National Geographic Geography Quiz

[jerseydevil]

National geographic had a geography quiz for 18 - 24 year olds. Here is a sample test with 20 questions and the scores for each country - Global Geographic Literacy Survey (http://lava.nationalgeographic.com/geosurvey/templates/question_1.html)


Survey Results: U.S. Young Adults Are Lagging

Despite the daily bombardment of news from the Middle East, Central Asia, and other world trouble spots, roughly 85 percent of young Americans could not find Afghanistan, Iraq, or Israel on a map, according to a new study.

Americans ages 18 to 24 came in next to last among nine countries in the National Geographic-Roper 2002 Global Geographic Literacy Survey, which quizzed more than 3,000 young adults in Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Sweden, and the United States. Top scorers were young adults in Sweden, Germany, and Italy.

Out of 56 questions that were asked across all countries surveyed, on average young Americans answered 23 questions correctly. Others outside the U.S., most notably young adults in Mexico, also struggled with basic geography facts. Young people in Canada and Great Britain fared almost as poorly as those in the U.S.

Among young Americans’ startling knowledge gaps, the study found that

• nearly 30 percent of those surveyed could not find the Pacific Ocean, the world’s largest body of water;
• more than half—56 percent—were unable to locate India, home to 17 percent of people on Earth; and
• only 19 percent could name four countries that officially acknowledge having nuclear weapons.
Several perhaps interrelated factors affected performance—educational experience (including taking a geography course), international travel and language skills, a varied diet of news sources, and Internet use. Americans who reported that they accessed the Internet within the last 30 days scored 65 percent higher than those who did not.


Sadly only 30% of Americans could find New Jersey on a map. And 11% couldn't even find the US.

34% of Americans know the tiny Marquesas Islands, where the last season of reality TV show "Survivor" was filmed, is located in the South Pacific. But only 30% could point to the location of New Jersey.


Global goofs: U.S. youth can't find Iraq (http://www.cnn.com/2002/EDUCATION/11/20/geography.quiz/index.html)
Geography: The lost world (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2496427.stm)

How important is geography? I always had maps hanging my room and whenever we drove out of state I always followed our trips and where we were on a map.

It seems pretty sad that we only came a head of Mexico. I thought it was also pretty bad that the test is even multiple choice.

How well do you do on it?

[BeardofPants]

I suck at geography, but I still managed to get 15 out of 20. I got the US population question wrong, and I got the Israel location wrong, and japan (!), and I thought that the religion question was a trick question, so I when for Islam, and which two countries had population numbers over 1 billion - I knew that China was one, but I couldn't decide between Russia and India.

[Getchan]

Got 'em all right!! It's pretty sad when you can't find your own country on a map! :eek:

[Coney]

Got one wrong, didn't realise that Christianity was the biggest religion, thought it was Buddhism.

Guess those boring Geography lessons at comprehensive school paid off:D ............ maybe should have paid more attention at Religious Educations tho';)

[Draken]

Originally posted by Coney
Got one wrong, didn't realise that Christianity was the biggest religion, thought it was Buddhism.

Guess those boring Geography lessons at comprehensive school paid off:D ............ maybe should have paid more attention at Religious Educations tho';)

Same here, except I thought it was Islam. I'm sure it USED to be biggest. I might demand a recount!

Anyway it's not just the "yoof" who struggle - I was on a Rhine cruise once and got talking to this very nice older couple. "Just imagine", he said. "If we kept going on this river we'd get to the Med!"

I pointed out as diplomatically as I could that rivers don't flow between seas and the Rhine starts in the Alps!

[jerseydevil]

I got them all right - but the Christianity one I also thought was a trick question. I just thought that Europe, North America, South America and Australia are basically Christian continents - so I guess that that had to be the answer. Also - Christianity includes Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Greet Catholic, Russian Orthodox, Pentecostal, Baptist, Southern Baptist, Methodist, etc.

3% of Swedes didn't know where Sweden was. If the multiple choice list included Finland or Norway in the choices - then I would have been guessing. I couldn't remember which one was Sweden.

