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Libya: History, facts, and culture
Libya, with the name and borders we know today, only came into being in the twentieth century, but this area of North Africa has been a crossroads of civilization for thousands of years. The earliest inhabitants are believed to have been nomadic Berber tribes. The seafaring Phoenicians established trading relations with the Berbers and other peoples in the area and exported goods such as olive oil, ivory, animals, and wine to the rest of the Mediterranean and Africa…
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Germany: History, government, and culture
Germanic and Celtic tribes, hailing originally from Russia, were living in the region now known as Germany by 1000 BC. These tribes were continually at war with the Romans. In AD 400, a group called the Franks defeated the Romans…
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the full article…
Brazilian
Business Practices
Brazilians do business through personal relationships. If you want
to do business in Brazil, you must first reach out to an appropriate
Brazilian contact within your industry to introduce you to the right
people. A great place to start is through the U.S. Department of
Commerce and the American Chamber of Commerce in Brazil…
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the full article…
Japan: History,
facts, and culture
In the mid-nineteenth century, following two decades of stability
and isolation from foreign influence, Japan opened its ports and
began to swiftly modernize and industrialize. Over the next hundred
years, Japan became one of the world’s most technologically and
militarily advanced countries, taking on the forces of both China
and Russia…
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the full article…
Countries
by credit rating
This is a list of countries by credit rating, showing
long-term sovereign credit ratings as reported by the three major
credit rating agencies: Standard & Poor's, Fitch and Moody's…
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the full article…
Agop Hacikyan's
A Summer without Dawn
A flock without its shepherd, lost and struck down... Invisible
but violent surges shake the miserable history of the life of my
people. The callous hunters have caught the defenseless fish in
their net. The atmosphere is filled with poison. There is no escape.
Destruction, horror, and violence on the one hand, and indifference
and dirty hearts on the other hand...Our bodies have rotted, our
souls desecrated, life is coated with corpses...". This is how the
prominent Armenian composer and musicologist…
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the full article…
My flat
in Prague
I originally wrote this page as part of my first lingering efforts
to get out of Prague. It was a blast the first eight years, but
slowly the village mentality started creeping in and gossip seemed
to increasingly abound like moldy mushrooms after a rainy day. Not
only the expats seemed to change, but the locals as well, who underwent
an interesting transition from communism to capitalism as I wrote
about in my reflections of the Czech Republic…
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the full article…
Traveling
through Bulgaria
So, I guess you might already know this, but I'm officially on my
first trip this year and second trip with Misha. We were trying
to figure out where to go while fitting into my tight expense limitations.
We were originally talking a lot about going to Portugal. We both
knew people there and it looked promising, since we could stay places
for free and people would suggest things to do…
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the full article…
Czech Republic:
My Reflections
When I first came to the Czech Republic, things felt exciting. I
imagined that the conversion from communism to capitalism was like
turning over one of those glass balls so that it looks like snow
is falling on a village. Everything was overturned, things were
changing very fast, and everyone seemed to be filled with hope.
Even those who came from abroad and who felt hope in developing
a successful business here. It was often compared to Paris after
the second world war, when the inflow of American money helped create
a robust and joyful atmosphere…
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the full article…
Poland
Here are a few interesting facts about Poland.
1. The population of Poland is 39 million people.
2. The six biggest cities in Poland are Warsaw, Lodz, Krakow, Wroclaw,
Poznan, and Gdansk…
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the full article…
Doing Business
in Poland
Established as an independent
nation in the middle of the 10th century, Poland reached its political
and military zenith in the 16th before internal fighting combined
with external influence provoked its partition. Poland briefly regained
its independence in 1918 only to see it lost again following the
invasion by German and Soviet troops in 1939…
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the full article…
Doing Business In Turkey
Turkey is strategically
positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East
and the U.S. is Turkey’s fourth largest trading partner…
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the full article…
Doing business in Sweden
Sweden is a predominantly
middle class country with one of the most far-reaching social security
systems in the world. Patriotism is important to Swedes, who are
very proud of their nation, towns and regions…
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the full article…
Doing business in Norway
Olga Pechnenko Kopp, our
Oil and Gas accounts manager, briefly interviewed one of her clients
for some current takeaways for anyone wanting to do business in
Norway, from an Oil and Gas industry perspective. This is followed
by more in-depth information about the Oil and Gas industry in Norway,
and then we wrap things up with our usual brief notes on business
cultural etiquette…
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the full article…
Doing business in Estonia
Tallinn (recent historical
name: Reval) is the capital city and main seaport of Estonia. It
is located on Estonia’s north coast to the Baltic Sea, 80 kilometres
south of Helsinki…
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the full article…
Doing business in the United Arab
Emirates (UAE)
In February of this year,
President Bush faced a storm of criticism over a decision to let
a subsidiary of United Arab Emirates (UAE) government-controlled
maritime management firm Dubai Ports World run ports in several
U.S. cities…
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the full article…
Doing business in Chile
Chileans are very nationalistic
and are proud of their country, as well as of their literacy — the
95% rate puts them among the best educated in the world. Predominantly
Roman Catholic (89%), family is the primary structure of society…
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the full article…
Doing business in Austria
Austrians are proud of their
contributions to world civilization. They see themselves as modern,
liberal and cultured. Austrians have a great love for the outdoors
(i.e., walking, skiing, climbing, etc.)…
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the full article…
Doing business in Belgium
Belgium is comprised of
two primary cultural groups. The Dutch-speaking Flemings live in
Flanders, in the north, and make up 55% of the population. The French-speaking
Walloons live in Wallonia, in the south, and make up 33% of the
population…
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the full article…
Doing business in Luxembourg
Luxembourgers cherish their
independence and separate identity in Europe. Modesty, friendship
and strong national pride are valued. They enjoy a slower pace of
life than most of northern Europe. Family is very important. Parents
influence every aspect of their children’s lives; however, this
is weakening as more young people leave the country to study/work
abroad…
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the full article…
Doing business in Greece
Families are very important
in Greece. Elders are highly respected, and children care for their
elderly parents. Children are disciplined firmly, but parents (even
those who are poor) spend a great deal of their income on feeding,
clothing and educating their children…
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the full article…
Doing business in Philippines
Filipinos are casual, fun
loving, sensitive and hospitable people. Personal and family honor
are stressed, as well as dignity and pride. Education is highly
valued and families make great sacrifices to educate their children.
