A National Geographic Society survey showed that 87% of surveyed 18-24yo’s could not (and presumably still cannot) find Iraq on a map (slightly better than the 83% who couldn’t find Afghanistan). When I was in fifth grade, we had weekly quizzes on World geography, filling out maps of each geographical section of the world (well, except for Antarctica, it’d be pretty sad if you flunked that one I suppose). Here’s a little worksheet if you need a refresher:

From the same survey, and for comparison:

  • 70% cannot find New Jersey
  • 49% cannot find New York
  • 11% cannot find the United States