Well, first of all, Germany is the size of Texas, so saying "Germany" is geographically equivalent to saying "Texas." Second of all, EVERY time I've ever said I'm from the US, the very next question is ALWAYS "where" or "which state"? It's just more efficient to say the state. Geographically, the US and Europe are the same size, and Europeans wouldn't say "Europe." Third, it's a little different for Canadians and Australians, as they aren't truly spread out all over their countries. For example, half of all Canadians live below the 49th parallel. Fourth, although it does happen that an American would say something equivalent to Bad Segeberg, most don't. Most only say their city if it's a major city. And if they come from a lesser-known state, they will often give a region. I don't see how this is any different from a Frenchmen saying they are from Burgundy or a German saying they're from Bavaria.

This is a bad comparison. Saying what state one is from is more like saying which European country you are from. We have to learn European geography so maybe you should learn that the U.S. is not a monolith and is basically a collection of 50 smaller countries.

Lastly, many Europeans actually get offended when you DON'T say where you're from. They think you're implying they're dumb or culturally-ignorant for assuming they wouldn't know. This is especially prominent with Eastern Europeans. The thing is, traveling is about learning and exploring other cultures. But, it's always going to be difficult to nail down these more nuanced differences from one region to the next, especially when you're trying to remember things like: don't wear leggings in Germany, don't wear hijab in France, hold your fork upside down in Europe, cover your mouth while eating in Japan, etc.

I'd wince and guess Germany or Austria. and hopefully you'd tell me which one.

I'm from CA, and if you say SF or LA, most people certainly know these places. Also, to be honest, we would rather be associated with these particular places than the US as a whole!

Yes, I know. My mom was born in Bad Segeberg. :)

Actually yes. No need for google, I have been to Germany.

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Well, shouldn't you say you're from the European Union, then? That would be as specific as saying I'm from the US. Each state has their own culture, laws and dialects that we strongly identify with.

Well someone is unreasonably mad.

I want to up and downvote you at the same time. I agree with the point you wanted to make, but Russia (and Canada) are bigger then the US. You were right about China tough.

China and Russia are larger in size, China is larger than the US in population (by far).

You are sure Russia is big, although not as big as the US... The largest country on the planet, 17,3 milion km²... Is not as large as was it 4th largest?

Russia is almost twice as big as the US.

If someone told me they were from Sydney, Moscow or Beijing, I wouldn't think they were being rude or assuming anything. If you live in Paris, why would you say France? Everyone knows Paris. I'm from San Diego, CA, so I say California first, knowing that my city isn't famous enough to avoid the occasional blank stare. If I lived in LA., or New York City, I wouldn't hesitate to start there.

I've met people from those countries that say the city (especially if it's an internationally well known place, e.g. Melbourne, Shanghai, Beijing, etc).

I don't think people should assume someone knows where their state is. If they do say the state, they should also say United States and not assume someone knows. But as for it being big, it's not just about the US being big. It's about being a collection of states, a "union". Each state is a separate political entity with its own constitution, its own courts, its own congress, its own laws, its own governor, etc.

I have had people tell me they were from Beijing or Moscow though. If you are from near a major metro area it makes sense to give that as a reference. So I'd expect DC, NYC, or LA. Also consider that most Americans don't leave the US very often, if you're vacationing in Colorado or Florida and tell someone you're from Maryland, you expect them to know. There is an adjustment that happens when they travel abroad.

Yeah, the United States is a confederation (like the EU),but member states shouldn't be individually mentioned to foreigners. If we are unfamiliar with some place, we just ask where it is, but Europeans seem to find this burdensome. Obviously, if you visit us, you'll just say you're from the EU because only other members would care about your specific country.

From a European's point of view, not really. There are of course differences, but the differences are insignificant compared to for example German vs. French. And overall there is such a large difference between Americans vs. Western Europeans that the minor differences between states isn't THAT impactful. There is plenty of diversity just within European countries as well. Considering the size of USA, it's actually surprisingly culturally homogeneous. It's very ethnically diverse though!

USA is enormous. If I hop in my car I will travel through 4 countries in 2 hours ! I think it's nice that Americans tell the state they're from. It's charming.

Not unless you choose to make it your job.

No one said it was. But if you're curious, you can ask. If not, move along. It's not that hard. I'm not going to get upset if someone tells me they're from Berlin or Milan. So get over it. If you don't know where it is, ask or just move on. Most of the time Americans only say the city if it is well known (LA, New York, Miami) and the state if not. Not a big deal. If we know where Belarus is, y'all can know or ask where Colorado is.

I know many Canadians that refer to themselves by the province. Like Quebec or BC. Don't see the issue. If an Italian says they are from Florence it that incorrect also?

Because you have lousy roads

This is not helpful and pretty much beside the point. The point is if Europeans are getting pissed off because an American responded with "California" instead of "U.S." when asked where they're from, they need to get in touch with reality about the size and diversity of the U.S. and the fact that many states are bigger than their entire country which makes it understandable why Americans will say the specific state because it's similar to expecting a person to say they're from "Western Europe". Similarly if a Canadian says they are from Sakatchewan, Quebec, or Ontario (or the name of a well known city like Toronto), what's the issue? If a Canadian tells me they're from Canada my next question is where in Canada. In any case, the biggest distinction I ever hear Canadians make amongst themselves is English or French, so it's not even really an apples to apples comparison.

Not really, no. No one in Europe cares about your home state, and most people probably have no idea where in the US Ohio is geographically.

Dead.

The same as 70 years ago.

France would be the obvious assumption, though there are other cities around the world named Paris. But no one that is from another Paris and not THE Paris, France is just going to reply "Paris". That would obviously be intentionally misleading if that's the case. Similarly, if I'm from Miami, Oklahoma, U.S.A., I'm not saying "I'm from Miami". Good lord, people LOL. No one does this. Y'all are just that pathetic or bored that this is something to complain about for you.

Wouldn't that be France?