Quiz: Do you know the country these companies are from?

Written by:
September 6, 2020
Elisabetta Villa // Getty Images for Campari

Quiz: Do you know the country these companies are from?

Over the past few days, chances are you purchased something that was produced abroad. Did you watch the Super Bowl with a refreshing Aperol Spritz? That cocktail originated in the Mediterranean. If you saw the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the San Francisco 49ers on a Sony or Panasonic television, that screen was produced in Asia. And if you're rewatching your favorite Super Bowl commercials on a Lenovo, that computer was produced by a company that eventually took over one of the largest computer manufacturers in the world.

Many of the products we use daily at home, work, or at school are from companies based overseas. 麻豆原创 compiled a list of companies and where they are headquartered using various sources鈥攃ompany histories, newspaper articles, and stock market information鈥攁nd put them into a quiz format, in which the "clue" slide is the company and the "answer" slide is the country. Many of these publicly traded companies grew from small local shops with only say $25,000 in capital to multinational conglomerates worth multi-millions or even billions.

There are companies rich in mining or oil found on the list, whose names you might not recognize but whose products reach almost 200 countries. There are also household names like the producer of Super Mario, the preferred cosmetics of Viola Davis, and the car company whose name is taken after "the god of harmony, intelligence, and wisdom from the earliest civilization in West Asia."

The influence of these companies extends beyond commerce, even occasionally playing a role in global issues. For example, the NBA's media provider in China recently was caught in the middle of a controversy over free speech and government criticism. With great power comes great responsibility, and once a company becomes an international power player, the stakes are raised. Click through to find the impact and location of origin for some of the world's biggest companies.

Clue: Sony

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Answer: Japan

Japan surrendered to end World War II, a little company named Sony was founded with about 20 workers. Over the next seven decades, Sony evolved into an electronics giant, helping to boost Japan's economy. Today, one of Sony's biggest sellers is the PlayStation video game console, with the  set to hit stores in November 2024.

Clue: Aldi

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Answer: Germany

Aldi is popular throughout Europe, but even if you've never shopped at one in the U.S., you may have stopped into one of Aldi's grocery store cousins. Trader Joe's, like Aldi, is owned by the . The Albrecht family purchased Trader Joe's in 1979.

Clue: Nokia

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Answer: Finland

Nokia is known for its cellular phones, but the Finnish company began as a paper mill. Nokia, now a publicly-traded company, has also produced tires, rubber boots, and other products. Although American football isn't all that popular in Finland, Nokia sponsored the for more than 10 years.

Clue: Huawei

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Answer: China

Chinese tech company Huawei was founded in 1987 by a former officer of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, .

Clue: BHP

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Answer: Australia

BHP's roots trace back to a small tin mine . BHP expanded into the Gulf of Mexico 166 years later, further solidifying its position as  in mining and petroleum.

Clue: Samsung Electronics

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Answer: South Korea

Founded in 1938, Samsung, a name synonymous with electronics, once . Today, Samsung is recognizable by its phones and as a sponsor for the Olympics.

Clue: Gazprom

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Answer: Russia

As the Cold War drew to a close, the U.S.S.R. Gas Industry Ministry became Gazprom. The company has come for its monopoly-like control over European gas markets.

Clue: Michelin

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Answer: France

Michelin was , and for over 120 years, has been one of the most popular brands in the tire industry. At the turn of the 20th century, Michelin began publishing guides for travelers; today, being a is one of the highest honors an establishment can receive.

Clue: Fiverr

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Answer: Israel

Fiverr is an online marketplace . Founded in 2010, Fiverr is one of many companies getting in on the . Fiverr is based in Tel Aviv, which has become an international hub for tech startups.

Clue: Vale

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Answer: Brazil

Vale is the world's largest producer of iron ore and nickel. It has faced serious controversy over its mining operations, with .

Clue: Panasonic

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Answer: Japan

In 1917, produced his first sockets and installation fans in Osaka. One century later, Matsushita's Panasonic is one of the most revered names in electronics. Matsushita's brother-in-law, Toshio lue, with whom he made those first sockets, later founded Sanyo Electric.

Clue: Jarritos

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Answer: Mexico

Jarritos, the familiar, colorful soft drinks that pair well with tacos and burritos, was first introduced .

Clue: Bayer

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Answer: Germany

In 1863, founded Bayer. Soon, Bayer workers expanded their range of chemicals and became a world leader in pharmaceutical sales. In 2018, with agrochemical giant Monsanto.

