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NOTE: If WorldFactBook appears outdated for any country, go to Wikipedia – search there for “Religion in ___” or “Politics of ____” for the leaders.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 ITALY:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What was the Forum?
c) From “Background” below the questions: A new crowd-funding initiative, LoveItaly!, was launched to encourage fans around the world to contribute to the upkeep of the country's artistic treasures amid a decline in public spending for conservation projects. What do you think of the Italian government using this method to raise conservation funding?

3. For SOUTH AFRICA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Who is Nozipho Joyce Mxakato-Diseko?
c) Why do these countries oppose the UN’s climate change ideas?

4. For FRANCE:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Upon being forced to go on vacation, Mr. Verdier said, ”This is a direct extension of what I say in my book, namely that any contrary views must be eliminated."
One theory on climate change is the earth’s climate is warming as a result of human actions and an extreme change in the earth’s climate will occur.  Why do you think people who hold this belief wish to silence anyone who disagrees with them? (Ask a few friends and/or relatives why they think this is so.)