Resources from Pearl Linguistics

COLOMBIAN Facts & Figures

Size: 440,831 square miles

Population: 45,925,397

Capital: Bogota

Currency: Peso

Weather / Climate:

The striking variety in temperature and precipitation results principally from differences in elevation. Temperatures range from very hot at sea level to relatively cold at higher elevations but vary little with the season. At Bogotá, for example, the average annual temperature is 15 °C (59 °F), and the difference between the average of the coldest and the warmest months is less than 1°C (1.8 °F). More significant, however, is the daily variation in temperature, from 5 °C (41 °F) at night to 17 °C (62.6 °F) during the day.

Colombians customarily describe their country in terms of the climatic zones: the area under 900 meters (2,953 ft) in elevation is called the hot zone (tierra caliente), elevations between 900 and 1,980 meters (2,953 and 6,496 ft) are the temperate zone (tierra templada), and elevations from 1,980 meters (6,496 ft) to about 3,500 meters (11,483 ft) constitute the cold zone (tierra fría). The upper limit of the cold zone marks the tree line and the approximate limit of human habitation. The treeless regions adjacent to the cold zone and extending to approximately 4,500 meters (14,764 ft) are high, bleak areas (usually referred to as the páramos), above which begins the area of permanent snow (nevado).

About 86% of the country's total area lies in the hot zone. Included in the hot zone and interrupting the temperate area of the Andean highlands are the long and narrow extension of the Magdalena Valley and a small extension in the Cauca Valley. Temperatures, depending on elevation, vary between 24 and 38 °C (75.2 and 100.4 °F), and there are alternating dry and wet seasons corresponding to summer and winter, respectively. Breezes on the Caribbean coast, however, reduce both heat and precipitation.

The cold or cool zone constitutes about 6% of the total area, including some of the most densely populated plateaus and terraces of the Colombian Andes; this zone supports about onefourth of the country's total population. The mean temperature ranges between 10 and 19 °C (50 and 66.2 °F), and the wet seasons occur in April and May and from September to December, as in the high elevations of the temperate zone.

Taken from wikipedia

COLOMBIAN languages

The official language of Colombia is Spanish, of which Colombian Spanish is the local variety. The indigenous languages spoken in Colombia are also official in the territories in which they are spoken.^[1]

Sign Languages

- Colombian Sign Language

- Providence Island Sign Language

- Colombian numerals

Indigenous languages

The many languages of the country's ethnic groups are constitutionally recognized as official languages in their territories. In places with non-Spanish linguistic traditions, bilingual education is obligatory. More than 60 aboriginal languages exist today. Among others:

- Bora

- Cocoma

-San Andrés-Providencia Creole

-Ticuna

-Uw Cuwa

-Wayuu

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_Colombia

COLOMBIAN culture

Colombia has significant natural resources and its diverse culture reflects the indigenous Indian, Spanish and African origins of its people. But it has also been ravaged by a decades-long violent conflict involving outlawed armed groups, drug cartels and gross violations of human rights, although since 2002, the country has made some progress towards improving security.

The fourth largest country in South America and one of the continent's most populous nations, Colombia has substantial oil reserves and is a major producer of gold, silver, emeralds, platinum and coal.

It also has a highly stratified society where the traditionally rich families of Spanish descent have benefited from this wealth to a far greater degree than the majority, mixed-race population. With few avenues for social mobility, this provided a natural constituency for left-wing insurgents.

However, the lucrative returns from drugs and kidnapping came to dominate the rebels' agenda, and largely replaced ideological motivations. The conflict has dragged on for decades, and at one point the government effectively lost control of large swathes of Colombian territory to the rebels, especially in the north and east.

However, during Alvaro Uribe's tenure as president in 2002-8, the government managed a string of spectacular successes against the left-wing rebels, regaining control of much of the rebel-held territory and raising hopes that the conflict may be drawing to a close.

Critics argue that while weakened, the rebels' backbone has not been broken, and that the underlying causes of the conflict have not been tackled. New illegal armed groups have also arisen, and little progress has been made in combating drug-smuggling.

At the other end of the political spectrum from the left-wing rebels are illegal right-wing paramilitary groups, who are sometimes in the pay of drug cartels and landowners, and have at times been backed by elements in the army and the police.

Many of these groups, which have targeted human rights workers, peasants suspected of helping left-wing guerrillas, street children and other marginal groups, have demobilised under a government peace initiative, but there are doubts about how genuine the process is.

Alongside politically-motivated blood-letting is drug-related crime, which has become the most common cause of death after cancer and has fuelled kidnapping.

The US, a key market for Colombian cocaine, has bankrolled the fight against the trade to the tune of billions of dollars. But critics say "Plan Colombia" has had little impact on the supply and price of drugs.

