At a time when millions of Americans are focusing on energy issues and policies, the Energy IQ Survey finds that most U.S. adults have a fundamental lack of knowledge regarding energy supply and demand, as well as the role that America's oil and natural gas companies play in the economy. In fact, when presented with 20 multiple choice questions, on average more than 25 percent of respondents said they were "not sure" which answer was correct, and in many cases people chose the response that is farthest from the correct answer. Among the survey's key findings:

Those surveyed were surprised to learn the United States imports much less oil from the Middle East than they thought.

• When asked which country was the largest U.S. supplier of oil, almost 60 percent incorrectly chose Saudi Arabia. Only one in 10 people correctly identified Canada as the largest supplier to the United States.
   
• Only eight percent correctly noted that less than 15 percent of the oil the United States consumers comes from Persian Gulf countries. One-quarter of people chose the figure between 46 and 60 percent – three to four times higher than the actual figure.

People overestimate the profits of U.S. oil and natural gas companies and have very little understanding of the significant investments these companies are making in emerging energy technologies.

• When questioned about profits, 42 percent of respondents thought that the industry earned between 16 and 20 cents on every dollar of gasoline sales in 2006. In fact, the industry earned just 9.5 cents– a choice (6 to 10 cents) that was selected by only 14 percent of respondents.