Matt Damon calls for "thick passports"

Actor Matt Damon has said Americans should be more aware of international politics.

The Hollywood star also called for politicians to increase aid to Africa, explaining that he had seen the direct benefits of "American taxpayer money".

"I realised that because of President Bush's malaria initiative, this baby had survived. American taxpayer money saved this baby's life," he told Conde Nast Traveller.

"When you go to a country and see your fellow Americans feeding people or getting clean water or saving their lives, you are really seeing the best of us.

"We are exporting the best of who we are - and who we should be."

Damon added: "I think many of our problems as a country would be solved if people had thick passports.

"There's just no substitute for actually going and seeing things."