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 “Resources.”

2. For MEXICO:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Why have the residents of towns in Michoacan state taken it upon themselves to drive drug cartels out of their towns?
c) How did the Mexican military react to the vigilantes actions in Nueva Italia?
d) What 1 or 2 words do you think best describe the actions of the men of Michoacan taking up arms against the drug cartel? Explain your answer.

3. For INDIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) Name the last 3 countries which are still Polio endemic.
c) Polio vaccines have eradicated the disease from most countries in the world. Why is it so hard to stamp out the disease in these other countries?

4. For RUSSIA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What specific warnings/recommendations did the U.S. State Department issue to Americans traveling to the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia?
c) What assurance has the Russian government given to visitors?
d) If you or your family were planning to attend the Olympic games in Sochi, would the Russian government's assurances on safety make you feel more secure during the games? Explain your answer.