El Salvador

Country Background

In 1980, the widely respected Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero had been assassinated. Finally, after twelve years of fighting, a peace accord was signed between the government and the major leftist guerrillas (the FMLN, or Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front). Some 80,000 lives had been lost. History

The official language is Spanish. The population of 5.5 million (1993 estimate) is composed of three ethnic groups: Mestizo (a mixture of European and Indian) 89 percent, Amerindian 10 percent, and European 1 percent. Language Demographics

 El Salvador has no official religion. Although the Salvadorans have traditionally been Roman Catholic.  Hence the poor are being punished by God for their lack of faith. Religion

Business Practices

 Business is done only after a relationship has been established. Spend time forming a friendship before jumping into business discussions.  Be calm and patient with any delays. Several trips may be necessary to complete a transaction. Negotiating

 Salvadorans tend to speak softly. Match your volume to that of your Salvadoran counterpart.  Personal honor and saving face are very important to people in El Salvador.  Although the situation is changing, it is still rare to find women in upper levels of business in El Salvador.  If you are invited to a Salvadoran home, this a purely social function. Negotiating

 The main meal of the day is at noon. This will probably include black beans, tortillas or meat, and fruits and vegetables.  In a home, each person serves himself or herself. It is rude to take food and leave it on your plate uneaten. Business Entertaining

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

Protocol

 Men shake hands with each other in greetings. Sometimes only a nod of the head is given.  Keep the vocal component of your greeting soft. Many Salvadorans dislike loud persons. Greetings

 Do not point your fingers at anyone.  If you are invited to a Salvadoran home, it is appropriate to bring a gift of candy or flowers.  Avoid giving white flowers, they associated with funerals. Gestures gifts

 For business, men should wear conservative, lightweight suit. Women should wear a blouse and skirt or dress.  Short pants and jeans are not appropriate; women in pants or revealing clothing are very uncommon and may offend some people. Dress