Hiya (shame) is instilled in Filipinos at an early age. To be shamed
is the greatest form of disgrace…
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the full article…
Doing business in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is very sophisticated
and cosmopolitan, blending the cultures of Asia and Europe. Its
people are highly educated, very motivated and westernized. Hong
Kong is 98% Chinese (Cantonese), but the people view themselves
as different from other Chinese. Cantonese habits and customs are
dominant…
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the full article…
Doing business in the USA
Throughout most of its history,
the United States has had influxes of immigration. The ethnic mix
is 83% white (generally of European descent, but also from the Middle
East and Latin America), 12% African-American, 3% Asian and about
1% Native American. Today the biggest immigrant groups are from
Latin countries…
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the full article…
Doing business in Portugal
Portugal is a self-styled
country comprised of generally reserved and understated people.
The Portuguese are traditional and conservative. People do not quickly
embrace change and innovation. The Catholic Church has a strong
influence on people’s lives…
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the full article…
Doing business in Malaysia
Malays are proud of their
country, their ancestral background and their economic success.
Ethnic tensions exist between Malays (60%) and Chinese (31%) over
preferential quotas. Chinese feel these policies make them second-class
citizens; Malays support these policies, which they feel are their
only way to overcome traditional dominance…
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the full article…
Doing business in Turkey
Turks are extremely patriotic.
They are proud of their ancestors and of the achievements of their
modern society. The family is the most important social unit. Each
person is dependent upon and loyal to the family. Rural life is
still traditional, but in cities women frequently work outside the
home…
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the full article…
Doing business in Switzerland
The Swiss value cleanliness,
honesty, hard work, and material possessions. Motto: “Unity, yes;
Uniformity, no.” They are very proud of their environment and have
a long tradition of freedom. They value sobriety, thrift, tolerance,
punctuality and a sense of responsibility. They are very proud of
their neutrality and promotion of worldwide peace. The Swiss have
a deep-rooted respect for saving and the material wealth it brings…
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the full article…
Doing business in Australia
Home to nearly five million
immigrants from 160 countries, Australia is rich in cultural diversity.
Australians, or “Aussies,” enjoy an easy-going lifestyle and are
generally friendly and relaxed. Modesty and equality are valued…
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the full article…
Doing business in Ireland
The Irish are interested
in people and place great value on the individual. They are naturally
courteous, quick-witted and will go out of their way to welcome
visitors to their country. Don’t rush the Irish. Although they work
very hard, the Irish are dedicated to a less stressful lifestyle
that allows time for friends and family, a visit to the pub, a cup
of tea, or just a bit of a chat on the corner…
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the full article…
Doing business in Germany
Germans value order, privacy
and punctuality. They are thrifty, hard working and industrious.
Germans respect perfectionism in all areas of business and private
life. In Germany, there is a sense of community and social conscience
and strong desire for belonging…
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the full article…
Doing business in Finland
Loyalty, reliability, self-sufficiency
and independence are highly valued. Finns are proud of their heritage
and current society (they are leaders in peace conferences and international
peace initiatives). They enjoy nature and proudly protect their
environment, which is one of the cleanest in the world…
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the full article…
Doing business in United Kingdom
Four countries make up the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland—England, Scotland,
Wales and Northern Ireland. Residents of any of these countries
may be called “British.” Use “English,” “Scot” or “Scotsman,” “Welsh”
and “Irish” or “Northern Irish” only when certain of a person’s
heritage…
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the full article…
Doing business in Korea
Korea is one of the most
homogeneous countries in the world, racially and linguistically.
