Why do Americans know so little about geography?
543944
If you're going to refer to a poll by CNN then you need to post a link for us to see this poll.  Otherwise, we think you're full of it and are just trying to stir the pot.\n\nThanks for the link.  Yes, I don't understand either, it's appalling.  The only answer I can think of is that they aren't focusing on Geography in the schools anymore and let's face it, for a lot of kids if it isn't force fed to them by the schools they sure aren't going to go out of their way to learn it.  Sad but true.
701607
Because America forgets where they come from they think they just popped up out of no where on this land we call America today.
1114744
It seems like most Americans like to ignore that which is unpleasant. If it's not in their backyards, then they pretend it's not happening. That passivity is what got us a moron in office and has basically screwed up our country.
20828
Because Americans are poorly educated when it comes to cultural matters
616853
I have no doubt there are many well-informed Americans, but they are in a minority. There was a poll of Americans some years ago that indicated 80% thought the Persian Gulf was a major source of concern for the USA. But only 20% knew where it was.
428917
They say, when you don't have a great answer, INVENT ONE!, there are guys here who call you stupid and in their answers rely the ignorance and idiotness of their own fear. America is a whole continent, there is no North America continent, or a South American Continent, There are only 5 Continents, Europe, Africa, Asia, Americas, Antarctica's(Oceania), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Continents.\nAmerica is the whole continent, even if the name of this country has the name of America, that does not mean we own the whole continent, yes we are arrogant and lazy, and our politic is to not care what the rest of the world says. They say that we call ourselves America because that's whats they call us in Europe, in Europe they call us "Pricks".
668335
Right, that is because they do not know their geography.  America is a continent (not a country) which includes:  all of North, South & Central America - not just the United States. And Mexico, Canada & United States are all part of North America.
260770
Because America is so arrogant that it doesn't think it needs to join in with the rest of the civilized world and use the metric system like everyone else. Before you all start, yes, I'm American.
644173
I just did a search of "geography for children" and it looks like there is a lot of cool stuff. Try it. Have fun.\n\nhttp://www.kathimitchell.com/geog.htm\n\nhttp://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/comenetz/childrensinfo.html\n\nhttp://www.avidmediacenter.org/Features/2004/10/US_Geography_for_Children.php\n\nhttp://www.nationalgeographic.com/kids/index.html
472622
We are pretty darn ignorant of our surroundings. 89% of America did not know where Afganistan was prior to 9/11.\n\n40% still don't.
191096
very little.\n\nOver 65% of Americans don't know who their Senators are.\n\n85% of Americans 18-24 can't find Iraq on a map.\n\n13% of Americans 18-24 can't find NEW YORK on a map.\n\nClearly these figures don't give much promise to the average American knowing the Bill of Rights or the Constitution.
472142
I read somewhere that Amerigo Vespucci authored a very popular map of the new world, but nobody knew what the interior of the continents looked like so he had to leave that area blank...and inasmuch as he had all that open space to work with, he placed his name very prominently in the middle of the continental area.  Other people saw the name and assumed it was the name of the land (and not the author) and started calling it America as a result.  So essentially it was a mistake.
169807
I think so, but maybe I just think so because I love foreign culture and I want to know where everything is located.\n\nI've heard people from Europe complaining that American's don't know geography at all and they look down on that. I think people should know atleast some basics.\n\n(A side note - I was talking to someone yesterday who thought Korea was somewhere between the UK and Norway... I think they were refering to Denmark... -_-)
96447
blame paris hilton and george w bush.\nLOL\nBut yes we see americans as being rude crude eating machines at times. We know the names of the states and the majority of americans have never even heard of anything but quebec and ontario. It's amazing cause there are only 10 provinces. I know it's predjudiced because alot of americans are fine people.
1101364
why do non Americans ask stupid questions...? not all of them  of course...
247576
America is big.  There are lots of different cities and places to travel within the country.  There are things in America that Americans haven't experienced or seen.  They probably just want to check out their country before they go to other countries.  Besides, there's a lack of time and money.  It's not as feasible for Americans to travel to other countries all the time so there really is no need for a passport.
660177
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA#Geography