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 NEPAL:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
Obviously, the most important part of this tragic earthquake is the loss of life and the injured victims. It is such a big news story that we are focusing on an aspect that you might have missed in the news reports which, rightly so, are focused on the people affected.
b) Read the “Background” on religion in Nepal. Which are the two major religions practiced in Nepal?
c) How were the iconic landmarks of these religions impacted by this major earthquake?

3. For ERITREA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What is the Horn of Africa? List the countries that make up the Horn of Africa.
c) How many Eritreans have fled the country? What percent of the population is this number? Why is this number significant?
d) For what reasons have so many Eritreans risked such a dangerous journey to Europe?
e) Do you think the U.N. is effective in addressing this humanitarian crisis? Explain your answer.

4. For ESTONIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Where are the Baltic states? List the countries that make up the Baltic states.
c) What is the Estonian Defense League’s Cyber Unit?
d) What challenges do they face in protecting the country from cyber attacks?
e) What is your reaction to this attempt to protect the country from cyber attacks? (admiration, skepticism, etc.) Explain your answer.