Last week, I learned the names of every country in the world. This week, my goal was to be able to point them all out out a map. Did I succeed? Keep reading to find out.
What I did
This week, I used this geography game to learn the locations of every country in the world. For last week’s game, I typed the names of every country in the world and it would light up on the map (very helpful), but this one is different. It gives you a blank world map and the name of a country, and you have to click where that country is on the map.
For example, if it says “Kazakhstan”, I have to locate Kazakhstan on the world map and click it accurately. if I am wrong, my guess will light up yellow and I’ll get a few more tries before it tells me the correct answer. if I get it right on the first try, the country glows white on the map and it moves on.
(My own screenshot from this week’s game)
Last week’s game helped me to learn the names but it simultaneously helped me become familiar with locations, since it showed the country after I typed it. This made this week’s challenge much easier, but it wasn’t ideal for learning the exact locations (especially because there are so many micro countries that are barely visible on a map).
This week’s game helped me perfect that skill. I couldn’t just guess the general region anymore, but I had to know the country’s exact shapes, borders, location. it definitely made me realize how much I still had to learn.
Hard vs. Easy
Some regions seem to be consistently hard for me… Oceania and Africa. I don’t know why!!! Maybe because there are so many countries? Maybe the islands confuse me? I also struggled a bit with Europe, again, because of the micro countries and everything seems so cramped together.
How did I do?
I would say I am 80-90% there. I can accurately label almost every country now, but the countries that still throw me off are Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czechia, Croatia, and the islands in Oceania. With more practice however, I think I will be able to get it 100% down pat. I believe I’m definitely on my way to my goal, which is being able to draw the world map from memory… but lets leave it at that, because I don’t wanna get cocky at this point LOL.
Pros and Cons of this week’s resource
This game has its pros and cons. I love that its free and its easy. Those are two really huge pluses. Its biggest con is that the game only lets you play 58 countries per round!! What is that? Out of 196 countries? Thats a joke, LOL. I have no idea why it’s structured like that. I tried to change the settings, but I could not figure out how to change it. The game just cuts off after you have guessed 58 countries.
Would I recommend this game for someone completing a similar challenge?
Its a fun, free game, but I would not recommend it to someone looking to complete the same challenge as me, because its not comprehensive enough. If you’re serious about learning your countries, you need a game that will test your knowledge on all 196! Not 58. I found another game that is quite similar, but you can change the settings to include all 196 countries. I would recommend this game instead.
You could also break it up by continent and play a label-the-map type game for only Africa or only Europe. That might make things much more manageable and easier to master. All you have to do is google “label every country in (insert continent here)” and you should be able to find those games.
Side note: I think I will use this game for learning my flags:
Im curious, how well do you know where each country is? How many countries do you think the average Canadians can accurately point to on a map?
Hi Amalia,
The geography game you used sounds like a great resource to learn the locations of every country in the world. You are amazing for talking this for your learning project! It looks like you are doing a good job at building on your knowledge each week. I like how you recommended an additional game that would better to use in order to learn.
If I’m being honest I would fail at labeling all the countries in the world! I am not confident in this area of knowledge.
Thanks for sharing!
Hi Amalia,
I find it very interesting that you are learning the world map and memorizing where each country is! I find that very difficult and I know I for sure would not be able to label many. The games and apps you are using sound very neat to help you with locating and learning every country. Which countries were the easiest for you to locate and label? Wish you the best of luck on your learning journey.
Hi Amalia,
Wow, I’m really impressed by your dedication to learning all the countries and their locations! It sounds like you found a great way to challenge yourself with that map game, even if the limitation of 58 countries per round was frustrating. Your idea to break it down by continent is smart — focusing on smaller regions definitely makes it easier to master. I also like that you’re aiming to be able to draw the world map from memory — that’s a big goal but totally achievable with your consistent practice!
As for your question, I’d guess most Canadians could maybe point out 20-30 countries accurately, so you’re already way ahead! Thanks for the game recommendations — I might have to try them out too.
Hi Amalia!
This is a fantastic idea for your learning project! I am currently working with a little guy who is obsessed with maps and for the past couple of months we have been working on creating (and labeling) our own world map poster, and you’re absolutely right – it is not an easy task! There are so many tiny countries that are barely visible on a world map. I really enjoy the idea of learning them through the game you suggested though! I will have to check it out and see if it would be something he could do as well – he will be so excited! Good Luck with the rest of your project! I’m looking forward to seeing how many you can memorize (your progress so far is already quite impressive!)