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Friday, June 24, 2011

Facts and Statistics Bahrain Flag

Location: Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia

Capital: Manama

Climate: arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers

Population: 677,886 which includes 235,108 non-nationals (July 2004 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%

Religions: Shi'a Muslim 70%, Sunni Muslim 30%

Government: constitutional hereditary monarchy

Language in Bahrain

Arabic is the official language of Bahrain, but English is widely spoken. It is used in business and is a compulsory second language in schools. Among the non-Bahraini population, many people speak Farsi, the official language of Iran, or Urdu, the official language of Pakistan.

Arabic is spoken by almost 200 million people in more than 22 countries. It is the language of the Qur'an, the Holy Book of Islam, and of Arab poetry and literature. While spoken Arabic varies from country to country, classical Arabic has remained unchanged for centuries. The Arabic language originated in Saudi Arabia in pre-Islamic times and spread across the Middle East during the 7th and 8th centuries. The official language of Bahrain is Modern Standard Arabic, a modernized form of classical Arabic. It is used in schools, for official purposes and for written communication within the Arabic-speaking international community. In Bahrain, there are differences between the dialects spoken in urban areas and those spoken in rural areas.

Although state radio and television are broadcast primarily in Arabic, newspapers and magazines in other languages are available. Al-Ayam is a leading Arabic newspaper. The Bahrain Tribune and the Gulf Daily News are English newspapers.

Why not learn some useful Arabic phrases?

Bahraini Culture and Society

Islam

Islam is practised by the majority of Bahrainis and governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives. Islam emanated from what is today Saudi Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad is seen as the last of God's emissaries (following in the footsteps of Jesus, Moses, Abraham, etc) to bring revelation to mankind. He was distinguished with bringing a message for the whole of mankind, rather than just to a certain peoples. As Moses brought the Torah and Jesus the Bible, Muhammad brought the last book, the Quran. The Quran and the actions of the Prophet (the Sunnah) are used as the basis for all guidance in the religion.

Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day - at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. The exact time is listed in the local newspaper each day. Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed. The weekend is Friday and Saturday.

During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and are only permitted to work six hours per day. Fasting includes no eating, drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing. Expatriates are not required to fast; however, they must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public. Each night at sunset, families and friends gather together to celebrate the breaking of the fast (iftar). The festivities often continue well into the night. In general, things happen more slowly during Ramadan. Many businesses operate on a reduced schedule. Shops may be open and closed at unusual times.

The Family/Tribe

. The extended family or tribe forms the basis of both the social structure and individual identity.
. Loyalty to the family comes before other social relationships, even business.
. Nepotism is viewed positively, since it guarantees hiring people who can be trusted, which is crucial in a country where working with people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.
. The family is very private. Prying questions should be avoided.
. It is ordinary for large extended families to live in the same house, compound, or village.

Women in Bahrain

. Women are more publicly active in Bahrain than in most Arab countries.
. Many Bahraini women are not completely veiled; however, some still wear a head-covering in public.
. Bahraini women are highly educated and are well represented in all of the major professions, as well as various women's societies and organizations.
. About one-quarter of Bahraini women hold jobs outside the home.
. Women have the right to vote.

Etiquette and Customs in Bahrain

Meeting Etiquettemap of bahrain

. Bahrainis are tremendously friendly
. Greetings are given with a sense of enthusiasm and delight at meeting you or seeing you again.
. Smiling and direct eye contacts are crucial.
. Men shake hands and kiss each other on the cheek.
. Women generally hug and kiss close friends.
. When Bahrainis greet each other they take their time and converse about general things.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. Extended family and very close friends may exchange gifts for birthdays, Ramadan, Eid, Hajj, and other celebratory occasions.
. If you are invited to a Bahraini's home, bring a houseplant, box of imported chocolates, or a small gift from your home country.
. Always say that the gift is for your host, never the hostess, who you may not meet.
. Flowers do not make good gifts from a man, although a woman could give them to her hostess.
. Do not give alcohol.
. Gifts are given with two hands.
. Gifts are not opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

. Bahrainis enjoy entertaining friends and family in their homes, although they will also socialize in restaurants, clubs, and international hotels.
. Entertainment is often same-sex only.
. Friends may be invited to a Bahraini's home.

