1. For South Africa and Colombia, 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
For the EU, answer: capital, member states, government and population

NOTE to students: Before answering the questions below, read the info under “Background” and watch the videos under “Resources.”

2. For SOUTH AFRICA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Why have African immigrants in South Africa been attacked recently?
c) What is the South African government doing to protect the victims?
d) Are you surprised by this violence against foreigners in South Africa? Explain your answer.

3. For EUROPEAN UNION:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Why haven’t European governments assisted Italy thus far in launching rescue operations for migrants trying to cross from Africa to Europe?
c) What solutions did the EU ministers suggest at the emergency meeting?
d) Many of the 700 people believed to have drowned off the coast of Libya on Sunday were likely fleeing Eritrea and Somalia. Most of the 170,000 people who illegally reached the European Union’s Mediterranean shores last year came from sub-Saharan Africa, according to the EU border agency. At least 3,200 perished on the journey between Libya and Italy, making it the deadliest migrant route in the world.
What do you think the EU should do about the tens of thousands of migrants risking their lives to reach Europe this way every month?
Ask a parent the same question.

4. For COLOMBIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) There had been a truce between the FARC rebels and the government during on-going peace talks. Why hadn’t President Santos, who believes FARC can be trusted to negotiate with for a lasting peace, agreed to halt ground combat during the truce?