A joint resolution to designate the period commencing November 15, 1987, and ending November 21, 1987, as "Geography Awareness Week".
PL 100-78 (S.J.Res.88), enacted 07/24/1987

PUBLIC LAW 100-78—JULY 24, 1987 
101 STAT. 539 
Public Law 100-78 
100th Congress 
Joint Resolution 
To designate the period commencing November 15, 1987, and ending November 21, 
July 24, 1987 
1987, as "Geography Awareness Week". 
[S.J. Res. 88] 
Whereas the United States of America is a truly unique nation with 
diverse landscapes, bountiful resources, a distinctive multiethnic 
population, and a rich cultural heritage, all of which contributes 
to the status of the United States as a world power; 
Whereas geography is the study of people, their environments, and 
their resources; 
Whereas, historically, geography has aided Americans in under-
standing the wholeness of their vast nation and the great abun-
dance of its natural resources; 
Whereas geography today offers perspectives and information in 
understanding ourselves, our relationship to the Earth, and our 
interdependence with other peoples of the world; 
Whereas 20 percent of American elementary school students asked 
to locate the United States on a world map placed it in Brazil; 
Whereas 95 percent of American college freshmen tested could not 
locate Vietnam on a world map; 
Whereas 75 percent of Americans responding to a nationwide survey 
could not locate El Salvador on a map, while 63 percent could not 
name the two nations involved in the SALT talks; 
Whereas over 20 percent of American teachers currently teaching 
geography have taken no classes in the subject and, therefore, do 
not have the training necessary to effectively teach geographic 
concepts; 
Whereas departments of geography are being eliminated from 
American institutes of higher learning, thus endangering the 
discipline of geography in the United States; 
Whereas traditional geography has virtually disappeared from the 
curricula of American schools while still being taught as a basic 
subject in other countries, including Great Britain, Canada, 
Japan, and the Soviet Union; 
Whereas an ignorance of geography, foreign languages, and cultures 
places the United States at a disadvantage with other countries in 
matters of business, politics, and the environment; 
Whereas the United States is a nation of worldwide involvements 
and global influence, the responsibilities of which demand an 
understanding of the lands, languages, and cultures of the world; 
and 
Whereas national attention must be focused on the integral role 
that knowledge of world geography plays in preparing citizens of 
the United States for the future of an increasingly interdependent 
and interconnected world: Now, therefore, be it 
101 STAT. 540 
PUBLIC LAW 100-78—JULY 24, 1987 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That the period commenc-
ing November 15,1987, and ending November 21,1987, is designated 
as "Geography Awareness Week*, and the President is authorized 
and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the 
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United States to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies 
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and activities. 
Approved July 24, 1987. 
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LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 88: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 133 (1987): 
June 9, considered and passed Senate. 
July 14, considered and passed House.