I'm somewhat guilty myself
While having a fairly extensive knowledge of the geography of most of the world, I often find myself all at sea when it comes to the States. I know NY is east & Californy is west, but as for what is inbetween............
Same is also true of France, but then, like ALL true Englishmen, I am a Francophobe, (except for the bits about food, music, culture, shared history etc.)