I figured that was the trick, but I couldn't remember WHICH countries weren't in the EU. I had to systematically guess all of the European countries before I finally landed on the 2 in the quiz.
There are a lot more than four European countries not in the EU: Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, Vatican, Iceland, Norway, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Kosovo, Moldova, Albania, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, (Turkey). And soon (at the time of going to press!) the UK. So at least 17 (depends on whether one includes Turkey or not).
Funny quiz! Those EU-Switzerland figures are truly enormous. I guess it's because of cross-border integration of the region's industries? German electronics exported as inputs into Swiss lifts, trams and clocks, which are then re-exported into the EU, etc. etc. etc.
On the one hand, what kalbahamut said is largely true. On the other hand, the Bangladeshi garments industry has been a major driver (arguably the driver) of economic growth in the country. My hope is that the development that the garments industry is bringing will work reciprocally and eventually force companies to improve their wages and working conditions.
Another issue here is that Bangladesh is waaay too dependent on one industry. If the economy diversifies beyond garments then there's a good chance it will make this list, but for now, I'm not convinced its garments industry alone will put it in the EU's top 20 trading partners.
I was not arguing that it was necessarily a bad thing for Bangladesh. Just explaining why they might not show up on the above list. It's always funny/frustrating/obnoxious to me when Westerners try to "save" people in other countries, from what the Westerners see as unappealing lifestyles, by attempting to destroy industries and these peoples' often only livelihood. When usually there are no better options available. I've seen this taking place in Thailand, the Philippines, India, and other places, too, in multiple different industries.
Very true. I remember clearly how Japanese cars, toys, etc were cheap and regarded low quality in the 1960s (and how it all changed within 20 years). South Korea offered low cost products in large masses in the 70s, then gradually South-East Asian countries and China started subcontract low cost production to other countries, near and far. It seems the kind of globalization we have seen since 1960s has now reached boundaries.
Australia's main export markets are in Asia and the Americas. Focus has shifted from Europe since WW2. Since the EU was formed, bureaucracy and political factors have meant that those markets are hardly worth the effort.
Plenty of superfine wool does go to Italian mills, but often early stage processing is performed in non-EU countries
Woah, I think I may be the first person to play this quiz after this latest update. To see the answer stat columns of a featured quiz both %correct and your% being identical is quite trippy.
By that token the same would be true for Switzerland and Japan, among others. Not saying Brexit was a good idea, fááár from it, but it's not as simple as mere trade balance.
Another issue here is that Bangladesh is waaay too dependent on one industry. If the economy diversifies beyond garments then there's a good chance it will make this list, but for now, I'm not convinced its garments industry alone will put it in the EU's top 20 trading partners.
Plenty of superfine wool does go to Italian mills, but often early stage processing is performed in non-EU countries
The quiz has been updated now to reflect post Brexit situation!