WORLD : Soviets Weak on Geography Too
WASHINGTON — Americans and Soviets have at least one thing in common--many don’t know much geography and show “an astonishing lack of awareness of the world around them,” a Gallup poll showed today.
In the first survey of geographic knowledge conducted in the Soviet Union, young Soviets scored significantly higher than their American counterparts but didn’t do well when contrasted with adults of all age groups in the 10 nations where the test was given.
For example, Soviets between ages 18 and 24 correctly identified an average of 9.3 of 16 locations on a world map, ranking fourth along with Canadians and Italians. Young American adults came in last, with an average of 6.9 correct.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
