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Americans Were Asked To Place European Countries On A Map. Here’s What They Wrote:
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Americans Were Asked To Place European Countries On A Map. Here’s What They Wrote:

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How sure are you of your geographical knowledge? Americans’ geography knowledge was recently put to the test with a survey in which participants had to write in countries’ names on a blank map of Europe. Unfortunately, they didn’t fare too well, but some of their responses are hilarious (or hilariously misinformed).

But don’t be so quick to judge Americans – when a similar survey was testing Brits’ knowledge of the 50 United States, they also came up short. On the one hand, knowing a country’s states is different from knowing independent countries on the map, but on the other, some U.S. states are larger than some European nations, and some U.S. states have greater economies than some European nations.

The gaps in these survey-takers’ knowledge also speak to historical and political realities. Very few survey-takers could correctly identify the former Soviet satellites, parts of Eastern Europe, or the nations that make up the Balkan peninsula. Many of the countries in these areas haven’t been around (independently) for quite as long as their counterparts in less turbulent parts of Europe’s map.

No matter what, though, after this Europe map quiz we can all probably agree that there are at least a few Americans who should dust off the old atlas or geography textbook and check out what the world looks like across the pond!

Now, scroll down for a map of European countries geography lesson below!

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    Dovas

    Dovas

    Author, Community member

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    There is a beast with heart of cold stone that dashes like lightning, shreds flesh from bone. // Bewitched by this beast, I fell to my knees. My mouth babbled madness and mumbled soft pleas. // I stared down the ravenous, gnashing dark maw of a cute cuddly kitten with yarn in its paw

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    Dovas

    Dovas

    Author, Community member

    There is a beast with heart of cold stone that dashes like lightning, shreds flesh from bone. // Bewitched by this beast, I fell to my knees. My mouth babbled madness and mumbled soft pleas. // I stared down the ravenous, gnashing dark maw of a cute cuddly kitten with yarn in its paw

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    SándorCsikós
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Astonishing! And this nation considers itself the master of the world!

    123k Soflop
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is I mean think about all the stuff and innovation we have created phone, internet, computer, mechanical machines that do are work, there are far more and it’s only natural that the one with the most powerful be at the top am I wrong I think your just mad at the fact that where you come from they don’t have nearly as many thing

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    Siana
    Community Member
    10 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey that's not too terrible. I wouldn't be able to place all 50 US states correctly either. And yet, this is good entertainment.

    gregoryryan(grenu)
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, but states and countries are really different, countries and really quite basic, and you learn them from a young age in europe

    Load More Replies...
    Lisa Lebedeva
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    East and west Germany, seriously what the f**k?! Doesn't America have Geography taught in schools or something?! :(

    Christian R
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know that's a rhetorical question, but we actually aren't taught geography in school, like at all.

    Load More Replies...
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    SándorCsikós
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Astonishing! And this nation considers itself the master of the world!

    123k Soflop
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is I mean think about all the stuff and innovation we have created phone, internet, computer, mechanical machines that do are work, there are far more and it’s only natural that the one with the most powerful be at the top am I wrong I think your just mad at the fact that where you come from they don’t have nearly as many thing

    Load More Replies...
    Siana
    Community Member
    10 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey that's not too terrible. I wouldn't be able to place all 50 US states correctly either. And yet, this is good entertainment.

    gregoryryan(grenu)
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, but states and countries are really different, countries and really quite basic, and you learn them from a young age in europe

    Load More Replies...
    Lisa Lebedeva
    Community Member
    7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    East and west Germany, seriously what the f**k?! Doesn't America have Geography taught in schools or something?! :(

    Christian R
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know that's a rhetorical question, but we actually aren't taught geography in school, like at all.

    Load More Replies...
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