The State of Geographical Education in Countries Around the World

Abstract

The state of geography in curricula at different levels of formal education in 31 countries around the world providesa sound basis for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of international geographical education. The survey reported in this paper replicates that conducted in 1996 by Haubrich. It focuses on the place of geography in the curriculum; the approaches to geography in these curricula; the importanceof knowledge, skills and values in these teaching resources; key aspects in preparing geography teachers; and common research methods used in geographical education. Simple comparisons revealed several areas that had improved or declined in importance since 1996. A range of challenges for international geographical education are identified and discussed.