Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1. BACKGROUND
HISTORY and GOVERNMENT
Briefly describe the history of the country (or region, as appropriate. For a country assessment
describe and the government structure and political system, particularly if the government has not
always been pro-US. Potential sources for this information include: CIA World Factbook, Freedom in
the World, VSO, AlertNet
CULTURE
Briefly describe the population and ethnic and religious composition of the countrylregion; also
address any other factors that would impact Peace Corps operations, such as language distributions.
Potential sources for this information include: CIA World Factbook, AlertNet
2. RISK ASSESSMENT
2.1. CRIMEIBANDITRY
Give an overall assessment of the risk - Low, Medium or High. DO NOT quote the State
Department's SETL rating! Your assessment should be based on your total review of the
crime situation through interviews and research. Briefly describe the current crime conditions
and trends. If banditry is a significant issue, it should be addressed as a separate topic.
Potential sources for this information include: Consular Information Sheet, OSAC Crime and
Safety Reports, interviews with PCVs, RSO and local police officials, Safety of the Volunteer
Report, PC Incident Reports
EARTHQUAKESNOLCANOES
FLOODS
DROUGHT
Don't forget to include seasonal or localized hazards (such as wildfires) that may affect only
certain areas or regions. Potential sources for this information include: ReliefWeb, USGS,
CIDI, USAIDIOFDA
2.6. LANDMIJ~ESIUXO
Give an overall assessment of the risk - Low, Medium or High. Briefly describe the extent of
problems with landmines and unexploded ordinance in the countrylregion, especially there is
a recent history of armed conflict. Make any recommendations for training or restrictions on
Volunteer placement as may be appropriate. Potential sources for this information include:
ICBL, UNMAS
2.7. TERRORISM
TRANSNATIONAL TERRORISM
Give an overall assessment of the risk - Low, Medium or High. DO NOT quote the State
Department's SETL rating! Briefly describe the history of transnational terrorism in the
country and the potential for actions against US or western targets based on known or
suspected terrorist activities and the likelihood that terrorists could enter and operate in the
country.
WDIGENOUS TERRORISM
Give an overall assessment of the risk - Low, Medium or High. DO NOT quote the State
Department's SETL rating! Briefly describe the history of indigenous terrorism in the
countrylregion and identify any groups that are currently operating. Comment on the
motivation of these groups, typical targets and the likelihood that they would target US
interests, including Volunteers.
Potential sources for this information include: State Department (including "Patterns of
Global Terrorism" publication), Center for Defense Information, CIA World Factbook
hazards or difficulties)
Access to transportation, communications, health care and basic services (shopping, banking)
Description of the house (construction and condition, toiletlbath facilities, security features)
.RECOMMENDATIONS:
Describe your recommendations for enhancing the post's safety and security program, for improving
the quality or delivery of safety and security services to Volunteers. Also make any recommendations
for restrictions on Volunteer placement or travel. Recommendations should be in italics. Each
recommendation should be in a separate paragraph.