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.]

NOTE: Before answering the questions below, read the info under “Background” and “Resources.”

2. For EGYPT:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Who said he would run for president if the Egyptian people wanted him to?

3. For ETHIOPIA and EGYPT:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) How has the government of Ethiopia responded to Egypt's opposition to the dam project?
c) Despite the Egyptian government's strong objection to Ethiopia's dam project and vow to protect its "historical rights" to the Nile "at any cost," why do the reporters say there is little likelihood of the two countries going to war?
d) Egypt says it will lose 20% of its water if Ethiopia builds the dam. These Nile Basin countries want what they call an equitable water-sharing agreement that would allow for more irrigation and power projects. Egypt, a mostly arid country that relies on the Nile for the bulk of its water needs, argues that upstream countries could make better use of rainfall and have other sources of water. What do you think? If Ethiopia goes ahead with the dam project, should Egypt take military action? Should Egypt give up some of its water rights and let the other countries have 20% of their water?

4. For RUSSIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Why isn't President Obama attending the Olympics in Socchi?
c) Do you think President Obama should have attended the Olympic games? Why or why not?