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: “Answers” emails have ended for the school year and will resume September 2nd. Daily posting will end June 13th and will resume in the end of August.

2. For COLOMBIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) How do the governments of the U.S., Colombia, the European Union, etc. regard the FARC?
c) How does the FARC raise money for its guerrilla activities?
d) Former President Alvaro Uribe backs presidential candidate Oscar Ivan Zuluaga. How did President Uribe deal with the FARC?
e) Read more about the FARC under “Background” below. Which candidate’s policy on the FARC do you think would be best for Colombia? Explain your answer.

3. For SPAIN:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What significant fact do you learn about Prince Charles’ reign as heir apparent of Great Britain?
c) How did King Carlos explain/elaborate on his decision to abdicate the throne?
d) Watch the video under “Resources.” What explanation does the reporter give for why King Carlos might really have abdicated?

4. For VENEZUELA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What has caused a huge drop in socialist President Nicolas Maduro’s popularity in Venezuela?
c) What factors have led to consumer goods shortages in Venezuela?
d) What some view as smugglers, others might view as entrepreneurs. What do you think?