It has its own culture, language, dress and cuisine, separate and
distinct from its neighboring countries. Hard work, filial piety
and modesty are characteristics esteemed by Koreans…
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the full article…
Doing business in Argentina
Argentines are very proud
of their country and culture. They are well-educated and sophisticated
and like to be viewed as cosmopolitan and progressive. Because 85%
of Argentina’s population hails from Italy, Spain, Austria, France,
Germany, Great Britain, Portugal, Russia, Switzerland, Poland and
the Middle East, Argentines tend to identify with Europeans…
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the full article…
Spotlight on Italy
Cultural achievement is
Italy’s greatest source of pride. Inventiveness, imagination, intelligence
and education are prized. Personal relations are scrupulously maintained
with loyalty highly valued, especially in families…
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the full article…
Czech Culture
The Czech Republic is an
incredibly beautiful country with a rich history, fascinating people
and an abundance of business opportunities. Yet the country remains
relatively obscure and unknown to Americans, many of whom still
call it “Czechoslovakia.”…
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the full article…
Spotlight on Canada
The vast majority of Canadians
claim European ancestry. Four in nine Canadians claim some British
ancestry and a little less than one in three have some French ancestry.
Eighty percent of the residents in Quebec have French ancestry.
Eighty percent of native French speakers live in Quebec…
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the full article…
Spotlight on India
India is one of the most
diverse countries in the world. It is a sophisticated, modern, industrial
leader that is home to many primitive tribes and millions of poor
people. Religion and language separate people. The caste system
limits social mobility (600,000 people belong to the lowest caste).
Because of disparities in distribution of wealth, a wide gap separates
the few wealthy from the many poor…
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the full article…
Country Profile - Taiwan
The people of Taiwan value
hard work, patience, humility, friendliness and respect for others.
They are highly motivated and centered around the extended family,
their most important economic resource. They dislike loud, showy
and unrefined behavior. Bringing shame on anyone ("loss of
face") brings shame to the entire family…
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the full article…
Country Profile - The Netherlands
The Dutch society is egalitarian
and modern. The people are modest, tolerant, independent, self-reliant,
and entrepreneurial. They value education, hard work, ambition and
ability. The Dutch have an aversion to the nonessential. Ostentatious
behavior is to be avoided. Accumulating money is fine, but spending
money is considered something of a vice…
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the full article…
Doing Business in Singapore
Singapore is a conglomeration
of Chinese (76%), Malay (15%) and Indian (6%) cultures. In the past,
this racial mixture has led to some conflict. However, today most
Singaporeans enjoy racial harmony and national unity. Each group
works hard to maintain its cultural traditions while building a
modern, cohesive society…
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the full article…
Country Profile - France
The French adhere to a strong
and homogeneous set of values. They cherish their culture, history,
language and cuisine, which is considered an art. The French have
been and are today world leaders in fashion, food, wine, art and
architecture. They embrace novelty, new ideas and manners with enthusiasm
as long as they are elegant…
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the full article…
Doing Business in Brazil
Brazilians are friendly
and free-spirited, with an incredible zest for life. They are very
risk-oriented and very creative. Predominantly Roman Catholic (73%),
families are large and often include extended family members. Family,
educational and socioeconomic backgrounds are important to Brazilians…
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the full article…
Country Profile: Russia
Russia has had a long history
of totalitarianism, which has resulted in a rather fatalistic approach
to living. The desire to work individually under personal initiative
was suppressed by the Czarist and Communist states…
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the full article…
China
Deeply rooted in Chinese
society is the need to belong and conform to a unit, whether the
family, a political party or an organization. The family is the
focus of life for most Chinese. Age and rank are highly respected.
However, to the dismay of older people, today's young people
are rapidly modernizing, wearing blue jeans and sunglasses, drinking
Coke and driving motorbikes…
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the full article…
Doing Business in Indonesia
Indonesia’s Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) for 2006 was US$364 billion (US$960 bn PPP).
In 2006, nominal per capita GDP was US$1,640, and per capita GDP
PPP was US$4,752 (International Dollars). The services sector is
the economy’s largest and accounts for 45.3% of GDP (2005).
This is followed by industry (40.7%) and agriculture (14.0%). However,
agriculture employs more people than other sectors…
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the full article…
Doing Business
in Sweden and Finland
The four major Scandinavian
languages - Danish, Swedish, Norwegian and Icelandic - are closely
related.
Finnish, on the other hand, is not a Germanic language, and is completely
different from the others. While a Swede and a Dane often understand
each other fairly well in a conversation, neither of them would
understand Finnish…
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the full article…
Spotlight
On Japan
Japan is a highly structured
and traditional society. Great importance is placed on loyalty,
politeness, personal responsibility and on everyone working together
for the good of the larger group. Education, ambition, hard work,
patience and determination are held in the highest regard. The crime
rate is one of the lowest in the world…
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the full article…
Spotlight
on Mexico
Mexico is a very class-conscious
society where social stratifications are well-defined. Upper class
Mexicans will not dirty their hands with tasks they find beneath
them. A sense of fatalism is quite strong among many Mexicans, who
feel that their path through life is largely preordained. Macho
attitudes are inculcated in Mexican males almost from birth, and
machismo plays a pervasive role in shaping Mexican culture…
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the full article…
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