Why are Americans so bad at geography?

[Millionaire Waltz]

Many of them can’t even locate Europe on the map,
Is there a specific policy to keep them uninformed about the world?

[Alella]

Are you serious? I know where pretty much EVERYTHING is on a global map. I have taken plenty of Geography classes. You know, not every American is dumb like that.

[door.uk]

Like the American football player who asked do they speak English in England

[book_worm22]

I understand the stereotype about Americans being really stupid and self-absorbed, but you have to remember that that is just a generalization. Plenty of us are smart and can locate Europe on a map just fine. That's like us saying that every Irish person is a drunk or all English people have bad teeth. It's simply not true.

[amodio]

It really isn't a priority in the majority of the schools. I was taught the U.S. states from 1'st grade all the way through 8th, but it wasn't until 9'th grade that I was taught/tested on geography outside of the country. The lessons on other countries was quick. We were basically given a map of Europe, Africa, and Asia and we filled it in and then a couple of days later we were tested on it. It hasn't come up since. I'd say basically everyone can locate the continents on a map, the main trouble comes with locating specific countries.

[PaPa SmurF]

i think its because some of us,americans , dont travel alot outside of our country... and dont want to get out of our comfort zone... and what ive noticed is that most europeans(especially the brits) travel alot to escape the depressing weather... and here in america to escape winter or the depressing weather we just head down south where it is warm and sunny... our country has everything thats why we dont have to travel everytime...