1. For each of the 3 countries, give the following information:
a) location/the countries that share its borders
b) the religious breakdown of the population
c) the type of government
d) 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]
e) 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.]

2. For RUSSIA (Medvedev visits cowboys):
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Why have the Russians purchased Aberdeen Angus cattle from the U.S., and hired several American cowboys?

3. For NEW ZEALAND:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) If the government believes that smoking is life-threatening, why do you think they don't just outlaw tobacco and cigarettes?
c) Should a government use taxes to encourage healthy or moral behavior?  Explain your answer.  (If so, who should decide which behaviors to tax?)

4. For RUSSIA (Russia tests missiles):
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What is the purpose of Russia's new long-range missile test.

NOTE:  "Answers by Email" has ended for the summer--daily news postings will end June 8th -- have a great summer!