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 AUSTRALIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Why is maritime surveillance so important to Australia? Be specific.
c) Do you think this type of surveillance is a good idea for Australia? How about for the U.S.? Is the government's use of drones patrolling our land and ocean the best way to protect us? Explain your answer. Ask a parent the same question.

3. For FRANCE:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What was the purpose of banning drivers with even-numbered license plates from entering Paris on March 17?
c) How did taxi driver Sami Iazogen view the ban? What do you think of his assertion?

4. For ISRAEL:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Why must Israel insist that the Palestinian state (and the Arab League) acknowledge Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people as a condition for any peace agreement?