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.”

2. For MEXICO:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Describe the latest tunnel reported on in this news brief. Be specific. Be specific.
c) What charges were brought against the 6 people who were arrested?
d) Why have so many of these illegal tunnels been built between the border in the San Diego-Tijuana region?
e) Ask a parent or grandparent: How important is it to you that the federal government be able to secure our border? Explain your answer.

3. For ISRAEL:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) For what reasons is the military concerned about the presence of Islamic terrorists allied with ISIS on the north-eastern border?
c) How is the military addressing the threat?
d) The liberal position is that Israel “occupies” the Golan Heights. However, conservatives explain that Israel conquered the Golan during the Six Day War as it defended itself against its much larger Arab neighbors who fought against Israel to destroy it. How important do you think it is for the U.S. to strongly stand by our close ally Israel (the only Democracy in the Middle East)? Explain your answer.

4. For ITALY:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) How many people from all over the world have reached Italy on boats from Libya in the past 2 years?
c) Why is Rome concerned that its overcrowded reception facilities could soon have tens of thousands of additional asylum seekers?
d) What two plans has Italy proposed to slow the number of people coming to Europe?
e) Ask a parent, what do you think of Italy’s proposals? Please explain your answer.