1.
The famous Silk Road is the historical network of interlinking trade routes across the Eurasian landmass that connected Asia with the Mediterranean and European. Some of its parts went through:
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
The correct answer is "All of the above" because Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan were all part of the famous Silk Road. These countries were important stops along the trade routes, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures between Asia and Europe. The Silk Road played a significant role in shaping the history and development of these regions, promoting economic growth and cultural exchange.
2.
Kazakhstan is located in Central Asia and is the:
Correct Answer
C. 9th largest country in the world by land area
Explanation
Kazakhstan is the 9th largest country in the world by land area. This means that it has the 9th highest total land area among all countries.
3.
What is the capital of Uzbekistan:
Correct Answer
D. Tashkent
Explanation
The capital of Uzbekistan is Tashkent.
4.
The longest solid land border in the world is between:
Correct Answer
B. Kazakhstan and Russia
Explanation
The correct answer is Kazakhstan and Russia. Kazakhstan and Russia share the longest solid land border in the world. The border between these two countries stretches for approximately 7,644 kilometers (4,750 miles). This border is significant due to its length and the geopolitical implications it has for both countries.
5.
There is a beautiful mountain salt lake in Kyrgyzstan, which is 5th in the world by volume, and 6th - by depth. It’s one of the popular tourist attractions in the country. What is it called?
Correct Answer
C. Issyk Kul
Explanation
Issyk Kul is the correct answer because it is a beautiful mountain salt lake in Kyrgyzstan. It is known for being the 5th largest lake in the world by volume and the 6th deepest. It is also a popular tourist attraction in the country.
6.
The world's first and largest operational spacecraft launch facility managed by Russia is called Baikonur. It’s located in:
Correct Answer
D. Kazakhstan
Explanation
Baikonur, the world's first and largest operational spacecraft launch facility, is located in Kazakhstan.
7.
Which of the following is most popular in Uzbekistan, and taken 365 days/ year, with every meal and in between:
Correct Answer
B. Tea
Explanation
Tea is the most popular beverage in Uzbekistan, consumed throughout the year and with every meal. It is a staple in Uzbek culture and is enjoyed not only for its taste but also for its soothing and refreshing qualities. Tea is often served with traditional dishes and is a common part of social gatherings and hospitality in Uzbekistan. Its popularity and widespread consumption make it the most likely choice among the given options.
8.
How many presidents had Kazakhstan since the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991:
Correct Answer
A. 1
Explanation
Since the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991, Kazakhstan has had only one president. This suggests that there has been a stable leadership in the country, with the same president serving for an extended period of time.
9.
Which of these crops is the most important to the Uzbek economy:
Correct Answer
B. Cotton
Explanation
Cotton is the most important crop to the Uzbek economy because it is a major cash crop and contributes significantly to the country's export earnings. Uzbekistan is one of the largest cotton producers in the world, and the cotton industry plays a crucial role in the country's economy, providing employment opportunities for a large number of people. The government has also invested heavily in the cotton sector, making it a priority crop and supporting its production through various measures.
10.
In which of the FSU 'Stan countries is more than ¾ of the land territory mountainous?
Correct Answer
A. Kyrgyzstan
Explanation
Kyrgyzstan is the correct answer because it is well-known for its mountainous terrain. More than three-fourths of the land in Kyrgyzstan is covered by mountains, including the Tian Shan range. This makes it the most mountainous country among the given options. Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, on the other hand, have flatter landscapes with a smaller percentage of mountainous areas.
11.
Most Kazakh names have taken their meaning from the Kazakh language, e.g. Aigul is Moon Flower; Gulzhan is Flower Soul; Zhangali is Soul Treasure. What does the name Aigali mean?
Correct Answer
B. Moon Treasure
Explanation
The name Aigali means "Moon Treasure". This can be inferred from the given information that most Kazakh names have meanings in the Kazakh language, and Aigul is specifically mentioned to mean "Moon Flower". By following the same pattern, Aigali can be understood to mean "Moon Treasure".
12.
Which of these countries does Uzbekistan not share a border with:
Correct Answer
C. Russia
Explanation
Uzbekistan does not share a border with Russia.
13.
