Test Your Geography Skills
July 25, 2007. So, you've stayed in luxury vacation rentals all around the U.S., and in several other countries. You consider yourself a seasoned traveler. Well then, let's see how well you know your geography.
The Chicago Tribune recently reprinted Geography Challenge XVII, a set of different games that include multiple choice, crosswords and maps. The Geography Challenge was originally featured last fall as part of National Geography Awareness Week.
What city is the setting for the television show "ER," for example? (It's Chicago.) Which Wisconsin region is known for its waterparks? (The Wisconsin Dells.) And to what national park does Mount Desert Island belong? (Acadia.)
One of our favorite traveling games consists of opening a road atlas and picking random questions about state capitols, local landmarks and other geographic tidbits. It's a great way to pass the time.
A study last year suggests we may need to play such games more often. According to the Tribune, "a National Geographic-Roper Public Affairs geography literacy study, aimed at young American adults between the ages of 18 and 24, revealed their limited knowledge of the world."
The article cited these findings:
* Six in 10 respondents couldn't find Iraq on a map of the Middle East.
* Nine in 10 couldn't find Afghanistan on a map of Asia.
