Why do a lot of Americans have such a bad time with world geography?

Answer 1

Are you so perfect at everything that you feel the need to bash others? Get a life.

Answer 2

Everything about this country is focused inward. I sometimes wonder if we originated the 'it's all about me phenomenon.' As a result (or perhaps it is the cause) of such self-absorption, far too much time is spent learning about American History and American Government to be bothered with anything outside that sphere. That coupled with the fact that the United States public school system is positively atrocious and has dumbed down the curriculum drastically over the years gives you a pretty good picture of the situation. Of course, it also doesn't help that, with regards to the rest of the world, the U.S. is practically all alone over here on the Western front and so much of what happens around the world does not personally affect the larger portion of the population.

Answer 3

Because the US is such a large country and most generally stay inside the US.

Europe, for example, has many smaller countries within its borders and travelling to those countries is much more likely for them.

They also start learning foreign languages around the third grade. Many Europeans are Tri- or even Quad-lingual!

Answer 4

Well, on average, Most Americans Do have trouble with world geography. I think it's because we are such as self centered society these days.

Answer 5

everyone here takes things for granted and worry to much about the opposite gender, looks, video games, and the internet. However in other countries, they study their brains out trying whatever they can to beat the competition around the world. people in other countries live a simple life. They are more alert about their environment and that's why they know geography so well. and i'm not trying to be sterotipical. There are many people who are brilliant genieus.

Answer 6

Because a large percentage of Americans have never and will never leave the US. And the media, which is where most Americans get knowledge, only mention a very few countries of the world.

Answer 7

Sadly, I think it is generally true. Most Americans know very little about their closest neighbour. Even their Ambassador in this country has a lot to learn. Sorry neighbours.

It's one thing 'not to know' but quite another to be so arrogant about it Greta Leigh, - no wonder your country is so disliked. Yes you can go on and say you don't care - big bloody deal, -ignorance is the bane of this world.

Answer 8

Most people do not get a good education....in America or anywhere else...that includes geography.

Also, you need to consider that just learning US Geography is a huge undertaking....akin to learning ALL of Europe!

Answer 9

i've noticed that and a lot of those people have not been in school for awhile so it's more of a memory problem. world geography is also something that lots of people would find very boring and not worth logging away in their heads.

Answer 10

Because Americans are egotistical. The whole world must revolve around us and we could care less where Liechtenstein is located. Next...

Answer 11

schools teach a different type of geography its social geography a leftist view of the world when you complete course you are dumber then when you started.