Clue: Armani

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Answer: Italy

Giorgio Armani's iconic fashion brand . When Richard Gere sported Armani from head to toe in "American Gigolo," Armani styles burst onto the American scene.

Clue: Tata Motors

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Answer: India

Although Tata may not have the same recognition in the U.S. as Toyota, Volvo, or other international automakers, they have been in business as a public limited company since 1945. Tata has forged many notable relationships with other automakers; first Daimler-Benz, and then in 2008, Tata acquired Jaguar Land Rover.

Clue: Alibaba

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Answer: China

Twenty-one years ago, and 18 colleagues found Alibaba. One of those co-founders, , is now one of the company's most public faces. In 2019, Tsai agreed to purchase for a reported $2.35 billion.

Clue: Fage

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Answer: Greece

In 1926, Fage began as a small, family-run in Athens. Fage yogurts finally reached the U.S. in the 1990s, and they now operate a huge production facility in .

Clue: Dangote Group

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Answer: Nigeria

Dangote is one of Africa's largest , producing a range of products including cement, sugar, flour, petrochemicals, and many others. Founder Aliko Dangote is reportedly , worth about .

Clue: H&M

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Answer: Sweden

Swedish textile mainstay H&M began selling clothing . By 2000, H&M reached the U.S. with a flagship store in Manhattan. Soon, Karl Lagerfeld and many other fashion icons began collaborating with the relatively affordable store.

Clue: Jollibee

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Answer: Philippines

When Jollibee opened their in 2018, lines were out the store waiting for fried chicken, spaghetti, and other company staples. Jollibee's chicken joy is beloved by foodies (including the late ), as are the served with fries.

Clue: Carlsberg Group

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Answer: Denmark

Founded in 1847 by J. C. Jacobsen, Carlsberg has been brewing beer for nearly 180 years. Currently, Carlsberg reaches over .

Clue: Al Jazeera Media Network

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Answer: Qatar

In 2006, , which is partly funded by the Qatari government, became a public utility or private corporation. Thus, the newly formed Al Jazeera Media Network was established, and soon the network had 70 bureaus worldwide.

Clue: Tencent

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Answer: China

was founded in 1998 and has grown into a worldwide leader in media and technology. One of Tencent's more notable partnerships is .

Clue: Adidas

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Answer: Germany

Four years after World War II ended, German inventor Adi Dassler founded Adidas. Over the next 80 years, Adidas' layout became one of the most iconic looks in athletic and urban fashion. David Beckham, James Harden, and Aaron Rodgers are among the athletes signed to Adidas sponsorship contracts.

Clue: Nintendo

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Answer: Japan

Nintendo reached worldwide fame in the 1980s thanks to "Super Mario Bros.," but the company was founded . Nintendo first produced playing cards, but made their nut and then some with video games. Nintendo Switch alone has sold over , while the newer Nintendo Switch 2 has sold 5.8 million units as of October 2025.

Clue: Vodafone

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Answer: United Kingdom

The name Vodafone was first announced to the media in 1984; within three years, it became the largest mobile network in the world. Today, Vodafone counts in 15 countries.

Clue: Nestle

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Answer: Switzerland

, Henri Nestl茅 developed a new infant formula that set his namesake company on its way. By 1904, Nestl茅 was selling chocolate; today, the Nestl茅 portfolio includes bottled water, ice cream, and pet care products.

Clue: LG Electronics

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Answer: South Korea

LG first entered the Korean market in 1947, . Today, the company is best known for its manufacturing of electronics, with global sales of nearly in 2024.

Clue: Reliance Industries

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Answer: India

Reliance fibers, textiles, petrochemicals, and a range of other products. Founded in the 1970s, Reliance now employs almost .

Clue: Banco Santander

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Answer: Spain

Commonly known as Santander in the U.S., Banco Santander was founded way back in 1857. signed a royal decree that allowed the incorporation of Banco Santander, which was intended to increase trade with Latin America. In 2013, American-based  became Santander.

Clue: Philips

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Answer: Netherlands

Phillips' initial purpose, in the late 19th century, was to manufacture "" Today, the Dutch conglomerate has moved past just light bulbs and makes headphones, electric toothbrushes, medical equipment, and much more. In 1979, Phillips introduced the concept of .

Clue: Anglo American

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Answer: South Africa

Anglo American is recognized for mining, investing heavily in . At times, Anglo American has been the world's leading miner of platinum. founded the company in 1917.