People living in Kazakhstan look like (face, not clothing):
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
The people living in Kazakhstan have diverse ethnic backgrounds, resulting in a variety of facial features. Kazakhstan is located in Central Asia, bordering both Slavic and Arabic regions, which has led to a mix of Asian, Slavic, and Arabic influences in the population. Therefore, it is accurate to say that people in Kazakhstan can have facial features resembling those of Asians, Slavs, and Arabs.
14.
During Soviet days what was the name of the tallest Mountain in what is now Uzbekistan?
Correct Answer
B. Peak of the 22nd Congress of the Communist Party
Explanation
During the Soviet days, the tallest mountain in what is now Uzbekistan was named the Peak of the 22nd Congress of the Communist Party.
15.
The Capital of Kyrgyzstan is Bishkek. In the Soviet era it had a different name, which one?
Correct Answer
B. Frunze
Explanation
During the Soviet era, the capital of Kyrgyzstan was named Frunze. Frunze was named after Mikhail Frunze, a prominent Bolshevik military leader. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the city's name was changed back to its original name, Bishkek.
16.
"Kazy" - traditional and delicious sausage from Kazakh cuisine is made of:
Correct Answer
C. Horse
Explanation
Kazy is a traditional sausage from Kazakh cuisine that is made of horse meat. Horse meat is commonly used in Kazakh cuisine and is considered a delicacy. The meat is seasoned and cured before being stuffed into casings to make the sausage. Horse meat has a unique flavor and is known for its tenderness, making it a popular choice for making sausages like Kazy.
17.
Which meat is most commonly eaten in Uzbekistan?
Correct Answer
C. Lamb
Explanation
Lamb is the most commonly eaten meat in Uzbekistan. This is because lamb is readily available and widely consumed in the country. The traditional cuisine of Uzbekistan includes various lamb dishes such as shashlik (grilled skewered meat), manti (dumplings), and plov (rice pilaf with lamb). The preference for lamb can also be attributed to the predominantly Muslim population in Uzbekistan, as pork is prohibited in Islam. Additionally, the climate and geography of the region make sheep farming more suitable than other types of livestock. Therefore, lamb is the most popular meat choice in Uzbekistan.
18.
There were 2 revolutions (in 2005 and 2010) in one of the listed countries since the USSR’s collapse. Both resulted in the ousting of the president of that time. In which country did they occur:
Correct Answer
D. Kyrgyzstan
Explanation
Kyrgyzstan is the correct answer because it is the only country listed that has experienced two revolutions (in 2005 and 2010) since the collapse of the USSR, both of which resulted in the ousting of the president. Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan have not had two revolutions resulting in the ousting of the president since the USSR's collapse.
19.
Which is the most common traditional Uzbek dish:
Correct Answer
D. Plov
Explanation
Plov is the most common traditional Uzbek dish. It is a rice dish cooked with various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and spices. Plov is often served during special occasions and celebrations in Uzbekistan. It is a popular and beloved dish in the country, known for its rich flavors and aromatic spices.
20.
Centuries ago the lifestyle of Kazakh and Kyrgyz people traditionally was:
Correct Answer
B. Nomadic
Explanation
The correct answer is "Nomadic." Centuries ago, the lifestyle of Kazakh and Kyrgyz people was traditionally nomadic. This means that they did not have a permanent settlement and instead moved from place to place in search of grazing land for their livestock. Nomadic lifestyle allowed them to adapt to different environments and utilize available resources efficiently. It also played a significant role in shaping their culture, social structure, and economy.
21.
The two most commonly visited cities in Kazakhstan by tourists (one of them is the capital) are:
Correct Answer
A. Almaty and Astana
Explanation
Almaty and Astana are the two most commonly visited cities in Kazakhstan by tourists. Almaty, the former capital, is known for its stunning mountainous landscapes, vibrant nightlife, and cultural attractions such as the Central State Museum and Zenkov Cathedral. Astana, the current capital, is a modern city with futuristic architecture, including the Bayterek Tower and the Astana Opera House. Both cities offer a mix of historical sites, shopping opportunities, and a variety of dining options, making them popular destinations for tourists visiting Kazakhstan.
22.
Test your short memory!
This quiz addressed questions to the following 3 FSU countries:
Correct Answer
C. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
Explanation
The correct answer is Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan. The question is asking for the three countries that were addressed in the quiz. The given answer lists Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, which matches the question.