One Man's Expedition Trivia Quiz

Answer: Russian

With over 160 different ethnic groups and indigenous peoples, Russia has a diverse cultural heritage.
Shchi is a cabbage soup - usually eaten with rye bread. Borsch, blini, dressed herring, stuffed cabbage rolls and pelmeni are just a few of the traditional foods enjoyed in Russia.
There are distinctive styles of folk music among the different ethnic heritages, and in addition to the gusli, typical instruments include the balalaika and garmoshka. Folk music, handicrafts, fairy tales and traditions all vary somewhat throughout the country.
Samara is located in the southeastern part of European Russia, and was at one time home to Alexey Tolstoy (writer) and Dimitri Shostakovich (composer).

Answer: Peruvian

Located in South America, Peru has primarily an Amerindian and Spanish heritage - although African, European and Asian influences can also be seen.
The art, literature, music and cuisine is diverse - a result of the numerous ethnic groups present throughout the country. At one time the home of the Incan Empire, the main language spoken is Spanish, but there is still a large number of Peruvians who speak Quechua.
Diversity in cuisine is due not only to the different ethnic groups, but also because of the wide variety of climates (28) within the country, which affects what can be successfully grown or raised from region to region.
Pisco is a kind of brandy which was developed by Spanish settlers in the 16th century.

Answer: Iranian

Home to one of the oldest civilizations, Iran's culture is a mix of pre-Islamic and Islamic cultures. While several languages were developed in Iran, Persian is the most widely spoken, and the official language. And while 'the Islamic Republic of Iran' is the country's official name, both 'Iran' and 'Persia' are used interchangeably in casual conversation.
Composed of 31 provinces (with each province further divided into counties, districts and sub-districts) Iran's cuisine is diverse, with different specialties, as well as customs and styles, distinct to each province.
In addition to the ancient tradition of carpet weaving, Iran has a rich history of literature, mythology, music, art and architecture.

Answer: Armenian

Formerly a republic of the Soviet Union, Armenia has an ancient cultural heritage. Music is very important, and one of the oldest and best known instruments is the duduk - a traditional woodwind instrument. There is evidence of lacemaking that dates back to before Christianity, and unlike in Europe, lace was not restricted to or reserved for the nobility. In Armenia, 'needlelace' decorated everyday wear, and thus was a handicraft practiced by many women.
Obsidian jewelry is just one of the crafts featured at the 'Vernisage', the arts and craft market in Yerevan.
Armenian cognac is famous worldwide. Lamb, yoghurt, eggplant and bread are staples in most households, and fruits and nuts are used extensively in many dishes.
The pomegranate is Armenia's national fruit.

Answer: Colombian

Ethnically diverse, Colombia's populace is comprised of the descendants of Amerindians, Spanish settlers, African slaves, and immigrants from Europe and the Middle East. The largest ethnic group in Colombia is the Mestizos - a mixture of Amerindian and European heritage. With such a wide range of influences, Colombia's culture is quite varied, with very strong regional identities.
Cumbia - both the music and dance - and salsa are famous Colombian traditions, as are the country's various carnivals and festivals. Family is very important in their culture, and familial ties are strong enough to keep extended families close for generations.
As with certain other South American countries, the diverse geography has resulted in distinctly different local cuisines, although chicken, pork, corn, rice, plantains and potatoes are fairly common in most households.
And, Colombia is famous for producing exquisite coffee.

Answer: Australian

While Aboriginal culture is still to be found in Australia, since 1788 it has been heavily influenced by Anglo-Celtic Western cultures.
Australian wines have become world-class contenders, and beers such as Fosters and Victoria Bitter are popular not just in Australia, but worldwide.
Fresh produce, fish and seafood, and lamb are all widely available, and popular. Barbequing is considered a national tradition.
Art, literature, theater and music all have a long and diverse history in Australia.

Answer: Nigerian

Located in West Africa, Nigeria has three main ethnic groups - the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. While the official language is English, there are several recognized national and regional languages.
Religion varies regionally, as does cuisine, art, literature and media, but there are some constants throughout the country, including a love of football.

Answer: Italian

Italy is a democratic republic, and home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The architecture has to be classified not only by period, but also by region, and its influences can be seen worldwide.
Art is an obvious heritage in Italy, with works from da Vinci to de Chirico gracing the walls of countless museums. Literature, theater, music and fashion are all hallmarks of Italy's involvement in the areas of art and culture, and trendsetting as well as historically relevant.
The cuisine has evolved over the centuries, with big changes occurring with the exploration of the New World - and the introduction of new foodstuffs such as tomatoes, maize and potatoes. There are distinct regional dishes, but throughout the country, wine and cheese hold prominent places in daily menus.

Answer: Haitian

Haiti is the smaller part of Hispaniola - the larger part being the Dominican Republic - and was devastated by an earthquake in 2010. The capital, Port-au-Prince, was hit the hardest, not only structurally, but also spiritually.
The country has a rich heritage of native Taino, French and African - and to a lesser degree, Spanish - influences. Folklore, music, dance and art are all marked by the integration of these different heritages, and the cuisine is similarly a mixture of several very different ethnic tastes. Extensive use of herbs, liberal use of peppers and a style that is not too spicy, yet not mild, is prevalent.
One of Haiti's most famous exports is rum - and it is also the country's most popular alcoholic beverage.

Answer: Norwegian

Norwegian art, music, dance, literature and architecture all have histories reaching back to pagan times. The cuisine is clearly influenced by the proximity of water - seafood being a prime staple in Norway's households.
The majority of Norway is Lutheran, although church attendance is low. Religious tolerance is high, however, with the minority religions being well-tolerated within the country.