1. For each of the countries, give the following information:
a) location/the countries that share its borders
b) the religious breakdown of the population
c) the type of government
d) 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]
e) 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 a list of continents.]

2. For IRAN:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Watch the video under "Resources" below. What do you think of the idea of Iranian women training in martial arts skills to fight against any invaders?

3. For JAPAN: (Device to silence incessant talkers)
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) How does the SpeechJammer work?
c) Do you think the SpeechJammer is a good idea?  (Who should or shouldn't use it?  In what settings would it be acceptable to be used?)Explain your answer.

4. For JAPAN: (Space elevator)
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What is the major benefit, as well as detriment associated with the cost of the space elevator?
c) Do you think Obayashi will be successful in their quest for a space elevator?  Explain your answer.
d) If you had the opportunity to take a space elevator to a space station, would you?  Why or why not?