It's time to learn Geography (𝗡𝗢𝗪)
October 16, 2024 1:31 PM   Subscribe

On October 15th, 2014, budding Korean-American YouTuber Paul "Barbs" Barbato uploaded a 6-minute guide to the country of Afghanistan. A longtime geography geek disappointed by the lack of country-by-country educational content on the platform, his Geography Now! series set the ambitious goal of making one in-depth episode for all 193 UN-recognized sovereign nations. Following a basic four-part structure (Physical and Political Geography, Demographics, and "The Friendzone" for foreign relations), these initially amateurish episodes slowly expanded in size and scope over time, incorporating motion graphics, increasingly absurd vexillological running gags, myriad side topics, faux-country April Fools, fan content from "Geograpeeps", special correspondents and history skits from eclectic friends from around the world, and even on-location specials in select countries -- deep dives into culture whose breezy humor revealed a deep love for the world and all the people in it. Now, ten years after it started, Barbs has released the final episode in the series: Zimbabwe. While he's implied the channel may evolve into a travel-focused one (perhaps modeled on his moving "Letter to..." series of travelogues), for now you can check out the completed A-Z playlist on YouTube to experience the impressive journey for yourself.
posted by Rhaomi (5 comments total) 35 users marked this as a favorite
 
drooling!!! cannot wait to dive into this later!
posted by supermedusa at 1:57 PM on October 16


I am moving to Bandiaterra!
posted by Calvin and the Duplicators at 4:11 PM on October 16


Oh my goodness.

This sounds AMAZING.

I have this sense that I knew about this channel, once - way back closer to when it started? - but if so, I'd completely forgotten about it.

I am really, really looking forward to checking this all out.

Thank you so much for posting this, Rhaomi! I am grateful, and filled with anticipation.
posted by kristi at 4:20 PM on October 16


Woohoooooo!
posted by inexorably_forward at 7:37 PM on October 16


I fell in love with this channel during lockdown, and this is a reminder to get back to it. Such good stuff! Thank you!
posted by armeowda at 10:54 PM on October 16


« Older Your 4th weekly dose of female fronted metal:   |   well, you don't need sunscreen at the hospital Newer »


You are not currently logged in. Log in or create a new account to post comments.