Identify the main idea of the paragraph.

My choices are in parentheses.

Our pitiful knowledge of geography has been well documented for the last decade. Among the most notable studies was the 2006 Roper study sponsored by the National Geographic Society, a copy of which is linked here. (I will spare a detailed analysis, but some of the highlights include that “most young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 demonstrate a limited understanding of the world beyond their country’s borders, and they place insufficient importance on the basic geographic skills that might enhance their knowledge.”)

Your choice contain the details, but are not the main idea.

Then is it the first sentence?

Yes.

The main idea of the paragraph is the pitiful knowledge of geography among young adults.