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.

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

2. For BRAZIL:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What did field tests conducted between 2011-2014 show about the effectiveness of the genetically modified mosquitoes?
c) How effective have the genetically modified mosquitoes been in reducing the number of people who contract these diseases from mosquito bites?
d) In addition to Oxitec’s mosquitoes, separately, Rio de Janeiro authorities are attempting to control their mosquito population by releasing insects inoculated with the Wolbachia bacteria, which makes them resistant to Zika, dengue and other viruses. Do you think these are good solutions to eradicate the disease carrying mosquitoes? Explain your answer.
e) Can you think of any unintended consequences to these two solutions?  Explain your answer.

3. For ITALY:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Why do officials believe lives were saved when this strongest quake hit on Sunday?
c) Re-read the last two paragraphs of the Italy article. How would you try to encourage Mr. Altavilla, who is understandably discouraged?
d) Read the “Background” on Italy. Do you think the Italian government should quake-proof all buildings as experts suggest, or just rebuild any area after an earthquake destroys it? (Do you think your answer would be the same if you lived in one of the quake-prone areas?) Explain your answer.

4. For AUSTRALIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Who is the government opposing with this legislation?

c) Prime Minister Turnbull is the leader of the Liberal Party (which is actually conservative). The Liberal Party has taken a hard line on immigration policy and said the new legislation is needed to deter people smugglers who attempt to sneak people into Australia from Indonesia at an extreme cost to the individuals. The Australian government has said thousands of people have died trying to make the dangerous trip from Indonesia to Australia in boats that frequently are not safe. In 2013, the government turned the matter of tracking potential refugee and asylum-seeking ships over to the military, which now has the responsibility of turning the boats and their passengers away.
What do you think of this policy? Do you think it will be effective in deterring people from attempting to get to Australia illegally? Would you support or oppose this type of law in the U.S.? Explain your answer.

d) Watch the video under “Resources” below. Do you agree with Prime Minister Turnbull’s assertions about controlling the border in Australia? Explain your answer.