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.]

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2. For PAKISTAN:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) How much of the electricity needed in Pakistan are the electric companies able to produce?
c) For what reasons are Pakistan's electric companies unable to produce all of the electricity needed? (also see "Background")
d) How have the ministers for water & power, and petroleum & natural resources decided to solve the electricity shortage problem in Pakistan?

3. For VIETNAM:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) How did a crane operator cause a power outage in Vietnam and parts of Cambodia?
c) What percent of Vietnam's power was out for 10 hours?
d) What is the reason for the inferior electric system in Vietnam?

4. For PANAMA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Why did the government take such drastic measures?
c) What is hydroelectric power?
d) How much of Panama's electricity comes from hydroelectric power?
CHALLENGE QUESTION: This news brief is from May 8th. Panamanian officials said they would re-assess on May 12 whether to lift power restrictions. Do an internet search to find a follow-up article with an update on this story.