[Dunadan]

Pretty dreadful all round. It's not really surprising, though, is it, given that most Americans don't own passports. There are less reasons for them to know about other countries anyway (no EU to complain about, no interminable harping on about Empire in history classes, no international cricket scandals, etc). Though you'd've thought they'd've figured out where they were going to invade by now. All I can say is, Lithuania better look to its border defences.

The UK is not much better. I hate it when there's a disaster on the news and they go on about how many Britons chipped a nail while the train crashed, killing hundreds.

[Silverstripe]

What's really sad is when we Americans don't even know where our OWN country is. And it's not as if the shape is hard to recognize, either!

[crickhollow]

19/20. I missed the Religion question, too. couldn't remember if Islam passed up Christianity yet or not.

[Silverstripe]

I got them all right, but I also wasn't sure about the religion question.

[jerseydevil]

Originally posted by Dunadan
Pretty dreadful all round. It's not really surprising, though, is it, given that most Americans don't own passports.
Not directing this at you Dunadan - just pointing this out....

It does annoy me when people bring up the fact that most Americans don't own passports or speak a second language. As I've said before, if you superimposed our country over Europe - it would extend from the western coast of France to the Ural Mountains in Russia.

I recently figured out what the equivalent cities I would have lived in in Europe had I moved around like I have in the US. With London as being the point of New Jersey and Russia being the west coast (I know backwards) - I would have lived in England, Belgium, Germany, Russia and Turkey. If every state required a passport to travel between them like Europe did until just 1999 - Americans would have passports too. I can fly from New Jersey to California and any place in between (which I have done). This is 3,000 miles and all I need to show is my ticket and picture ID (security is a little stricter now after 9/11, but that is still all I need).

Schengen Free Movement Begins (http://www.migrationint.com.au/news/andorra/apr_1995-12mn.html)
On March 26, 1995, the seven Schengen countries of Germany, France, Spain, Portugal and the three Benelux countries abolished border controls between themselves. These countries have established the Schengen Information System in Strasbourg, simplified extradition arrangements, and agreed on a list of countries from which visas will be required to enter any Schengen member country. Britain threatened to veto any attempt to mandate the extension of the Schengen agreement to all EU states.

The traveling public noticed little change because most of the land borders shared by the seven countries had been reduced or eliminated since customs checks ended on January 1, 1993 with the launching of the single European market. The main impact of the Schengen changes will be felt at airports, which will make a distinction between passengers arriving from within the Schengen area and those flying in from outside. Hence, flights between Munich and Paris will be able treated domestic trips, and passengers will be able to travel without their passports.


European Mobility (http://www.eu2001.se/ungieuropa/eng/eu/what.asp#crime)
One important component of a united Europe is the freedom of persons to move within the EU’s borders. Under what is known as the Schengen Accord, the participating countries have abolished their border controls on the movement of people. This has also, since 1999, been inscribed in the EU’s constitution. At the same time, measures to combat illegal immigration are essential.


Euromyths (http://www.cec.org.uk/press/myths/index.htm)
Fact:
Firstly, there is no such thing as a European passport. There are British passports, French passports, German passports, etc. Each follows a European format in order to speed up travel in the EU by making it easier for customs and police officers to recognise.

There are no plans to replace the Queen’s crest with the EU stars. In any case, no such measure could be imposed on Britain. ‘Euro officials’ cannot order changes to passports without the agreement of the UK government.

But how many Europeans actually travel outside of Europe? It's not that Americans don't travel - it's just that we have a huge country of our own that we can travel in. If someone in England says that they've been to France - well that's like me saying that I've been to New York. I've been to 40 states, so I've seen most of the US. I've also lived in 6 of those states - so I have a very good idea about the different areas of the US.

The fact that Americans travel to fewer foreign countries is all relative to European countries being the size of out states. It's easy for a European to say they've traveled outside their country. It's much harder for us when we live in one of the largest countries in the world and are surrounded by water on both sides.

By the way - I had a passport when I went to England twice - but I let it expire. I don't need it to go to Canada (even if I fly in there) and I don't need it for Mexico. If I travel overseas again - which I plan to - I will get another one.

In terms of speaking foreign languages - the same holds true. Our country is an English speaking country. The European Union has this to contend with -

EU translation plan provokes protest (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/1490243.stm)
The EC currently employs 2,500 translators among its 20,000 staff and its translation costs make up 1% of the annual budget but 40% of administration costs.

