Colombia

Colombia Ethnic composition- Government: Republic Official Language: Landscape: Divided by three mountain ranges
 * Population
 * Colombia’s population of approximately 33 Million
 * 58% mestizo,
 * 20% European
 * 14% mulatto
 * 8% African ( African- Amerindian)
 * multiparty republic with two legislative houses ( Senate and House of Representatives)
 * President is elected to a single four year term ( both the chief of state and head of government)
 * Colombian women are among the most active in the government in Latin America
 * Spanish
 * Amerindians speak their native language
 * Businesses understand English.
 * Religion: 95% Roman Catholic ( have freedom of religion)
 * Attire:
 * Conservative business attire inland.
 * Suits in dark colors are preferred.
 * Women should dress conservatively/ modestly( a suit or dress)
 * Communication:
 * Colombians stand closer together during conversations and greeting than North Americans, however they have less physical contact during conversation than other South Americans.
 * Handshaking the customary greeting in business
 * don’t rush it
 * Colombians take a long time in greetings
 * They feel it conveys respect for the other person.
 * Among friends expect the abrazo, or embrace
 * Colombian Women will substitute hand gesture of holding forearms as a handshake.
 * Address a person directly by using his or her title only
 * physician is called Doctor Teachers prefer the title Profesor
 * engineers go by Ingeniero
 * lawyers are Abogado
 * Persons who do not have professional titles should be addressed as Mr., Mr
 * Do’s:
 * Lunch is the main meal of the day and a popular choice for a business meal
 * host make a toast first, then you might wish to make one
 * The person who has initiated the invitation will pay for a meal in a restaurant
 * may have to fight for the check even though you have issued the invitation
 * Business cards printed in English on one side and the translation Spanish on the other.
 * Present the card with the Spanish side facing up
 * Titles are important and should be included on business cards
 * Schedule business appointments in advance
 * Punctuality is relaxed ( as a foreigner- expected to be on time)
 * prefer relaxed conversation before business
 * Good conversation topics:
 * History
 * Culture
 * Soccer
 * Coffee
 * gold museum
 * Don’ts:
 * Impolite to yawn in public
 * Two pointing fingers ( N. Am. would use to indicate length) is an obscene gesture in Colombia
 * Avoid putting your feet up on a table or other piece of furniture
 * Women-should be sensitive about making any glance or gesture that might be considered flirtatious
 * Bullfighting is popular
 * Don’t make negative comments
 * Bad conversation topics:
 * drug traffic
 * Politics
 * Religion

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