Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. You fly with PDAZ into the small airstrip at the capital Kyzyl and she explains that one third of the Tuvan population lives here. The Republic is about 170,000 km2 in area which makes it bigger than Greece and on a par with Tunisia, Uruguay and Florida. It is, however, sparsely populated with peoples who have traditionally been nomadic. Approximately how low is the population?
2. You're interested in history so you naturally ask about Tuva's past. PDAZ tells you that, prior to 1912, the area was under Chinese control but with increasing Russian influence from the mid-nineteenth century. You smile when she relates the unusual stipulation that, in 1860, was laid upon would be settlers from Russia. What was this requirement?
3. As you leave Kyzyl, you notice some distinctive dwelling places called yurts. PDAZ explains that these have been a traditional home for the nomadic Tuvans for centuries. What is a yurt?
4. Stamp collectors will be familiar with the stamps produced through the 1920s and 30s under the name of Tuva. These have distinctive, exotic designs showing aspects of national life. In reality many of these had little to do with Tuva, being produced in Moscow for the worldwide collectors' market. Indeed, one classic 1936 stamp, showing a camel racing a train, misrepresented Tuvan life in which crucial respect?
5. PDAZ promises you a unique experience as she calls at your yurt to take you to the Ubsu-Nur hollow. She's not wrong. This is a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site situated on Tuva's southern border. Here you discover an almost unbelievable diversity. Which of these geographical features do you NOT see represented in the area?
6. PDAZ points out to you a remarkable variety of animal and plant life. Some of these are endangered and many aren't found anywhere else. She gives you a rundown on the local wildlife but you know she's pulling your leg with one of the following animals which hails from the other side of the globe. Which of these is NOT a natural Tuvan resident?
7. Up until now, the lifestyle of the Tuvan people has had minimal environmental impact on the land but PDAZ wants to show you a different side. She takes you to Tuva's second city, Ak-Dovurak. Here you find one of the World's largest open cast mines. Tuva's economy is still very heavily based upon agriculture but the mining industry is developing rapidly. Which of these is NOT mined in Tuva?
8. You are invited to watch two grown men engaging in a bout of khuresh. PDAZ explains that this is a centuries old form of Tuva's national sport, which is what?
9. PDAZ confesses to you that she is a devotee of the Tuvan art of throat singing and insists that you come to hear it being performed. As you drink it in, you recall that this formed the backdrop to a 1999 Oscar nominated film. Which 'blue' movie was this?
10. You're back home and decide to relive some memories by typing Tuva into a search engine, but the ubiquitous PDAZ warns you that your search is just as likely to throw up the Microsoft product "Project Tuva" as the Russian republic. What reason does she give for "Project Tuva" being so named?
Source: Author
glendathecat
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor
ozzz2002 before going online.
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