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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spin Control

So can you find Ukraine on the map?

A recent survey that shows most Americans can't find Ukraine on the map has been grist for the political pundit mill, as well as a funny bit from Stephen Colbert.

But given Americans' general lack of geographic knowledge, was anyone surprised? After all, we've been told for years that Johnny can't read, can't write, can't name any president that isn't on currency, doesn't know who won World War II, and a whole long list of other horribles. So Johnny grows up and we expect him to find Ukraine on a blank map? Not likely.

But forget Johnny. Can you find Ukraine on a map? 

Open the World Map One document, and point to it on your screen. Feel free to blow it up as much as you like, if that will help.

 Then open the World Map Two document, which has Ukraine in red, and see how close you came.



The Spokesman-Review's political team keeps a critical eye on local, state and national politics.