1. For  THE UNITED KINGDOM, give the following information
[Note: GREAT BRITAIN includes England, Scotland and Wales; THE UNITED KINGDOM (UK) includes those countries AND Northern Ireland.]:

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? 
6. the population

Find the answers at the CIA World FactBook website. Answers can be found under the “Geography” “People” and “Government” headings.

NOTE: Before answering the following questions, read the info under “Background” and watch the video under “Resources” below.

2. For THE UK (UNITED KINGDOM):
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) How have people been affected by the sudden shut down of Britain’s Thomas Cook? Be specific.
c) For what reasons did the travel agency shut down?
d) How long has Thomas Cook been in business?
e) What is your reaction to this respected business announcing they were shutting down suddenly in the middle of the night?