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 China:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) The minerals are crucial for making a wide range of technologies and products (including green products) vital to the U.S. and other Western countries. What do you think is the government's motive for taking control of the mines?

3. For Brazil:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What will the Brazilian government do to prevent future flooding and mudslides?

4. For Lebanon:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) When will a new prime minister be chosen in Lebanon?

5. For Belarus:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Read the full story under "Resources" below the questions under "Belarus." Who was trying to keep the boy out of an orphanage while his parents are in prison?

6. For Sudan:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item