1. For each of the 3 countries, give 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 a list of continents.]

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

2. For EGYPT:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What official offices will be relocated to the new city in Egypt? In addition to over 1 million housing units and 1.75 million jobs, what additional facilities will be built in the new city?
c) What is the goal for the new city?
d) The capital city of Cairo is very crowded and polluted. What do you think of the government’s plan to build a smart, sustainable city on a grand scale? (Should they just clean up Cairo? Is this a great idea? bad idea? Why? Explain your answer.)

3. For SAUDI ARABIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) A proxy war is a war instigated by a major power which does not itself become involved. Who are the two leaders of the proxy war in Yemen?
c) What do you think of the Arab League’s backing up its warning to the Houthi rebels with bombing raids? Should the Arab League be concerned about killing civilians while trying to defeat the rebels? Why or why not?

4. For UZBEKISTAN:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) How much of the vote did President Karimov receive? Why was this expected?
c) How long has President Karimov been in office? Why should he have only served two terms?