1. For each of the 3 countries, provide 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:

[Find the answers at the CIA World FactBook website. For each country, answers can be found under the "Geography" "People" and "Government" headings.  Go to worldatlas.com for maps and a list of continents.]

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

2. For AFGHANISTAN:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Think about what was reported of rescue efforts. How does this compare to rescue efforts for any natural disaster here? (e.g. the recent tragic mudslide in Washington state). What do you think about the ability (or lack of ability) of the Afghan national and local government, military and/or the residents themselves to execute any type of rescue/recovery?

3. For NORTH KOREA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) From the BBC report: “The men meticulously taking notes are soldiers, party members or government officials,” says Korea expert Prof James Grayson. What is happening is a demonstration of the leader's supposed power, knowledge, wisdom and concern, says Grayson. It's "on-the-spot guidance," something instigated by his grandfather Kim Il-sung in the 1950s. "It's part of the image of the great leader offering benevolent guidance," says Grayson. What was your initial reaction to this report?

4. For CHINA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) How would you describe the Chinese Christians who are willing to stand up to the government over their faith?
c) How effective do you think the government’s attempts to eliminate any visible evidence of Christian faith in China will be?