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
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Julian said...
I got quite a few right. Some of those statistics are sad, especially from the people that live in America.
BTW, I got the CSI one wrong. :P
April 24, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Jonathan said...
It's America. I can't say I'm surprised
April 24, 2008 at 5:40 PM
Adam Dawson said...
It's a sad, sad life we live in, when people know more about their favourite television programs than the real world.
April 24, 2008 at 9:50 PM
Vi said...
Well I actually got the CSI one right...man I must be smart or something seeing as I've never watched it before. But it wasn't a random guess. And no one told me either..:-P lol
April 25, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Cherrypie said...
Is it actually worth asking whether young Americans are americocentric? I'm surprised it took them a study to figure it out...
May 5, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Adam Dawson said...
Eet eez time for a new post, mademoiselle! ;-)
May 7, 2008 at 8:38 PM