1. For PHILIPPINES, 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: Before answering the following questions, read the “Background” and watch the videos under “Resources” below.

2. For PHILIPPINES:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Why is the Taal Volcano considered among the world's most dangerous despite being one of the smallest?
c) Experts have warned of a possibility of an explosive eruption. What is the difference between an explosive eruption and a regular volcanic eruption?
d) How are the government and the Red Cross assisting people in the evacuation zones?
e) In addition to the health hazards from the ash, how might further eruption affect the area’s economy in the long-term?