1. For each of the 3 countries, give the following information (For Palestinian Territories/Palestinian Authority go to wikipedia):
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NOTE: If WorldFactBook appears outdated for any country, go to Wikipedia – search there for “Religion in ___” or “Politics of ____” for the leaders.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 info under “Background” and watch the videos under “Resources.”

2. For PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) The members of which religions revere Joseph’s Tomb?
CHALLENGE: Do an internet search to find instances of Israelis destroying Palestinian and/or Muslim holy places.

3. For ZAMBIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What effect has the lower than usual rainfall had on Zambia this year?
c) What do Zambians want God to do?
d) Do you think our president should call for a day of prayer and fasting to ask God to bless the U.S.? Explain your answer.
CHALLENGE: Do an internet search to learn which U.S. presidents have called for national days of prayer (and fasting).
Did you know the U.S. holds a National Day of Prayer? The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.
Read “History of Prayer in America” 

4. For CHINA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Ambassador Liu said, “We don’t shy away from talking about human rights. What we are against is to use human rights to interfere with other countries’ internal affairs and to try to impose your own system on to others.”
What are the Chinese mistaken about when they refer to ‘your own system’ of human rights?
c) As the trade representative for the UK, should Chancellor use his position to discuss human rights violations in China?
d) Should the British government talk about human rights abuses in China or just concentrate on having a diplomatic relationship with China/trading with China? Explain your answer.