Guatemala

Country Background

In 1982, General Efraín José Ríos Montt led a military junta that canceled the constitution, dissolved Congress, and suspended political parties. A state of siege was again declared, severely restricting civil liberties, and a special system of courts were established. These courts were independent of the regular court system and were to assist in the return of democracy. Ríos Montt was himself deposed by the army in History

Oscar Humberto Mejía Victores then became head of state. He called for Constituent Assembly elections to begin drafting a new constitution. On January 14, 1986, the new constitution went into effect. Civilian governments have led Guatemala ever since, although both the military and the rebels continue to pose threats to political stability. History

Spanish is the official language. Over 40% of the population speaks one of the twenty-three Indian dialects used in the interior of the country. Guatemala has no official religion. Until the 1950s the vast majority of the people were Roman Catholic. At least a quarter of Guatemalans are now Protestants. Language Religion

With almost 10 million inhabitants, Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America. Is 45 percent Ladino, 45 percent Indian, 5 percent white, 2 percent black, the remaining 3 percent includes a substantial Chinese population. Demographics

Business Practices

 Punctuality, although not strictly adhered to in daily living, is expected from foreigners and in business circles.  There are many Asian-owned manufacturing companies in Guatemala. A business run along Asian management lines will consider punctuality very important.  Business hours are 8:00 A.M. to noon and 2:00 to 6:00 P.M. Appointments

 Business is done among Guatemalans only after a relationship has been established. Spend time forming a friendship before jumping into business discussions.  The majority of Guatemalan maquiladoras (manufacturing plants) are Asian-owned (primarily owned and managed by South Koreans). Among Asians (as among Guatemalans), it is important to avoid causing a loss of face. Negotiating

Business breakfasts or lunches are preferred to dinners. Business Entertaining

Local time is six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time ( G.M.T. -6). Time

Protocol

Men always shake hands when greeting. Women sometimes shake hands with men; this is done at the women's discretion. Greetings

 Guatemalans wave good-bye using a gesture that looks like someone fanning themselves: hand raised, palm toward the body, and wave of the fingers back and forth, with the fingers together as if encased in a mitten.  Thumb-tip protruding from between the fingers of a closed fist is considered obscene in Guatemala. (However, in some parts of South America it is considered a “good luck” gesture!).  The O.K. sign (thumb and forefinger forming a circle) as used in the United States is considered obscene.  Make eye contact while speaking with someone in Guatemala. Gestures

 If invited to a home, it is appropriate to bring a small gift of flowers or candy.  Do not bring white flowers as a gift; they are reserved for funerals. Gifts

 For business, a lightweight suit is appropriate for men; women should wear a dress or skirt and blouse.  Short pants and jeans are not appropriate for cities and more rural areas. Women in pants are very uncommon and may offend some people.  Military clothing is illegal; it can neither be worn nor brought into the country. Dress