Can you name the world's most spoken primary language? The largest consumer of oil? The most heavily fortified border on the planet? The current population of the U.S.?
The National Geographic surveyed 18-24 year olds across America to see how much they know about our world. The findings are appalling! More know where the TV show CSI is set than can find Iraq on a map.
- Only 37% of young Americans can find Iraq on a map—though U.S. troops have been there since 2003.
- 20% of young Americans think Sudan is in Asia. (It's the largest country in Africa.)
- 48% of young Americans believe the majority population in India is Muslim. (It's Hindu—by a landslide.)
- Half of young Americans can't find New York State on a map.
The National Geographic also surveyed 18- to 24-year-olds in Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and Sweden. Sweden scored highest; Mexico, lowest. The U.S. was second to last.
Are we any better?
Test yourself here
For more findings click here
A thief in Paris planned to steal some paintings from the Louvre Museum.
After careful planning, he got past security, stole the paintings, and made it safely to his van. However, he was captured only two blocks away when his van ran out of gas.
When asked how he could mastermind such a crime and then make such an obvious error, he replied, "Monsieur, that is the reason I stole the paintings. I had no Monet to buy Degas to make the Van Gogh."
Discalceate
Barefoot or wearing only sandals. To pull off shoes.
Discombobulate
To confuse or disconcert, upset, frustrate. Perplex or cause to be unable to think clearly.
Dissight
Unsightly thing, eyesore.
Dizen
Array with finery, deck out, dress up.
Equivoque
Play on words, pun. A double meaning.
Quondam
That once was, former: “the quondam drunkard, now perfectly sober”
Reck
Pay heed to, take account of, care about.
Sawder
Compliments, flattering speeches, blarney.