Clue: Grupo Bimbo

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Answer: Mexico

Grupo Bimbo, founded in 1945, is home to several notable brands, including Entenmann's, Sara Lee, and Takis. In 2020, Grupo Bimbo added to its stable.

Clue: L'Or茅al

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Answer: France

founded L'Or茅al in 1909. Since then, L'Or茅al has become the world's largest cosmetics company. , Helen Mirren, and Celine Dion are some notable names who've modeled in L'Or茅al campaigns.

Clue: Hyundai Motors

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Answer: South Korea

Chung Ju-Yung, founding chairman of Hyundai, was born in North Korea in 1915. Fifty-two years later, more than a decade after the Korean peninsula was separated into two countries, Chung launched Hyundai Motors. Hyundai morphed into a 鈥攖he Korean term for a family-run conglomerate鈥攁nd now operates .

Clue: Red Bull GmbH

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Answer: Austria

Dietrich Mateschitz, the energy drinks of the Far East, founded Redrel in 1984. In 2024, Reddll sold of its energy drink. The company has expanded to  a diverse range of sporting events and teams.

Clue: Lululemon Athletica

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Answer: Canada

Over 25 years ago, Lululemon was , British Columbia. In 2024, Lululemon's revenue reached .

Clue: Volvo

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Answer: Sweden

Founded in 1927, Volvo produces automobiles in 18 countries. In 2024, Volvo reported around in net sales.

Clue: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries

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Answer: Israel

Not to be confused with outdoorsy sandals, Teva Pharmaceutical was initially called "," an Aramaic word for doctor.

Clue: Anheuser-Busch InBev

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Answer: Belgium

Anheuser-Busch InBev is a Belgian-headquartered company from the merger of Belgian-Brazilian InBev and American brewer Anheuser-Busch. Anheuser-Busch itself was founded in St. Louis nearly . Today, brands like Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Hoegaarden are all owned by AB InBev.

Clue: Mazda

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Answer: Japan

Founded in 1920, Mazda was initially a cork company. Mazda's first vehicle was released in 1931, a tricycle truck. According to the Mazda website, the company name is derived from "Ahura Mazda, the god of harmony, intelligence, and wisdom from the earliest civilization in West Asia."

Clue: HSBC

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Answer: United Kingdom

Thomas Sutherland, a Scotsman working in Hong Kong, sought to create better banking facilities when he launched HSBC . HSBC, which stands for The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, is now traded publicly on the New York Stock Exchange.

Clue: Campari Group

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Answer: Italy

Since 1860, Campari has produced liquors. Brands like Aperol, Grand Marnier, and Wild Turkey now reach over .

Clue: LVMH

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Answer: France

Luxury brands Louis Vuitton and Moet Hennessy , but the conglomerate's roots trace back to the 16th century.

Clue: Lenovo

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Answer: China

Lenovo launched in 1984 with an initial capital outlay of about . Two decades later, Lenovo completed its , which was one of the world's leading computer companies in 1984. Lenovo also produces smartphones and is  on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Clue: LEGO Group

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Answer: Denmark

The LEGO Group is world renowned for its colorful plastic bricks, which inspire creativity in people of all ages. Founded in Billund, Denmark in 1932, LEGO's headquarters actually features gigantic yellow bricks and even a slide for employees, making it one of the most playful workplaces in the world.

Clue: UBS

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Answer: Switzerland

UBS' history dates back to 1862, when it was founded as the Bank in Winterthur. In the 1890s, the Swiss Bank Corporation was established. The Union Bank of Switzerland began operations in 1912, following the merger of Winterthur with Toggenburger Bank. In 1998, Swiss Bank Corporation and Union Bank of Switzerland merged to form UBS.

Clue: Ferrari

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Answer: Italy

The 125 S, , was built in 1947. In 2019, the film "Ford v Ferrari," which chronicles Ferrari's dominance as a powerful sports car in the racing circuit, received nominations. Even before the release of "Ford v Ferrari," the Italian sports cars have been a symbol of luxury in films for decades. (Remember the desired in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"?)

Clue: Billabong

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Answer: Australia

Billabong, a small surfing company when it was founded in 1973, caught a huge wave when it became publicly traded in 2000. Eventually, Billabong was bought by , another major name in outdoor sports apparel and equipment. Today, Billabong sponsors some of the world's best surfers.

Clue: OYO Hotels

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Answer: India

Ritesh Agarwal was only 19 years old when he founded OYO Hotels in 2013. Now, Agarwal is one of India's youngest billionaires.

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