Now open is the Russian Geographical Society's international contest, "Write Your Question for the Geographical Dictation — 2025"! Everyone is welcome to participate, regardless of age, citizenship, or place of residence.

The eleventh edition of the Geographical Dictation will take place in 2025. Every year, the project's attractiveness and scope increase, partly due to the participation of enthusiasts. The competition allows everyone to help develop assignments: the finest questions will be incorporated into the quiz with a required authorship credit.

In what categories are questions welcome?

• Subjects covered include Russia's geography, nature, climate, unique objects, regional cultural and historical heritage, and the accomplishments of Russian researchers. Only in relation to Russia is it possible to mention foreign regions and scientists' names.
• Format: solely closed-ended questions with four answer options (of which only one is right).
• Difficulty: Participants with varying degrees of training should find the questions engaging and intelligible.
• Originality: it is prohibited to reuse questions from prior years (refer to the archive).

This year, participants can submit their questions in the nominations stated below in addition to sending them to the main contest:

1. 180 Years of the Russian Geographical Society: Time Travel - questions about the history, the founders, significant expeditions, and contributions to the study of geography of the Russian Geographical Society.
2. In Memory of Heroes: Eighty Years of Victory in the World War II - questions about the war's geography, significant battles, regions and monuments related to the commemoration of the acts of valour.
3. Northern Sea Route: History and Discoveries - questions regarding significant events, individuals, and historical facts pertaining to the beginnings of the Northern Sea Route's development by Russian explorers. Both historical and modern subjects may be discussed, including the effects of the Northern Sea Route on Russia's economy, culture, and geopolitics.
4. Geographical Bridges: Relations between Russia and BRICS nations - questions that highlight historical and geographical connections between Russia and the present-day BRICS member states.

Each participant may submit a maximum of three questions for the main contest and one question for each extra nomination, for a total of no more than seven questions.

What will be awarded to the winners and finalists?

A Certificate of Participation will be given to each finalist, and their questions will be utilised in brief quizzes and/or Dictation variations with required authorship credit.

A promo voucher good for a 10% discount at the RGS online store will also be given to the finalists.

Along with an invitation to the Central Venue of the Geographical Dictation in Moscow, the winners will also receive special presents from the Russian Geographical Society.

Results of the contest will be released:

• The finalist list will be made public until August 1, 2025.
• The winners' list won't be released until September 1, 2025.

Would you like to contribute to the Geographical Dictation 2025 as a coauthor? Apply before June 15th to avoid missing your opportunity!

Apply