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.  NOTE: Some answers can still be found at the WorldFactBook (a, b and d)  — however, we have determined that it is no longer always accurate for c, e and f.  Instead, the most accurate for these answers is Wikipedia – search there for “Religion in ___” or “Politics of ____” for the leaders.  Just do an internet search for “Population of ___.”]

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

2. For ESTONIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What evidence does President Ilves give for his assertion that Russia would invade Estonia?
c) Read the “Background” on NATO below the questions. How do you think NATO should respond to its member country Estonia’s call for troop protection from Russia?

3. For TURKEY:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) How many Armenians were killed by the Ottoman Turks in the Armenian Genocide of 1915?
c) Why do you think Turkey’s government refuses to acknowledge 100 years later that it was genocide?
d) Why do you think it is important to Armenians that they do so?
e) How would you describe Pope Francis’ reference to “the first genocide of the 20th century?” (the right thing to do, divisive, combative, helpful…)

4. For BRAZIL:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What complaints did protesters make against President Rousseff’s government?