Test the Nation

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Test the Nation is a television programme, first broadcast in 2001 by BNN in the The Netherlands. The format has now been made around the world in countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Indonesia, New Zealand, Denmark, Japan, and Ireland. It is also set to launch in the Middle East on November 1 on the Arabic language MBC1.

The format is designed to allow viewers to answer a number of questions in order to measure their IQ or their ability in some other 'intellectual' area. For instance, in the UK (where the show has run since 2002) there have been editions of the show devoted to general knowledge, knowledge of the UK itself, and the English language. There is also an annual test of the year's events just before Christmas.

Typically there is a studio audience who answer the questions along with the viewer. The studio demography is broken down into fun categories often designed to challenge or affirm stereotypes. For example, in the United Kingdom, White-Van Men and fashion models are commonly thought to be less intelligent, whilst doctors and scientists are expected to score highly.

The fun is in comparing your score against your fellow countrymen. The British version was originally presented by Anne Robinson and Phillip Schofield. The tests are devised and standardised by the academic Colin Cooper, of Queen's University Belfast, who is sometimes referred to on the programme as 'Sooperman Cooperman'.

Viewers can play along using interactive television, log onto the BBC website, or just use a pen and paper to keep score.

The last IQ test (in the UK) was shown on 2 September 2006, when the studio groups were public school students, state school students, butchers, vegetarians, estate agents, footballers' wives and celebrities. In this episode Danny Wallace, a successful writer, made his first appearance as co-host, he replaces Phillip Schofield.

An end of year test is planned for December 2006 (Christmas).