I've learned the states of Mexico, both on "match name to state" and "recite list of names". Won't guarantee I'll get all of them three days from now, but I'm getting there.
Other brag points: states of India, states of China, all the countries of the world except tiny Caribbean or Pacific islands.
Sometimes it pays off, as in reading Chinese or Indian history or looking at museum art placards, and being able to go "I know where that is!" Like I just re-read _The Argumentative Indian_, and in it Sen was talking about the gender ratios of various Indian states, and as he named them they lit up in my head. And I know where Szechuan or Hunan cuisine are coming from (and can wonder about the lack of any northern Chinese restaurants. Where's Heilongjiang food?)
Other brag points: states of India, states of China, all the countries of the world except tiny Caribbean or Pacific islands.
Sometimes it pays off, as in reading Chinese or Indian history or looking at museum art placards, and being able to go "I know where that is!" Like I just re-read _The Argumentative Indian_, and in it Sen was talking about the gender ratios of various Indian states, and as he named them they lit up in my head. And I know where Szechuan or Hunan cuisine are coming from (and can wonder about the lack of any northern Chinese restaurants. Where's Heilongjiang food?)