Opinion - News Analysis

Survey reveals Britons’ poor geographical knowledge

The most visited local “landmark” for many British adults is their nearby DIY store, according to a survey published on Wednesday, which suggests the United Kingdom is a nation of reluctant explorers, with little sense of adventure and a poor understanding of geography. A third of those who took part in the survey thought Mount Everest is in Europe, while only half were aware that the Nile is the world’s longest river.

The research warns that most people are failing to make the most of their local area and have little knowledge of important geographical facts.

The survey was carried out to mark National Geographic’s geography awareness week and also the “GIS Day,” which aims to encourage young people to understand the extent to which geographic information — and increasingly the opportunity to use technology such as digital mapping — underpins our lives.

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