[jerseydevil]

I do think that the US's numbers are ridiculous though. We have some of the best universities in the world, the best industries, and the best companies - yet people can't find New Jersey on a map or know where the hot spots of the world are. Obvisouly more people would rather worry about who the "Bachelor" picked ('Bachelor' picks brunette Helene (http://www.cnn.com/2002/SHOWBIZ/TV/11/20/bachelor.victoria.ap/index.html)) than what is going on in Iran or Iraq or any other part of the world.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what society or schools can do to make people more educated in geography and what is going on in the world?

In my 6th grade we had open classrooms (4th, 5th and 6th all in one class and people worked at their levels) - every Friday we had a news cast. Someone was assigned international, national, local, sports, etc and had to research an event that was happening. We had about 5 newscasters a week and we sat at the "anchor desk" and reported the news (someone also did weather :)). We then discussed as a class the news items. At the time I guess I didn't think I was learning anything - because it was fun and everyone had a good time. We sat in circles and talked about things and figured out where things were happening in the world. Now I realise that I was actually learning there and I wish schools would look beyond the standard methods of teaching.

Here is a quiz (Take the European test (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2063419.stm)) about the European Union that was given to Europeans. England came in second to last.

Quiz reveals Europe's knowledge gap (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2062843.stm)
Britain and Portugal do worst - only getting around half of the 20 questions on the EU, European history, geography and culture correct.

[katya]

I just missed the US population question. I got the rest right. And I'm not even 18 yet. (14)

[Coney]

I only got 7/8:eek: ...........although the question I got wrong was "Who wrote Hansel and Gretal" so I think I can live with myself;)

It is shocking that many of the basic facts of geography and history aren't being taught (or not being taught effectively enough).......I last studied geography 13 yrs ago and can still remember the basics as covered in the National Geographic quiz.

I wonder exactly what kids are taught in school these days:confused: Whatever it is it's not enough:rolleyes:

What also worries me is that parents seem oblivious to it........would you not become concerned if your child couldn't identify their home country on a map?:eek:

[Draken]

Originally posted by jerseydevil
England came in second to last.

England? The item said Britain.

[Draken]

Originally posted by Coney
I only got 7/8:eek: ...........although the question I got wrong was "Who wrote Hansel and Gretal" so I think I can live with myself;)

It is shocking that many of the basic facts of geography and history aren't being taught (or not being taught effectively enough).......I last studied geography 13 yrs ago and can still remember the basics as covered in the National Geographic quiz.

I wonder exactly what kids are taught in school these days:confused: Whatever it is it's not enough:rolleyes:

What also worries me is that parents seem oblivious to it........would you not become concerned if your child couldn't identify their home country on a map?:eek:

7 for me too, got my Scandinavians mixed up, which is never pleasant.

[Miranda]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Coney
[B]I only got 7/8:eek: ...........although the question I got wrong was "Who wrote Hansel and Gretal" so I think I can live with myself;)


THE BROTHER'S GRIMM. ;) Mx

[Coney]

Originally posted by Miranda
[QUOTE]THE BROTHER'S GRIMM. ;) Mx

Ty my European knowledge is now complete:D

[Miranda]

Originally posted by Coney
Ty my European knowledge is now complete:D


Glad to be of service. Mx

[jerseydevil]

Originally posted by Draken
England? The item said Britain.

Sorry - Britain. Mistyped. I do know the difference between the two.

[markedel]

I only got 6 on the europe quiz-very sad consdering I came in 3rd in a national trivia competition last may.

But the geography questions weren't terribly difficult (I got the Christianity one wrong-I swear Islam is bigger by now, but guess not) but I only needed to think about the scandanavia one. Interesting how few Americans know where Israel is... or where Japan is. I'm glad they didn't ask about Canada-note how more canadians can find US than americans.

[Silverstripe]

I got all eight questions right, but I could probably answer a lot more HISTORY questions about North America (especially US and Canada) and Europe than I could about any of the other continents. The same is probably true with geography.

