Do Now: World Geography A recent poll from the National Geographic Society found that 63% of young Americans were unable to find Iraq on a map. 75% could not find other hotspots like Israel or Iran. [paragraph] Are you surprised by this? Why or why not? Why do you think these percentages in American young people are so high? Do you think this is just an American phenomenon, or are other “developed” countries also as “geographically illiterate”?

More geography stats: Among 18- to 24-year-old Americans given maps: 87 percent cannot find Iraq 83 percent cannot find Afghanistan 76 percent cannot find Saudi Arabia 70 percent cannot find New Jersey 49 percent cannot find New York 11 percent cannot find the United States (2002 poll, CNN)

More geography stats: A survey asked young people from nine different countries 56 questions about geography and current events… -- Sweden scored the best – a “B” (avg. 40 correct answers) -- The US scored a “D” (avg. 23 answers correct) -- No country scored an “A” (2002 poll, CNN)

SO WHAT? Does it matter if young people (who turn into “old people”) don’t know world geography? THIS WILL NOT BE YOU!