NewsTracker Answers for week of Apr 07, 2014

Q: Security officials worry that Malta's citizenship-for-cash program could open up Europe and the United States to any swindler, criminal or terrorist who can afford the price tag of up to $1.57 million. Malta is a small island nation 50 miles south of Sicily. Where is it on this map?

Circle the area on this map

Q: Maltese citizens can freely travel, live and work in the 27 nations that are members of the . . .

A. Eurozone

B. British Commonwealth

C. European Union

D. United Nations

C. A newly minted Maltese citizen will not have to show a passport to travel to any European Union nations where they also will be able to live and work. Malta citizens also have the right to visa-free travel to 69 non-European Union countries, including the United States.

Q: While Malta has opened its doors to the wealthy, it has been far less welcoming to . . .

A. African migrants

B. Bulgarian workers

C. Italian fisherman

D. Syrian refugees

A. The thousands of poor African migrants who washed up on Malta’s beaches over the past few years have been forced to live in grim detention centers without citizenship.

Q: What nation offers legal residency, though not citizenship, to attract the wealthy?

A. Greece

B. Spain

C. United States

D. All of the above

D. A growing number of European countries suffering through economic hard times offer the possibility of residency to rich foreigners in return for substantial investments. The United States also offers residency for entrepreneurs who invest at least $1 million and meet other criteria.

Q: Malta's government is hoping rich foreigners will boost the nation's economy. Who were the last of the many foreigners who ruled Malta?

A. Italians

B. British

C. Germans

D. French

B. Britain ruled Malta from 1814 until the island nation gained independence in 1964. Malta is the smallest nation in the British Commonwealth, which is comprised of Britain's former colonies.