GuatemalaGuatemala

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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 1983.

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.

NegotiatingNegotiating

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