Do most most of our American friends realise that London is NOT a country, but is the capital of Britain?

Question

Looking at some of the answers on this site, it seems to me that geography is not a chief subject in the USA. A lot of Americans do not seem to realise that London is is the Capital of the United Kingdom/Great Britain. The United Kingdom being made up of ...England, Scotland, Wales and 'Northern' Ireland.
Most of us 'Brits' are taught that Washington is the capital of North America.
LONDON is NOT a country!!

Answer 1

John you were doing fine until the Washington bit. Sacramento is the capital of California. Nin

Answer 2

I think most of out American friends realise that London is the capital of the UK.

There's probably confusion over how London can be the capital of Scotland when Edinburgh is the capital or whether Ireland is part of the UK or not and what the difference between the UK and Great Britain is (how many Brits could even answer that).

The problem is largely caused by us Bits who love to promote London to the rest of the world to the exclusion of all other places. The result being that the world outside the UK hears an awful lot about London but very little about the rest of the UK thus giving the impression that there is nothing to the UK other than London. London accounts for 10% of the UK population but about 90% of the news.

Answer 3

Everyone I know (American and otherwise) knows that London is a captial, not a country. While I'm sure I was taught that in school at some point, it seems to be pretty common knowledge.

Though, North America doesn't have a capital, just like Europe doesn't have a captial.
Washington is a state in the United States, and Washington D.C. is the capital.

Answer 4

Of course it's a city and not a country. Only a completely ignorant person would believe that it's a country (though I did meet a girl who thought it was the capital of France)... However, I do find myself explaining to people the difference between the UK and Great Britain. I actually feel a bit insulted by this question because, although I am an American, I've always felt like the UK was my home and I visit as often as possible and hope to move there after college. Obviously, we're not all ignorant.

Answer 5

I agree with most of the answers to this general sweeping statement of a question, but I do have experiences in Texas and New Mexico that make me wonder! I have been asked about what it was like in London (meaning England!), I have been asked what language we speak 'over there' (umm, England....English?!) I have been asked if it was a long trip over, and how long did it take to drive (Hmm, the great big Atlantic Ocean makes for tough driving conditions).

It does seem to me that the more central you get in the US, the more insular people become. Most of the people that asked me these questions had never been out of the state - let alone out of the United States! The exception is if people are well-travelled through business, or other means.

People who live nearer the coasts - East and West - seem to be naturally more exposed to other cultures and countries I've found.

Answer 6

You are just making yourself look as ill informed as those you wish to condemn by stating that Washington is the capital of North America...as others have pointed out, North America is more than just the USA, and the capital of the USA is Washington DC...which stands for District of Columbia...it is NOT Washington State....I learnt that when I was in primary school...and that was a LONG time ago...

Answer 7

I was about to say that Washington is not the capital of North America, but Vincent said it first. Washington isn't even the capital of the USA...Washington D.C. is (which is completely different....Washington and Washington D.C. are on opposite ends of the country).

Yes, I know that London is not a country.

Answer 8

Yup, I've been there five times. Plus I'm a geography whiz. I know all the US States and their capitals. Can you name every UK county and it's seat?

PS ditto the person below who pointed that Washington DC is the captital of the USA, not North America (kinda blows your whole premise)and the person who pointed out that without the DC you have Washington State, not the US Capital. Not to mention the fact that there are hundreds of towns named "Washington" in the USA.

Answer 9

I'm pretty sure that most Americans realize this; I know I do! I think the main confusion comes with the difference between England and the United Kingdom, which still isn't all that hard.

Answer 10

Wahington DC is the Capital of the USA. not North America.
Ottawa is the Capital of Canada.