1. For each of the 5 countries, give the following information:
a) the continent on which it is located
b) the name of the capital city
c) the type of government
d) the chief of state (and head of government if different)
e) the population

[Find the answers at the CIA World FactBook website. For each country: type of government, capital and executive branch (chief of state/head of government) can be found under the "Government" heading; population is listed under the "People" heading.  Go to worldatlas.com for a list of continents.]

2. For Australia:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Think about natural disasters you have read about around the world. How does the level of participation in the cleanup efforts by the flood victims and their fellow citizens compare to other countries? Why do you think all Australians appear to be taking part in this effort? Explain your answer?

3. For China:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What was the total amount of highway tolls Shi Jianfeng evaded - how was he able to avoid paying the tolls?
c) What do you think of his initial punishment of life in prison?

4. For Iran:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Which world powers declined an invitation from Iran for the tour? Why did they decline?
c) Which world powers were purposely excluded by the Iranian government?
d) Ask a parent what he/she thinks of this situation, and whether he/she approves or disapproves the way the U.S. is handling the situation.

5. For Sri Lanka:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What immediate emergency aid has the U.S. given to Sri Lanka?

6. For Venezuela:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Why did regulators say the show was offensive?
c) Why shouldn't the Venezuelan government have the authority to ban a show mocking the president/government? Explain your answer.