Where in the world are you?

[Santander]

Panama is an option because I believe that it is in both continents.

Change your vote if you move from one option to another.

How are they special compared to other bicontinental nations like Russia or Turkey?

Bizarre poll options, but not surprising from OP. Arctic region? Asia or Japan?

[Santander]

Also, I have always been impressed by how well those in countries where English is not a primary language can speak English.

Am I correct in thinking that mainland Europeans are much more likely to speak English than those in other parts of the world?

Also I think it depends on which part of the world you think of. I am pretty sure that India or parts of Africa have an English fluency that is on par or even slightly better than the average European, although I am never quite sure if English there is a lingua franca, a second language or a first language.

India has terrible English proficiency levels overall. South India is a bit better, as they often learn English ahead of Hindi as their second language. English has invaded the urban colloquial Hindi vernacular, though, so someone like me who doesn't know that much Hindi can watch a Bollywood movie and understand most of it.

[Santander]

Very interesting! And it fits with my impressions when travelling Europe.
As you are from Spain, do you have any theories on why Spain (and Portugal) score so low?

Partly because of lack of interest, Spain being a big country and Spanish being a major world language, and partly I presume, because of poor quality instruction. Spanish firms like Telefonica, Santander, BBVA, etc. dominate in Latin America, so even for an educated person who interacts with a lot of foreigners, there is often no need for other languages. Most people from Southern Europe also don't want to up roots and move to an Anglo country, certainly not to the extent of people in parts of Central and Eastern Europe who have been conditioned to do so. They are already living in what most people consider paradise.

I think that map is out of date. I think Portugal should at least be on par with Italy and France.