Is it true that most Americans don't know where, and the names of, other continents?

Question

It's Australasia, not Australia, because that is one country. Australasia is made of small islands and Australia, including New Zealand.

Answer 1

I bet that if you presented George Bush with a map of the world he woudn't even know where Iraq is.

Answer 2

Sadly this seems to be the case. I saw something on the news the other day about something like eighty percent of people polled couldn't find Iraq on a map. Pitiful. Some of the same people couldn't even point out america on the map. Granted, there were no names on the map, but, I just wanted to grab these people and choke them. No wonder they call us "Ugly Americans."

Answer 3

I worked on a summer camp a couple of years ago in New York and the kids (aged 12-16) did not realise where Ireland was, and most of them thought I was from the west USA!!

Answer 4

Sadly, I'd have to say yes, it's true. A combination of not giving a damn, plus lack of geography in schools makes a lot of people ignorant about the rest of the world.

Answer 5

I'm from America and have known them since the 4th grade. It does seem like a lot of people don't know all of the continents though.

Answer 6

No that is completely false. All but one person that I know can identify the continents. That one person thinks China is a continent and Europe is a country...

Answer 7

Yes, that is quite true. Unfortunately. They often don't even know the names of the 50 states of the USA, or major cities in states other than their own.

Answer 8

I think even Americans have a handle on the continents, its countries that seem to give them problems...

Answer 9

Seems to be true, I saw an American saying it's true and I know lots of them don't even realise that there are other countries.

Answer 10

I should certainly hope not. I know that in my state, everyone is taught the names and places of other continents and countries. I am almost positive that everyone is taught them in school.