If you are invited to a Bahraini's house:

. Check to see if the host is wearing shoes. If not, remove yours at the door.
. Dress conservatively.
. Do not discuss business at a social occasion.
. Try to arrive at the invited time. Punctuality is appreciated.
. Show respect for the elders by greeting them first.
. Accept any offer of coffee or tea. To turn down hospitality may be considered a rejection of the person.
. If you are invited for a meal, there may be a great deal of socializing and small talk before the meal is served. The evening will end quite quickly after the meal.
. It is considered good manners to reciprocate any hospitality you receive.

Watch your table manners!

. If the meal is on the floor, sit cross-legged or kneel on one knee. Never let your feet touch the food mat.
. Eat only with the right hand.
. Try a bit if everything that is served.
. Meals are generally served family-style.
. Honoured guests are often offered the most prized pieces such as a sheep's head.
. There is often more food than you can eat. You will be urged to take more food despite saying you are full.
. It is considered polite to leave some food on your plate when you have finished eating. This demonstrates that your host has showered his guests with generosity and abundance.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Bahrain

Relationships and CommunicationEtiquette Bahrain

. Bahrainis do not require as much personal space as most western cultures.
. Since Bahrainis prefer to do business with those with whom they have a personal relationship, a letter of introduction from someone they know allows them to trust you.
. They will spend a great deal of time on the getting-to-know-you part of relationship building.
. You must be patient. Impatience is considered bad manners and may deleteriously affect future business dealings.
. The Bahrain business community is relatively small and your behaviour will quickly become public knowledge.
. Relationships take time to grow and must be nurtured. This may require several visits.
. Bahrainis tend to be indirect communicators who tell people what they think they want to hear if to do otherwise would make the other person uncomfortable.
. It is a good idea, therefore, to privately confirm agreements given in public so you may determine if the person was merely trying to save face.
. Communication is also quite formal and follows a hierarchical structure.
. Always demonstrate deference to the most senior person in the group
. Bahrainis are non- confrontational
. If displeased with your behaviour, Bahraini businesspeople may prefer to have an intermediary discuss the situation with you rather than confront you themselves.
. Bahrainis often touch others while conversing to enhance communication.
. Under no circumstances should you slap a Bahraini on the back or point at them with your finger.
. Avoid looking at your watch when speaking with Bahraini businesspeople, as it is a sign of disrespect.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are necessary
. Morning meetings are generally preferred. Do not try to schedule meetings in July and August as many Bahrainis leave the country during the worst of the summer heat.
. Arrive at meetings promptly.
. Meetings are generally not private until a relationship has developed or there is a need to discuss matters confidentially.
. In general, Bahrainis have an open-door policy, even when they are in a meeting. This means you may expect frequent interruptions. Others may wander into the room and start a different discussion.
. Meetings are often interrupted. You will have to repeatedly refocus people back to the topic.
. Business meetings start after prolonged inquiries about health, family, etc.

Business Negotiation Etiquette

. Good personal relationships are important since trust is required in order to conduct business.
. Bahrainis are event rather than time-driven. The actual meeting is more important than the timeliness or outcome.
. Companies are hierarchical. The highest-ranking person reaches decisions.
. Decisions are reached slowly. If you try to rush things, you will give offense and risk your business relationship.
. Do not use high-pressure sales tactics.
. There is a tendency to avoid giving bad news and to give flowery acceptances, which may only mean "perhaps".
. If you change the lead negotiator, negotiations will start over.
. Proposals and contracts should be kept simple.

What to Wear?

. Business attire is conservative.
. Men should wear lightweight, good quality, conservative suits, at least to the initial meeting.
. Dressing well gives a good impression.
. Women should avoid giving offense by wearing extremely conservative clothing.

Using Titles

. Titles are important. Use the honorific Mister and any academic or political title and the first name. 'Sheikh' is a good title to use for old men, or 'Hajji' for those who have undertaken the religious obligation.
. Do not use only the first name until expressly invited to drop the titles. 

