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Geography Illiteracy! These are countries that people can’t map

Geography Illiteracy! These are countries that people can’t map

Megha Paul

- February 15, 2021

When it comes to the countries of origins of our favourite foods, shows and people, we’re experts. But how good is our geographical knowledge of these places? Interested in putting our geography skills to the test, TheKnowledgeAcademy.com quizzed 6,550 people’s knowledge to see which countries we struggle to place on a map the most.

Coming in at the top of the list is Indonesia with 83% of participants failing to correctly map it. Despite Bali, Jakarta and Lombok being among the most popular tourist attractions there, TheKnowledgeAcademy.com found many only took good memories back with them.

Following behind is Vietnam with only 19% of people correctly placing it on the map and 81% failing to do so. The Vietnam war may have been something many were taught in their history lessons but clearly, not enough emphasis was put on where it was located.

Similarly, in the south of Asia is Bangladesh. Known for its rivers, people and ruins, this doesn’t seem to be enough as 78% were unable to pick the right country on the map.

Ukraine comes in fourth place with 73% of people unable to identify it on the map. Despite being the second biggest country in Eastern Europe after Russia, it seems their giant neighbour has overshadowed them.

There are 12 countries in South America and of them, TheKnowledgeAcademy.com found that Peru is the one that seems to leave people the most confused – 69% couldn’t pinpoint it on a map.

Completing the top 10 countries people struggle with are:

  • 6th: Uzbekistan – 68% failed to place it
  • 7th: Japan – 62% failed to place it
  • 8th: Saudi Arabia – 61% failed to place it
  • 9th: Morocco – 57% failed to place it
  • 10th: Canada – 53% failed to place it

Of the countries we’re more familiar with, Germany is in 20th place with 71% of people being able to point it out on a map compared to 29% that couldn’t. Known for its rich history, beer and bread, it’s no wonder so many could find this European powerhouse. When it comes to Africa, it's clear to see that Ghana is one of the more known countries with only 31% failing to find where it is on the map. Unlike its neighbours in the south, Angola (52%) and Madagascar (50%), as well as Morocco in the northwest (57%) who are less well-known.

Also among the more widely recognised countries in Europe is France, with 1 in 3 failing to recognise it in comparison to Ukraine (73%) and Poland (43%). Interested in knowing just how much people have interacted with the countries presented to them, TheKnowledgeAcademy.com surveyed participants to find out whether they had been to any of the countries listed which 57% had.

In the hopes of delving further and seeing why our map knowledge lacks in places, participants were asked whether they were taught about countries in school to which 32% replied yes, 16% couldn’t recall and 52% answered no.

Participants were then asked whether they believe more could be done to cover this subject which 76% agreed to and 24% disagreed with.

May we all strive to emulate her virtues and remember that true wealth lies in the depth of our character, the sincerity of our actions, and the impact we have on those around us.”

Stay riveted for our next gala event, The Brand Travel Daily Media Travel Excellence Awards that recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of companies and individuals in the travel, airline, and hospitality industry. They are scheduled to take place in 11 October, 2024

For inquires, to attend or sponsor next awards, kindly email here: Gary@traveldailymedia.com

If you know of any female leaders or up and coming superstars in the Travel and Hospitality industry you would like to nominate, please visit our page and complete a nomination form!
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Geography Illiteracy! These are countries that people can’t map

Megha Paul

- February 15, 2021

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May we all strive to emulate her virtues and remember that true wealth lies in the depth of our character, the sincerity of our actions, and the impact we have on those around us.”

Stay riveted for our next gala event, The Brand Travel Daily Media Travel Excellence Awards that recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of companies and individuals in the travel, airline, and hospitality industry. They are scheduled to take place in 11 October, 2024

For inquires, to attend or sponsor next awards, kindly email here: Gary@traveldailymedia.com

If you know of any female leaders or up and coming superstars in the Travel and Hospitality industry you would like to nominate, please visit our page and complete a nomination form!
The prestigious IWTA Awards 2024 Award Winners are listed below:

content studio box

…there are many ways you can work with us to advertise your company and connect to your customers. Our team can help you design and create an advertising campaign.

We can also organise a real life or digital event for you and find thought leader speakers as well as industry leaders, who could be your potential partners, to join the event. We also run some awards programmes which give you an opportunity to be recognized for your achievements during the year and you can join this as a participant or a sponsor.

Let us help you drive your business forward with a good partnership!

x Studio

Connect with your clients by working with our in-house brand studio, using our expertise and media reach to help you create and craft your message in video and podcast, native content and whitepapers, webinars and event formats