Following on from yesterday’s set of lists, and continuing this New Year Resolution of sorts, here are some challenges involving things that begin with the letter U (including countries and chemical elements) or come 21st numerically (such as the 21st Pope and the 21st President of the USA). In each case you can test yourself first to see how many you can name. The answers appear at the end of this piece.

Challenge: Items beginning with U

Countries: there are 7 countries whose usual English names begin with U. [Hint: 2 in Europe, 2 in Asia, 1 in Africa, 2 in the Americas.]

Capital cities: there is only 1 capital city whose name begins with U.

Chemical Elements: there is only 1 element beginning with U, and it has the chemical symbol U.

UK #1 Chart Acts: 5 acts beginning with U have reached #1 in the UK.

Songs beginning with U that have reached #1 in the UK Chart: 11 songs beginning with U have reached #1 in the UK.

Challenge: 21st in a list

Can you name the following?

21st Pope (251AD to 253AD).

The 21st President of the USA (1881-1885).

The winner of Superbowl XXI (1987).

The host country and winner of the 21st (and most recent) FIFA World Cup (2018).

Answers: Items beginning with U

Countries (7): Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan.

Capital cities (1): Ulan Bator, or Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia).

Chemical elements (1): uranium (U).

UK #1 Chart Acts: U2, UB40, Unit Four Plus Two, USA For Africa, Usher.

Songs beginning with U that have reached #1 in the UK Chart: “Umbrella” / “Unbreakable” / “Unchained Melody” / “Under Control” / “Under Pressure” / “Under The Bridge” / “Under The Moon Of Love” / “Up On The Roof” / “Up Town Top Ranking” / “Uptown Funk” / “Uptown Girl” / “Use It Up And Wear It Out”.

Answers: 21st in a list

21st Pope: St Cornelius (251AD to 253AD).

21st President of the USA: Chester A Arthur (1881-1885).

The winner of Superbowl XXI (1987): New York Giants.

The 21st (and most recent) FIFA World Cup (2018): hosted by Russia, won by France.