is located in Saudi Arabia and is the holiest city in Islam. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, which Muslims face during their daily prayers. Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which is required of all able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime if they can afford it. The significance of Mecca in the Islamic faith and its historical and religious context firmly establish Saudi Arabia as its place of origin. The other countries listed—Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey—have their own rich Muslim histories and important Islamic sites, but Mecca's unique status as Islam's spiritual center makes Saudi Arabia the correct answer.

Mecca, known as Makkah in Arabic, is located in Saudi Arabia and is the holiest city in Islam. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, which Muslims face during their daily prayers. Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world travel to Mecca to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which is required of all able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime if they can afford it.

The significance of Mecca in the Islamic faith and its historical and religious context firmly establish Saudi Arabia as its place of origin. The other countries listed—Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey—have their own rich Muslim histories and important Islamic sites, but Mecca's unique status as Islam's spiritual center makes Saudi Arabia the correct answer.