Business Cards

. Business cards are given to everyone you meet.
. Have one side of your card translated into Arabic.
. Present your card so the Arabic side is readable to the recipient.
. Present and receive business cards with two hands.
. Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting it into a business card holder.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Morocco and Tunisia

Capital: Algiers

Climate: Arid to semiarid; mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers along coast; drier with cold winters and hot summers on high plateau; sirocco is a hot, dust/sand-laden wind especially common in summer.

Population: 32,531,853 (July 2005 est.)

Ethnic make-up: Arab-Berber 99%, European less than 1%

note: almost all Algerians are Berber in origin, not Arab; the minority who identify themselves as Berber live mostly in the mountainous region of Kabylie east of Algiers; the Berbers are also Muslim but identify with their Berber rather than Arab cultural heritage; Berbers have long agitated, sometimes violently, for autonomy; the government is unlikely to grant autonomy but has offered to begin sponsoring teaching Berber language in schools

Religion: Sunni Muslim (state religion) 99%, Christian and Jewish 1%

Language in Algeria

According to the census of 1966, Arabic is the language of 81% of Algeria's population; in addition to this, non-native speakers learn Arabic at school. In Algeria, as elsewhere, spoken Arabic differs very substantially from written Arabic; Algerian Arabic has a much-simplified vowel system, a substantially changed vocabulary with many new words and many words from Berber, Turkish, and French, and, like all Arabic dialects, has dropped the case endings of the written language. Within Algerian Arabic itself, there are significant local variations; Jijel Arabic, in particular, is noteworthy for its pronunciation of qaf as kaf and its profusion of Berber loanwords, and certain ports' dialects show influence from Andalusi Arabic brought by refugees from al-Andalus. Algerian Arabic is part of the Maghreb Arabic dialect continuum, and fades into Moroccan Arabic and Tunisian Arabic along the respective borders.

In the Sahara, more conservative Bedouin dialects, grouped under the name Saharan Arabic, are spoken; in addition, the many Sahrawi refugees at Tindouf speak Hassaniya Arabic.

Most Jews of Algeria once spoke dialects of Arabic specific to their community, collectively termed "Judeo-Arabic"; however, most came to speak French in the colonial period even before emigrating to France after independence.

Algerian Culture and Society

IslamMap of Algeria

o Islam is practised by the majority of Algerians and to a certain extent still governs their personal, political, economic and legal lives.
o Islam emanated from what is today Saudi Arabia. The Prophet Muhammad is seen as the last of God's emissaries (following in the footsteps of Jesus, Moses, Abraham, etc) to bring revelation to mankind. He was distinguished with bringing a message for the whole of mankind, rather than just to a certain peoples. As Moses brought the Torah and Jesus the Bible, Muhammad brought the last book, the Quran. The Quran and the actions of the Prophet (the Sunnah) are used as the basis for all guidance in the religion.
o Among certain obligations for Muslims are to pray five times a day - at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. The exact time is listed in the local newspaper each day.
o Friday is the Muslim holy day. Everything is closed. Many companies also close on Thursday, making the weekend Thursday and Friday.
o During the holy month of Ramadan all Muslims must fast from dawn to dusk and are only permitted to work six hours per day. Fasting includes no eating, drinking, cigarette smoking, or gum chewing. Expatriates are not required to fast; however, they must not eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum in public.

The Family

o The family is the most important unit of the Algerian social system and defines social relations.
o The individual is always subordinate to the family or group.
o The family comes above all else and we see this manifest in nepotism and the importance of honour.

The Concept of Honour

o Honour is a foundation block of Algerian society.
o Honour is delicately intertwined with a family's good name their reputation.
o If someone is honourable, the family is honourable and if an individual is shamed the family is shamed.
o As a result the behaviour of individual family members is viewed as the direct responsibility of the family.
o Honour can be lost in many ways, for example Algerians believe that turning down a friend's request for a favour causes the other person to lose honour. Therefore, they will agree to do something rather than risk either party losing face.
o Things to watch out for are criticizing others, insulting them, or putting them in a position that will be uncomfortable. By dishonouring someone you also spoil the relationship.

