1. What is a continental shelf - How does the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea define the continental shelf? (see "Background" for this answer)

2. What claim did Canada make last week; what claim will it make soon?

3. a) How can a country get world recognition of a claim to an extension of its nautical borders?
b) What does the Law of the Sea enable "Arctic" nations to do?

4. Name the five countries with territories near the Arctic Circle.

5. a) For what reason are countries including the U.S. and Russia looking to the Arctic?
b) How much natural gas and oil does the U.S. Geological Survey estimate is in the Arctic region?
c) What benefit would Canada gain if its claim is accepted by the UN Commission?

6. Why are the chances that the Commission will accept Canada's claim improbable?