I'm developing a new mini self test of what's going on in the world. Here are the rules:
I wonder what the critical numbers for this mini-test would be for the general population of the U.S. What percentage of people could name 4 current, foreign heads of state? How about 6? I think I can name more than most people because I read the newspaper and listen to NPR regularly, plus there are a few obscure leaders on my list that you might not think of.
That said, see what you can come up with. My list is posted as a comment to this entry.
Comments
I was able to come up with nine names:
I came up with this list without outside help, and then I checked it for accuracy and spelling using the CIA World Factbook.
My mistakes: I thought Mahmoud Abbas was the prime minister of Palestine. He, however, was replaced by Ahmed Qureia in September 2003. Also, perhaps a notable omission from my list is anyone from Ireland, a country where I lived for 5 months last fall. I had no idea that Mary McAlees is the prime minister or that Bertie Ahern is the president. I guess I don’t pay as close attention as I thought.
In the U.S., our chief of state is the same person as our head of government (both are the president), but most other countries have two separate people fill the roles.
on June 23, 2004 5:58 PM