[jerseydevil]

Originally posted by Silverstripe
I got all eight questions right, but I could probably answer a lot more HISTORY questions about North America (especially US and Canada) and Europe than I could about any of the other continents. The same is probably true with geography.
I was thinking about that 70% that can't find New Jersey on a map. That shows a lack of comprehension in History classes too - not just geography.

Not only is New Jersey one of the original 13 colonies everyone learns about in elementary school and is repeatedly tested on, but also the turning point of the Revolution occurred in Trenton and Princeton when Washington crossed the Delaware to attack the Hessians in Trenton on Christmas morning. I guess most Americans wouldn't even know where the Delaware is or what states it seperates.

Washington spent more time in New Jersey than any other colony and more battles were fought in New Jersey than anywhere else during the Revolutionary War.

Thomas Edison invented the incandesent light bulb, the phonograph, the movie camera, etc here.

If someone doesn't know where New Jersey is - then they don't know where these key events took place. Without the Battle of Trenton - we'd still be an English possession (like Canada :D).

If history didn't get people to figure out where NJ is, maybe the entertainment industry would. MTV has hosted "Summer Beach House" at Seaside Heights twice. MTV even had Seaside Survivor, where contestants had to go from Manhattan through NJ to Seaside. It's the home of Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Frank Sanatra, Whitney Houston and many others - not to mention the "Sopranos". We're home of Princeton University - rated the number one college in America.

In elementary school we always colored in the 13 original colonies and we had to know them and fill in their names on a blank map for tests.

[LuthienTinuviel]

when/where was this test? i never took it?

[Khamûl]

I got 19/20 right. I missed the world religion question too. Oh well.:p

LuthienTinuviel, a link to the quiz can be found in jerseydevil's first post. Click on the words "Global Geographic Literacy Survey".

[Radagast The Brown]

I got 19/20. I was wrong on the question with the movement of the ocean or something like this.

It is an easy queeze - probably because I'm very good in Geography. I like Geography, and the question weren't hard at all. (and I'm just 13 years old (!))

[Erawyn]

I got perfect, and I thought it was pretty easy, but then i love geography, history etc. still the u.s.'s results were pretty sad.

[Shadowfax]

Some people can be so ignorant I think. I got 18/20. Pretty easy I thought, and I'm 16 years old from Canada.

[azalea]

I got them all right on the first one, but only got 6/8 on the second. I missed the most populous country (I put France instead of Germany) and I put that Sweden is not an EU member, when it's actually Norway. Oh, well.

I agree that geography needs to be taught more in school. I was allowed to skip geography in HS because I was in an AP class, so the first real Geog. class I had was in college. It was a great course w/ a really good instructor. We did have a unit in 5th gr. about South America and learned all of the countries, but that's the only other true geog. course I had.

When I taught elementary school, I used a program called Daily Geography, which would be part of the students' AM work. It was a couple of geog. questions they would have to answer (they could use maps or the globe to help them if needed, since it was a learning activity, not a test). Then we would go over the answers and it became a great springboard for discussion about different topics in geography.

[gdl96]

20/20 on the first test and 4/8 on the Eurpean test. But I'm not too smart when it comes to Europe.

[Radagast The Brown]

I can't find this "europe test". :eek:

[Earniel]

Aw, now I feel stupid. Mmmm, may I add to my defence that maps and me never went together well? Nah, I'm just stupid.:rolleyes: Good thing I don't have geography anymore. But at least I KNOW where Belgium is! ;)

Originally posted by jerseydevil
3% of Swedes didn't know where Sweden was. If the multiple choice list included Finland or Norway in the choices - then I would have been guessing. I couldn't remember which one was Sweden.

Ditto, yeah it's a shame since I'm half a continent closer than you are but I keep switching them. They should have included all numbers in the test I think, giving only a few numbers makes it easier to guess.

[azalea]

Yeah, that would have been the same for me, too. But the numbers were so small, I could hardly read what they were. If they had had all the numbers as choices, I definately would have gotten some wrong because I'd get the 3s mixed up with 8s, etc. They would have to make the numbers bigger.:D

[Elvellon]

“Top of the class, along with the Poles”

I think they both were quite straightforward, but the National Geographic quiz was better made, two of the questions of the European quiz were not from universally known facts.