Lots of Americans I have spoken to know very little about where I live. Some don't know it's separate to the mainland and some think England is in London! Impress me.
131229
WOW....I must be totally off base from the other answerers because the first thing that came to mind when I glanced at the question was BAD TEETH.  BUT.....I guess that wouldn't be impressive would it.  Were you asking for geographical info?  If so I have nothing for you....but hey do YOU know the capital of Texas?
130568
I'm not from the USA, I don't live there and don't intend to, however I have no problems with the USA and think that people who want to be rude about the USA should look at the political structure of their own country first. If after that and they are still of the opinion that the USA is not for them then kindly state their country of residence for comparison.
186579
Speaking as an Englishman....\n\nAmericans visiting England CAN be stereotyped as noisy, brash and demanding. \nThat is not at all my experience of visiting Americans, who are generally courteous, considerate, and polite - unless of course they're here on a Preaching Mission. \n\nBecause of the media, most people in England believe that the US is all like New York or San Francisco. \n\nThis is about as accurate as imagining that all Englishmen wear a bowler hat. \nBowler hats are extinct outside of the ancient heart of the City of London, where they are increasingly rare. \n\nBecause so much English humour is based on irony, American humour often seems too obvious. (American soaps are predictable and formulaic.) \n\nIt can sometimes seem to an English person therefore that Americans are lacking in real humour.\nMisunderstandings are likely, where Americans think the English are bawdy or coarse, whilst the English think the Americans are being prissy. \nThis is a real cultural difference. \n\nOn the other hand, just about everyone in England loves The Simpsons, and most of the young want to go to New York. \n\nHowever, if your president is typical, it is evident that few Americans know much about the rest of the world. \n\nIf you think I'm wrong, try this: \nA while ago, I tried to name as many of the States as I could, and got 38. \nIf you're American, how many English counties can you name? \n\nBut maybe I should declare myself, and admit that although I've lived in Britain all my life, my grandfather was born in 1888 in a log cabin in Tawas, Michigan, built by his father. \n\nAnd maybe that's just typical of the way our histories are inextricably linked. \nAmericans and British are intrigued by one another. \nLong may that continue!
149184
a poor education system that focuses too much on America and little else. many of them are completely clueless about other countries and cultures. e.g. lots of them think of Europe as one country and think you can drive all over it in one week and see it all. A supposedly intelligent adult office worker in America once asked my Scottish friend if they have computers in Scotland! I rest my case.
198857
I don't know why.  You have a good point. I usually state that I am a New Yorker.  If I answer a question and they ask if I am an American I will answer yes but I always state that I am a New Yorker.  My g/f is from Holland.  My family has a tendency to state shes European.  No she's Dutch first. Europe is a big place.  Just as America is.  Need to be more specific in my opinion. People have been known to generalize.  And I for one dont like to be generalized so I help clarify where I am from.
335711
Because most people use England, United Kingdom and Great Britain interchangably. While it's technically incorrect, there's not a very important distinction. England's no more a country than California is, despite the official title.
549765
Katskee, people who say the "browning" of American are truly ignorant and have no clue about geography.....BECAUSE the vast majority of America is brown, and Spanish speaking....
394302
And while I agree with you I think its an unfair assumption for several reasons..\nThere are several countries that are ignorant as well...its often easy for those who live in europe and asia...countries who've had a vastly longer documented history...this country is a few hundred years old...how much do those countried know about america...\nAlso...most of the world history that people know of is about the the ones surrounding them...how truly knowledgeable are these about other civilizations history that does not relate their own country or surrounding region...\nIn general...you will find people every where that are more concerned with themselves...or what is immediate...\nI think people are very ignorant about anything that goes beyond themselves...but not all americans are like that.  I'm not anti anything or pro anything...\n\nI ask you...Do you consider yourself smart...\n\n***I dont mean to sound callous...b/c I agree...its just that...Its really very trying when the world criticizes americans for being igonrant for the lack of knowldege for things that relate to them...The stereotypes of Americans is lame thing...b/c its based on assumptions...
143424
it's not ignorance, it's arrogance. and it isn't all the americans, but it is deffinately a large group who thinks the whole world evolves around the USA, and they need no knowledge of the rest of that world. i've met americans who think Afhanistan is the capital of Iraq.\n\nThe arrogance is even proven in some of the answers above. they attack you on ur english. maybe ur native language isn't even english, but they would never even concider that fact, bcs the world ends for them at the borders of the USA.\n\n(they will probably attack my english too now, but hey, who cares? english is only my fifth language, far behind dutch, german, french and romanian)\n\nsometimes i wish Columbus had taken another turn in 1492.\n\nof course there are also a lot (and i mean A LOT) of normal, friendly open-minded americans. met them, seen them and respect them highly. but most of those people i met, agree mostly with my points made here.
275358
In Scotland it's quite normal to have conversations with strangers- usual justsmall talk about the weather or public transport that hasn't turned up.  When i was visiting friends in the South of England though and I did the same thing people looked and me strangely and tended to ignore me.  seems it's not onlt personal but cultural
412406
my answer is none and none it might make an interesting change if anyone from even a different town came here. Why leave England to get away from foreign people ,surely other countries are full of them ? !!!
292514
coz it is part of USA
675670
I know what you mean. I bet that a large percentage of them could not name from memory 15 other countries. \n\nI've been there, have talked to them and I know.\n\nFor the most part they are nice people but they don't know much of things outside of America
340111
Poland is a country... Muslims is a religion... I bet you saw other people as well tho... Even i've been there and i'm neither! Not even english! London is a big city with people from everywhere! Just accept it!
286188
why is that disturbing to you? many people don't know many things for many reasons. i recentlty saw a report on how few 'average Americans' know the words to the national anthem. is that disturbing?
48666
I lived in England for a few years.  yeah, the portions were a lot smaller, but people over there walk a lot more in their daily lives- they aren't so car dependent. Same is true for most of Europe. \n\nHowever, I saw loads of overweight Brits!  More than I expected.  We still have them beat, but they aren't a nation full of only thin people.
359887
beatles are from liverpool and london is a tip .... no english live there any more , the place has more rats than humans and the property`s are falling down ... i know i worjk there everyday of my life and trust me ... not a place to be after dark ... its a hell hole