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

1. capital
2. location/the countries that share its borders
3. the religious breakdown of the population
4. the type of government
5. 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
6. 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.

Or, go to Wikipedia – search there for “Religion in ___” or “Politics of ____” for the leaders.  Or do an internet search for “Population of ___.”

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

2. For BRAZIL:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What condition is the Zika virus believed to cause (though no conclusive link has been found)?
c) What steps is the Brazilian government taking to eradicate the Zika virus?
d) What do you think about the Health Minister’s statements and the government’s attempts to combat it now?

3. For EGYPT (official name is Arab Republic of Egypt):
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) CHALLENGE: Read the commentary “Some Rare Good News from the Middle East” by Michael Mukasey, U.S. Attorney General from 2007-2009.
Contrast this view of President al Sisi with that of the news brief here, or any other news report on al Sisi. Why do you think they are different?

4. For ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN (official name):
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What was the problem with Iran’s drone flight over the USS Harry Truman aircraft carrier if it posed no actual danger to the ship?
c) Ask a parent: Considering Iran’s treatment of U.S. sailors and its aggressive talk and actions against our military, how do you think the next president should deal with Iran: continue Obama administration policies, or take a stronger tactic? Explain your answer.