Social Etiquette and Customs in Algeria

Meeting & GreetingDesert in Algeria

o Algerians greet each other with lengthy affairs.
o In addition to the handshake one is obliged to ask about family, work, the house, the weather, etc.
o This is all part of cementing a relationship and showing concern for others.
o You may see people continue to hold hands after the initial handshake is a sign of warmth.
o Friends and family will also exchange kisses on the check.
o When meeting women initially nod and wait to see if a hand is extended.
o Avoid prolonged eye contact with women and do not ask personal questions.
o For women visiting Algeria note that religious men may not shake your hands - this is not a sign of disrespect but quite the opposite.

Names and Titles

o The use of titles in important in Algeria due to the hierarchical nature of the society.
o When introduced to someone, try to call them by their honorific, professional, or academic title and their surname.
o As most people speak French and Arabic titles may be in either.
o Common titles are "doctor", "professor", and "lawyer" in English or "docteur", "professeur", and "avocat" in French. Some religious scholars may be called "Sheikh"

Gift Giving Etiquette

Gift giving is a part of Algerian culture that is used to cement relationships. The gesture of giving is more important than the gift. In social settings some of these tips may come in handy:

o When invited to an Algerian's home, bring pastries, fruit, or flowers.
o Roses or tulips make good gifts.
o Violets as they symbolize sadness.
o Children will always appreciate sweets
o Do not bring alcohol unless you are sure they partake.
o Gifts are not usually opened when received.
o Give gifts with the right or both hands.

Dining and Eating Etiquette

Algerians love both hospitality and food. If you are invited to home consider it an honour. Remember your host will more than likely be a Muslim so there are some initial facts to be aware of:

o Don't bring alcohol
o Remove shoes at the door
o Men and women will be seated seperatley
o Dress modestly (especially women)

Other tips include:

o When you enter a room with people always greet the eldest first. The move around the room from your right greeting people individually.
o It would be polite for a woman to offer to help the hostess with the preparation / clearing This will most likely be declined, but the offer will be appreciated.

Watch your Table Manners!

o There are several ways of dining such as sitting at low couches around a big table or on mats on the floor around a low table.
o Try and wash your hands before and after the meal.
o Food is usually eaten by hand.
o Couscous is eaten with a tablespoon while stew is eaten with a fork.
o If in doubt follow people sitting near you.
o Only use the right hand for eating and for passing dishes.
o You will be urged to take more food. Try and start off with small portions so you can take more from the main dish and appear to have eaten a greater quantity.
o Leave food on your plate or it will be filled up again. Algerian Business Etiquette, Customs and Protocol

The Relationship

o The importance of personal relationships can not be underestimated. Always invest in building trust and rapport.
o You will notice that Algerians do not leave a great deal of personal space between each other. If someone stands close to you or holds your arm, do not back away.
o Preserving honour/reputation is important. Algerians will try to preserve their reputations telling people what they think they want to hear even if it is not the truth.
o It is important to bear this in mind when communicating with Algerians, i.e. do not cause them to lose face especially in public.
o Within Algeria the "you scratch my back and I scratch yours" mentality works. Try and do favours for people as this will mean they owe you one back.

Business Cards

o There is no formal ritual surrounding business cards.
o It may be a good idea to have them translated into French or Arabic.
o Always use the right hand to give and receive.

Business Meetings

o Appointments are necessary and should be made as far in advance as possible and confirmed a day or two before the meeting.
o It is best to avoid scheduling meetings during Ramadhan.
o Remember Fridays are a Muslim holiday so most companies will be closed.
o Try to arrive at meetings on time and be prepared to wait. Algerian businesspeople who are accustomed to dealing with international companies often strive to arrive on time, although it is often difficult for them to do so in such a relationship driven culture.
o In general, Algerians have an open-door policy, even during meetings. This means you may experience frequent interruptions. Others may even wander into the room and start a different discussion. You may join in, but do not try to bring the topic back to the original discussion until the new person leaves.
o French and Arabic are generally the language of business, although some companies use English.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: Central Europe, north of Italy and Slovenia bordering Czech Republic 362 km, Germany 784 km, Hungary 366 km, Italy 430 km, Liechtenstein 35 km, Slovakia 91 km, Slovenia 330 km, Switzerland 164 km

