Famous Dams of the World
1 / 15Test your knowledge of the world's most impressive dams and hydroelectric projects!
15 quick questionsNo sign-upFree to playTap an answer below to begin ↓
Which dam on the Colorado River was completed in 1936 and was the world's largest concrete structure at the time?
About Famous Dams of the World
Test your knowledge of the world's most impressive dams and hydroelectric projects! Famous Dams of the World packs 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 6 hard, 5 medium, 4 easy questions into a relaxed session of roughly 7 minutes — no sign-up, no timer pressure. An explanation appears after every answer, and finishing once a day keeps your streak alive.
A few sample questions
1. Which dam on the Colorado River was completed in 1936 and was the world's largest concrete structure at the time?
Answer: Hoover Dam
Hoover Dam, located on the border of Nevada and Arizona, was completed in 1936. It was named after President Herbert Hoover and was the world's tallest dam and largest hydroelectric facility at the time.
2. The Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest power station by installed capacity, is located on which river?
Answer: Yangtze River
The Three Gorges Dam spans the Yangtze River in Hubei province, China. Completed in 2006, it has an installed capacity of 22,500 MW, making it the world's largest hydroelectric power station.
3. The Aswan High Dam, completed in 1970, created which massive artificial lake?
Answer: Lake Nasser
The Aswan High Dam on the Nile River in Egypt created Lake Nasser, one of the world's largest artificial lakes. The reservoir extends about 550 km, with part of it reaching into Sudan.
4. Which dam in Brazil and Paraguay was the world's largest hydroelectric dam before the Three Gorges Dam surpassed it?
Answer: Itaipu Dam
The Itaipu Dam on the Paraná River between Brazil and Paraguay held the record as the world's largest hydroelectric dam from 1984 until the Three Gorges Dam surpassed it. It still produces more annual energy in many years.
5. The Grand Coulee Dam, one of the largest concrete structures in the world, is located in which U.S. state?
Answer: Washington
The Grand Coulee Dam is located on the Columbia River in Washington state. Completed in 1942, it is the largest hydropower producer in the United States and one of the largest concrete structures ever built.
Things you'll learn along the way
- The Banqiao Dam failed on August 8, 1975, during Typhoon Nina. The resulting flood killed an estimated 170,000 people and displaced millions, making it one of the deadliest dam failures in history.
- The Kariba Dam on the Zambezi River forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Completed in 1959, Lake Kariba is the world's largest artificial lake by volume at approximately 185 cubic kilometers.
- Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam, meaning it curves upstream and uses both the arch shape and its own weight to resist the water pressure. It stands 221 meters (726 feet) tall.
Frequently asked questions
Is Famous Dams of the World free to play?
Yes. The entire SeniorBrainGames catalog — including Famous Dams of the World — is free, with no sign-up required, no time limits, and no ads on top of the game. It also works offline once the page has loaded once.
How long does Famous Dams of the World take?
Most players finish Famous Dams of the World in about 7 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.
What's a good follow-up after Famous Dams of the World?
If you enjoyed this general knowledge quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.
Can I print Famous Dams of the World?
Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.
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