NOTE: Before answering the questions below, read the information under “Background.”

1. For each of the 3 countries, provide the following information:

a) capital:

b) location/the countries that share its borders:

c) the religious breakdown of the population:

d) the type of government:

e) the chief of state (and head of government if different) [If monarch or dictator, since what date has he/she ruled? - include name of heir apparent for monarch]:

f) the population:

[Find the answers at the CIA World FactBook website. For each country, answers can be found under the "Geography" "People" and "Government" headings.  Go to worldatlas.com for maps and a list of continents.]

2. For CUBA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Although the communist government has decided to end the practice of granting favored Cubans special permission to bring in vehicles as a privilege, how might these privileged few still cause frustration among their fellow citizens when going to buy a car?
c) Watch the video under "Resources" - why aren't some Cubans happy about the news?

3. For UKRAINE:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What sparked the ongoing protests in Ukraine over the past two months?

4. For THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Israel was specifically established as a state for the Jewish people. Prime Minister Netanyahu said: “The Palestinians are continuing their campaign of inciting hatred, as we have seen in the last few days with their refusal to recognize Israel as a state for the Jewish people.” Do you agree with his assertion? Explain your answer.
c) Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said: "We have made it very clear that we are not going to sign any agreement that recognizes Israel as a Jewish state.” Do you think the Israelis and Palestinians will succeed in a lasting peace treaty? Explain your answer.