Capital: Vienna

Climate: temperate; continental, cloudy; cold winters with frequent rain and some snow in lowlands and snow in mountains; moderate summers with occasional showers

Population: 8,174,762 (July 2004 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: German 88.5%, indigenous minorities 1.5% (includes Croatians, Slovenes, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, Roma), recent immigrant groups 10% (includes Turks, Bosnians, Serbians, Croatians) (2001)

Religions: Roman Catholic 74%, Protestant 5%, Muslim 4%, other 17%

Government: federal republic

Language in Austria

German is the official language spoken by 98% of the population as mother tongue. There are distinct differences between the many regional dialects, and also a wide variation in the 'standard' Hochdeutsch spoken from region to region. Slovene is an official language in the southern province of Carinthia. Other minority languages include Croatian (0.5%) and Hungarian (0.1%). All three languages are taught alongside German in some bilingual schools. Another minority language is Slovak.

Why not learn some useful German phrases?

Austrian Society & Culture

Austrian Family ValuesMap of Austria

. The family forms the basis of the Austrian social structure.
. The family is generally small and, due to lack of migration, generally closely knit within a certain town or village.
. Weekends are generally devoted to family activities such as outdoor activities.
. Eating dinner together in the evening is very much the norm.
. Sundays re usually bookmarked for visiting grandparents for dinner, and/or, enjoying a hike in the country together.

The Austrian Home

. Austrians take much pride in their homes, keeping them neat and tidy.
. In a formal culture such as theirs, the home is the place where people relax and let their hair down.
. Only close friends and relatives are invited into the house, so it is a place where more informal communication may occur.
. Neighbourly etiquette also has its rules that must be observed. It is imperative that common areas such as sidewalks, pavements, corridors (in flats), and steps be kept clean at all times by all associated with them.

Conservatism

. Austrians are generally conservative people.
. They are prudent and moderate in their behaviour.
. 'Regimentation' and 'compartmentalization' are a useful ways of describing how they organise their lives.
. They extend social invitations in advance of the event, and the more formal the occasion the greater the time between the invitation and the event itself, so that they can be certain that their guests do not have a prior engagement.

Appearances Matter

. Presentation and dressing well are important to Austrians.
. Even when dressed informally, they are neat and conservative; their clothes are never ostentatious.
. There is sometimes a strict protocol for dressing appropriately in different situations: formal wear for the theatre or a concert, and semiformal wear for better restaurants.
. Some high level events may have a dress code and will turn away patrons who are not dressed properly.
. Most Austrian women dress up to go shopping, since they dress elegantly, if conservatively, at all times, especially when they will be public.

Austrian Etiquette & Customs

Meeting EtiquetteEtiquette in Austria

. Greetings are formal.
. A quick, firm handshake is the traditional greeting.
. Maintain eye contact during the greeting.
. Some Austrian men, particularly those who are older, may kiss the hand of a female.
. A male from another country should not kiss an Austrian woman's hand.
. Women may also kiss men, but men never kiss other men.
. Titles are very important and denote respect. Use a person's title and their surname until invited to use their first name.
. When entering a room, shake hands with everyone individually, including children.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. In general, Austrians exchange gifts with family and close friends at Christmas (generally Christmas Eve) and birthdays.
. Children receive gifts on December 6th, the feast of St. Nicholas
. If invited to dinner at an Austrian's house, bring a small gift of consumables such as chocolates.
. If giving flowers, always give an odd number as except for 12, even numbers mean bad luck.
. Do not give red carnations, lilies, or chrysanthemums.
. Gifts should be nicely wrapped.
. Gifts are usually opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to an Austrian's house:

. Arrive on time. Punctuality is a sign of respect.
. Dress conservatively and elegantly.
. In some houses you may be asked to remove your shoes, although the custom is not as prevalent as it once was.

Watch your table manners!

. Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.
. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Put your napkin on your lap as soon as you sit down.
. Do not begin eating until the hostess says 'mahlzeit' or 'Guten Appetit'.
. Cut as much of your food with your fork as possible, since this compliments the cook by saying the food is very tender.
. Finish everything on your plate.
. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles facing to the right.

. The host gives the first toast. Everyone lifts and clinks glasses, looks the person making the toast in the eye and says, 'Prost!'.
. An honoured guest offers a toast of thanks to the host at the end of the meal.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Austria

Relationships & Communication

. First impressions are important and you will be judged on your clothing and demeanour.
. Although Austrians prefer third-party introductions, they do not need a personal relationship in order to do business.
. They will be interested in any advanced university degrees you might have as well as the amount of time your company has been in business.
. Austrians show deference to people in authority, so it is imperative that they understand your level relative to their own.
. It is imperative that you exercise good manners in all your business interactions.

. There is little joking or small talk in the office as they are serious and focused on accomplishing business objectives/goals.
. Communication is formal and follows strict rules of protocol.
. Always use the formal word for you 'sie' unless invited to use the informal 'du'. Address people by their academic title and surname.
. You may be referred to simply by your surname. This is not a culture that uses first names except with family and close friends.
. Austrians are suspicious of hyperbole, promises that sound too good to be true, or displays of emotion.
. In many situations, Austrians will be direct to the point of bluntness. This is not an attempt to be rude, it is simply indicative of their desire to move the discussion along.
. Expect a great deal of written communication, both to back up decisions and to maintain a record of discussions and outcomes.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are necessary and should be made 3 to 4 weeks in advance when meeting with private companies.
. Do not try to schedule meetings in August, the two weeks surrounding Christmas, or the week before Easter.
. Punctuality is taken extremely seriously. If you expect to be delayed, telephone immediately and offer an explanation.
. It is extremely rude to cancel a meeting at the last minute and it could ruin your business relationship.
. Meetings are formal.
. Presentations should be accurate and precise.
. Have back-up material and be prepared to defend everything: Austrians are meticulous about details.
. Meetings adhere to strict agendas, including starting and ending times. If you have an agenda, it will be followed.
. Follow-up with a letter outlining what was agreed, what the next steps are, and who is the responsible party.

Business Negotiation

. Do not sit until invited and told where to sit. There is a rigid protocol to be followed.
. Meetings adhere to strict agendas, including starting and ending times.
. A small amount of getting-to- know-you conversation may take place before the business conversation begins.
. Austrians are more concerned with long-term relationships than making a quick sale.
. Rank and position are important. Since most companies are relatively small, it is often quite easy to meet with the decision- maker.
. Business is conducted slowly. You will have to be patient and not appear ruffled by the strict adherence to protocol.
. Austrians are very detail- oriented and want to understand every innuendo before coming to agreement.
. Avoid confrontational behaviour or high-pressure tactics. It can work against you.

What to Wear?

. Business dress is conservative and follows most European conventions.
. Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits with white shirts.
. Women should wear either business suits or conservative dresses, complimented with elegant accessories.

Business Cards

. Business cards are exchanged without formal ritual.
. Have one side of your card translated into German. Although not a business necessity, it demonstrates an attention to detail.
. Include any advanced academic degrees or honours on your business card.
. If your company has been in business for a long time, include the founding date on your card as it demonstrates stability.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: Northern Europe bordering Germany 68 km

Capital: Copenhagen

Climate: temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers

Population: 5,413,392 (July 2004 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: Scandinavian, Inuit, Faroese, German, Turkish, Iranian, Somali

Religions: Evangelical Lutheran 95%, other Protestant and Roman Catholic 3%, Muslim 2%

Government: constitutional monarchy

The Danish Language

Over 98% of the population speak Danish. German is recognised as an official regional language in the Nord-Schleswig region that borders Germany, where it is spoken by 23,000 people, about 0.4% of the 5.2m Danish population. Greenlandic, an Inuit language, is spoken by 0.1% of the population.

Why not learn some useful Danish phrases?

