Nicaragua
CountryBackground
In 1979, the Marxist Sandinista National Liberation Front(FSLN), which had been fighting a guerrilla war since1962, succeeded in taking control of the government.Somoza fled, complaining that the United States had lethim down.
The elections of 1984 brought Sandinista leader DanielOrtega Saavedra to power.
In February 1990, elections took place and Ortega wasdefeated by Violeta Barrios de Chamorro, wife of theassassinated newspaper editor Pedro JoaquinChamorro.
History
The official language is Spanish, although Garifuna isspoken among the black population, Nicaragua'sAmerindians speak a number of Indian languages, andEnglish is often spoken along the Atlantic coast.
Language
There is no official religion. Approximately 85 percent ofthe population belongs to the Roman Catholicchurch.
Nicaragua's population of 4 million (1992 estimates) is69 percent mestizo (a mix of European and Indian), 17percent European, 9 percent black, and 5 percentAmerindian.
Religion
Demographics
BusinessPractices
Business hours are 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M., Mondaytrough Friday, and 8:00 A.M. to noon on Saturday.
Business is discussed at an office or over a meal in arestaurant. It is not discussed in a home or around family.If you are invited to a Nicaraguan home, this is a socialevent, not a business opportunity.
Personal honor and “saving face” are very important topeople in Nicaragua. Therefore, never criticize someone,pull rank, or do anything that will embarrass another inpublic.
Appointments
Negotiating
The main meal of the day is at noon. Thistraditionally includes black beans, tortillas ormeat, and fruits and vegetables.
Business breakfasts or lunches are preferredto dinners.
Business Entertaining
Local time is six hours behindGreenwich Mean Time (G. T. M. -6).
Time
Protocol
Men shake hands in greeting. Women will often pateach other on the right forearm or shoulder insteadof shaking hands. Women who are close friendsmay hug or kiss each other on the cheek.
Only children, family members, and close friendsaddress each other by their first names.
Greetings
Titles - Forms of Address
Making a fist with the thumb between the index and themiddle fingers is considered obscene.
The “come here” gesture is done with the palm down,making a scooping gesture with the fingers or the entire hand.
You will see people waving good-bye as is done in theUnited States, palm facing out, or with the palm facing in,which looks almost like a person fanning himself or herself.
Do not photograph individuals or religious ceremonieswithout prior approval; some people object to having theirpictures taken. Keep in mind that transportation depots andbridges have military significance, so photographing them maybe prohibited.
Gestures
Business gifts are generally not given on the first trip toNicaragua. At the end of your trip, ask if there is anythingyou can bring from the United States on your next visit.
Secretaries and receptionists can be very influential, soalways bring something from the United States. Perfume ora scarf is usually the best choice.
If you are invited to a home, bring a small gift of flowers orcandy.
Ask a local florist which types of flowers are appropriate.In general white flowers are reserved for funerals.
Gifts
Business men should wear a conservative dark suitand tie, although a jacket is not required in thehottest season; women should wear a dress or skirtand blouse.
Dress