The CFHOS Test

23 June 2004
9:17 AM

I’m developing a new mini self test of what’s going on in the world. Here are the rules:

  1. Give yourself a reasonable amount of time—let’s say 10 minutes.

  2. Name as many current, foreign heads-of-state as you can and their respective countries.
  3. Don't use outside resources. That includes other people, the Wikipedia, and Google. Especially Google.
  4. U.S. President George Bush doesn't count. See rule #2.
  5. Saddam Hussein does not count. See rule #2.

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.