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NOTE: If WorldFactBook appears outdated for any country, go to Wikipedia – search there for “Religion in ___” or “Politics of ____” for the leaders.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 RUSSIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) AFP further reports:

The crash has raised fears for Egypt's vital tourism industry, which had already been suffering from years of unrest. Derek Moore, chairman of the Association of Independent Tour Operators, told AFP that concerns over a bomb could dissuade British tourists from visiting during the peak season. "Even offering rock-bottom prices will not achieve that if there is a feeling that a trip to Sharm might result in death," he said.

Local tourism chiefs say Sharm is secure. "Sharm is safe. There is no problem inside Sharm el-Sheikh," said Givara el-Gafy, head of the south Sinai tourism chamber.
With whom would you agree? Explain your answer.
c) If it is proved that Islamic terrorists did indeed plant the bomb that destroyed the Airbus, killing all 224 people aboard, how should Egypt respond? How should Russia respond? What reaction should the EU or U.S. have?

3. For BURUNDI:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What consequences do citizens face for not turning in their guns in Burundi?
c) What do you think will happen when a country’s leader forces all citizens to “voluntarily” give up their guns?

4. For GERMANY:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) List the problems German doctors and health officials say are occurring due to the huge influx of migrants.
c) This report from U.S. think tank Gatestone Institute relates: “German media outlets are downplaying the extent of the healthcare problem, apparently to avoid spreading fear or provoking anti-immigrant sentiments. But a growing number of German healthcare professionals are sounding the alarm.”
What do you think is the role of the media: informing citizens in a responsible way to the impending healthcare crisis caused by the acceptance of millions of migrants, or keeping it quiet in an effort to prevent panic or anti-immigrant feelings? Explain your answer.
d) Do you think the German media’s efforts to not report this growing health care crisis will succeed? Explain your answer.
e) It is right to have compassion fot others. Do you think the German government’s handling of the “migrant” crisis is the most compassionate way to deal with the situation - for the migrants and for the German people? Explain your answer.