1. For each of the 3 countries, 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 to students: Before answering the questions below, read the information under “Background” and watch the videos under “Resources.”

2. For ISRAEL:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) List the six countries that opposed the resolution to deny Jewish connection to the Temple Mount.
c) What did Israeli President Reuven Rivlin say about the UN resolution denying any Jewish connection to the Temple Mount?
d) Prime Minister Netanyahu said, "To declare that Israel has no connection to the Temple Mount and the Western Wall is like saying that China has no connection to the Great Wall of China or that Egypt has no connection to the Pyramids.” Read about the Temple Mount under “Background” below. Why is the UN’s resolution so wrong?

3. For CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) How many United Nations (MINUSCA) peacekeepers are in CAR?
c) How effective do you think United Nations peacekeepers are at protecting civilians in refugee camps? (Are they doing the best they can? Are they ineffective?) Explain your answer.

4. For THAILAND:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What is lèse-majesté?