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.

Or, go to Wikipedia – search there for “Religion in ___” or “Politics of ____” for the leaders.  Or do an internet search for “Population of ___.”

NOTE to students: Before answering the questions below, read the information under “Background.”

2. For JAPAN:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) How/why would investigators be able to use the soles of peoples’ feet as identification? Be specific.
c) What gave these men the idea to develop this technique?
d) Do you think the Japanese government should gather the footprints of the whole population for this purpose? Explain your answer.
e) Would you support or oppose a similar program in the U.S.? (Should the U.S. government do the same?) Explain your answer.

3. For CHINA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Why did theater operators begin using laser pointers with audience members using cellphones?
c) What do the theater operators hope to achieve with the use of laser pointers?
d) Do you think this is a good idea? Explain your answer.

4. For SOUTH KOREA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What is South Korea’s Spartan 3000 unit? What are its capabilities?
c) Why did South Korea form this unit? Be specific.
d) What is the motive for South Korea’s Spartan 3000: a show of aggression or a means of deterrence? Explain your answer.