Danish Society & Culture

Egalitarianism in Danish SocietyMap of Denmark

Denmark is an egalitarian society.

. Interestingly this is reflected in their language, which employs gender-neutral words.
. Most Danes are modest about their own accomplishments and are more concerned about the group than their own individual needs.
. Maternity and paternity leave provisions are particularly generous in Denmark.
. Men are more actively involved in child-rearing activities than in many countries, although the division of domestic chores is similar to other developed countries.

Women in Danish Society

. Women are highly respected in business and generally receive equal pay and have access to senior positions.
. Working mothers can easily arrange flexible hours so that they can maintain both a career and a family.
. Danish women expect to be treated with respect in the office.

Proper Public Behaviour

. Danes believe there is one proper way in which to act in any given circumstance.
. If someone is not following the rules, be they written or merely understood, someone will generally speak up and admonish them to obey the accepted protocol.
. They expect courteous behaviour from everyone.
. Talk in moderate tones and do not do anything to call attention to yourself.

Danish Family Values

. Most families are small.
. The nuclear family is the centre of the social structure.
. Children are raised to be independent from an early age.
. Most are put in day care centres at about 1 years old.
. Marriage is not a prerequisite to starting a family. Many couples live together without legalizing the arrangement with marriage.

Etiquette & Customs in Denmark

Meeting EtiquetteEtiquette in Denmark

. Greetings are casual, with a firm handshake, direct eye contact, and a smile.
. Shake hands and say good-bye individually when arriving or departing.
. Shake hands with women first.
. Danes tend to introduce themselves with their first names.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. Danes give gifts to family and close friends for birthdays and Christmas.
. If invited to a Danish home for dinner, bring flowers, good quality chocolates or good quality wine. A bouquet of mixed wildflowers makes an excellent gift.
. Flowers should be wrapped.
. If you are invited to dinner or a party, it is polite to send flowers in advance of the event.
. Red wrapping paper is always a good choice.
. Gifts are opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If invited to a Danish home: 

. Arrive on time. Danes are punctual in both business and social situations.
. Check to see if you should remove your shoes before entering the house.
. Contact the hostess ahead of time to see if she would like you to bring a dish.
. Offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served.
. Danes enjoy showing off their homes since they have usually done the decorating themselves and are proud of their accomplishments. Therefore, they are happy when you ask for a tour of their house.
. Do not discuss business.

Watch your table manners!

. Wait to be told where to sit. There may be a seating plan.
. Table manners are Continental -- hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Always keep your hands visible when eating. Keep your wrists resting on the edge of the table.
. Try everything.
. Expect to be offered second helpings. You may refuse without offending your hosts.
. Finish everything on your plate. Danes do not like wasting food.
. When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork across your plate with the tines facing up and the handles turned to the right.
. The man seated to the left of the hostess generally offers a toast of thanks during the dessert course.
. Do not begin eating until the host toasts with 'Skol'.
. When toasting, raise your glass about eye level and make eye contact with the people seated closest to you. Business Etiquette and Protocol in Denmark

Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are necessary.
. Confirm appointments in writing.
. Initial correspondence should be made to the company and not an individual.
. Do not try to schedule meetings from mid June through mid August as many Danes are on vacation.
. You should arrive at meetings on time. The Danes you are meeting will be punctual.
. Telephone immediately if you will be detained more than 5 minutes.
. Shake hands with everyone upon arriving and leaving. Handshakes should be very firm and rather short. Maintain eye contact while being introduced. Always shake hands with women first.
. Business cards are exchanged. Your business card should have the physical address of your company and not a post office box.
. Danes use their professional title and their surname. If someone does not have a professional title, use Herr (Mister), Fru (Misses) or Froken (Miss). Danes move to first names quickly. Nonetheless, wait to be invited before using someone's first name.

Business Negotiation

. Send an agenda before the meeting and work from it without deviation.
. Decisions are made after consulting with everyone involved.
. Presentations should be well-organized and factual. Use facts, figures and charts to back up statements and conclusions.
. Maintain eye contact while speaking.
. There will be a minimal amount of small talk. Danes prefer to get down to business quickly.
. Communication is direct.

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