COMPANY MENTOR:___________ DATE: ___________ PRESENTERS: The United States: An Overview

Government Type: Constitution- based Federal Republic Capital: Washington, D.C. Administrative Divisions: 50 States and 1 District Suffrage: 18 years of age, universal Head of State: President Barack Obama Political Parties: Democratic, Republican, Green, Libertarian National Symbol: Bald Eagle National Anthem: “The Star- Spangled Banner” Country Profile Government Source: CIA World Factbook

Currency: US Dollar (USD) GDP: $15.08 Trillion GDP Growth Rate (2011): 1.8% GDP (per capita): $48,300 Unemployment Rate: 9% Exports: $1.497 trillion Imports: $2.236 trillion Country Profile Economy Source: CIA World Factbook

World's third-largest country by size (after Russia and Canada) and by population (after China and India) Total Area: 9,826,675 sq km Lowest Point: Death Valley -86 m Highest Point: Mount McKinley 6,194 m Country Profile Geography Source: CIA World Factbook Twice the size of the EU US on a WorldMap

Demographics Population: 313,847,465 Median Age: 37 Years Life Expectancy: 78.5 Years Sex Ratio: 0.97 male(s)/female Urbanization: 82% live in urban areas Population Growth Rate: 0.9% Country Profile Source: CIA World Factbook

Religion and Language Protestant 51.3% Roman Catholic 23.9% Mormon 1.7% Other Christian 1.6% Jewish 1.7% Buddhist 0.7% Muslim 0.6% Other 2.5% Unaffiliated 12.1% None 4% English 82.1% Spanish 10.7% Other Indo-European 3.8% Asian and Pacific Island 2.7% Other 0.7% There are more than 300 languages besides English which can claim native speakers in the United States Country Profile Source: CIA World Factbook

Individualism (Independence and Self-Reliance) Time (Punctuality): “Time is Money” Respect for Privacy– Ex: Avoidance of age, weight, or salary in conversation Directness/Openness (Honesty): No means no, yes means yes Social Mobility: “The American Dream” Equality: “All men are created equal…” Competition Culture Values Source:

DO address your American business colleagues with a title, such as “Dr”, “Ms”, “Mr”, or “Mrs”, and their last name when meeting someone for the first time. You may find that, your American counterparts will insist on using first names almost immediately; this is not a sign of familiarity but simply reflects the casual business style DO say “please” and “thank you” to everyone for even the smallest kindness. Politeness is highly valued DO be prepared to partake in preliminary small talk with your American counterparts at the beginning of a business meeting. DON’T expect all companies to be the same. Business culture in the US differs from company to company on many levels, including industry, region and business structure. DON’T make any other form of physical contact such as hugging when greeting your American counterpart for the first time. Americans respect their privacy and personal space. DON’T be offended or surprised if your American colleagues cannot accept a gift. Gift giving is often discouraged or limited by many US companies Business Norms Top 10 Business Norms Source: Communicaid Group Ltd. 2009

It is customary to begin and end business meetings with a brief but firm handshake. Maintaining direct eye contact is also essential. The exchanging of business cards is a casual affair in the US and as such demands no clear ritual or set of rules. The aim of most business discussions in the US is to arrive at a signed contract. When doing business in the US, you will be expected to adhere to rules and guidelines that your US business counterparts must also follow. Company policy and business procedures such as legally binding contracts, are aspects of American business culture that require strict compliancy. Business Norms Top 10 Business Norms Source: Communicaid Group Ltd. 2009

Language Tips Words and Expressions in Business Meetings Hello Good morning How are you doing Nice to meet you Thank you Goodbye Translation/Phonetics: [add content for native country]…. Spelling