No longer a destination only for daredevils, this extraordinary country has battled decades of civil turmoil to emerge as one of South America's hottest destinations. It is jammed with unspoilt mountains, coastline and jungle, not to mention stunning archaeological sites and vibrant culture. Travel in, out of and around Colombia has become prolific, with tour operators rushing to fill a new demand, and there has never been a better time to visit.

Ten years ago, Colombia was famous only for its drug dealers, left-wing guerrilla groups and paramilitaries. But with the militant groups now at their weakest point in decades, this beautiful country is enjoying a travel renaissance with more and more tourists emboldened to visit. And they are finding much to explore.

Natural attractions include rippling mountains, expanses of the Amazon Basin, large lakes, vast plains and a Caribbean coastline that twinkles with azure water. Those who like to hike can find jungle treks galore, such as to the Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) on the Caribbean coast, or walks through the rolling hills and mountains of the Zona Cafetera (Coffee Zone). Those who prefer beach life will love the stunning tropical islands off colonial Cartagena, or the wild beauty of Tayrona National Park.

Meanwhile man-made wonders include fabulous pre-Columbian sculpture and colourful colonial houses. Chilly Bogotá is a fabulous mix of old and new, where quaint and historic La Candelaria contrasts nicely with swish and shiny Zona Rosa. A visit to the fabulous Gold Museum will dazzle your eyes and make you marvel at the skills of long-lost civilisations. For those who prefer a bit more heat, Cartagena provides historic beauty mixed with a bit of laid-back Caribbean flavour, along with the chance to visit stunning tropical islands off the coast. Energised Cali, on the other hand, is the salsa dance capital of the country and provides a young and vibrant look at modern Colombia.

Throughout Colombia you’ll see endless evidence of colonial Spanish culture, but in among that you’ll also find the fascinating remains of the various pre-Columbian civilisations which ruled the land at one time or another. Visit the eerie statues of a lost civilisation in San Agustín by galloping around on horseback, or spend the day hiking from one tomb site to another in Tierradentro National Park from the base of a tiny village deep in rural Colombia. Colombia is starting to establish its own tourist trail, a path for travellers to follow which is accepted as being safe, along which is a series of excellent hostels and other forms of accommodation. You can expect to stay anywhere from tiny little farm lodges in the hills to grand, luxury hotels in Bogotá.

Until recently, Colombia has received relatively few travellers in comparison with other South American nations, and visitors can expect an unfeigned welcome and genuine curiosity from its people. Colombians are developing a reputation for being the friendliest nation in South America, and are glad to help and chat to tourists. Don’t be put off by reputation – Colombia has been working hard to overcome its past, and is succeeding. This is one destination thoroughly worth another chance, and no one is disappointed by what Colombia has to offer.

Prior to the Spanish invasion which was to shape so much of the way Colombia is now, the land was ruled by various Amerindian tribes who were spread across the entire continent, traded with each other and established their own civilisation. The two main tribes were the Taironas, who were largely based in the Caribbean, and the Muiscas, who were settled in the highlands around Bogotá. To this day, indigenous peoples who have descended from the Taironas live in Tairona National Park. These two tribes were part of the same language family, Chibcha, words of which are still used as names for certain animals or plants.

Now named after the man credited with ‘discovering’ the entire continent, Christopher Columbus, Colombia in its present form has only existed since the 1800s. When the Spanish invaded South America, it was grouped in with modern-day Venezuela, Ecuador and parts of Brazil and Panama, named New Granada and ruled from Europe.

As with the rest of the once Spanish-owned countries, the desire for independence came around a century or two later when the discontent among mixed-race Creoles, lower-class Spanish immigrants and indigenous people rose. This eventually led to the 1819 rebellion under the legendary figure of Simón Bolívar, which resulted in the area being split into the four provinces of Gran Colombia: Panama, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela. Colombia separated from the others soon after Bolívar's death in 1830. The fight for independence from Spain on the part of all of these countries has brought out national differences, and the attitudes and culture of the Colombians is distinct. The Republic of Colombia was formally established in 1855, four years after the abolition of slavery. Over the next 100 years, Colombian politics were dominated by the Conservative-Liberal feud, which often broke out into warfare. There were occasions, however, when the two parties were able to unite to see off a common threat.

The population is predominantly Christian, with 90% Roman Catholic; small Protestant and Jewish minorities. Normal courtesies should be observed. It is customary to offer guests black Colombian coffee, well sugared, called tinto. Spanish style and culture can still be seen in parts of the country, although in Bogotá, North American attitudes and clothes are becoming prevalent. Casual clothes can be worn in most places; formal attire will be necessary for exclusive dining rooms and social functions. Smoking is allowed except where indicated.

Holidays

· 01 January – New Year's Day

· 06 January – Epiphany

· 19 March – St Joseph’s Day

· April – Maundy Thursday

· April – Good Friday

· 01 May – Labour Day

· 17 May – Ascension

· June – Corpus Christi

· 30June – Sagrado Corazon, Sacred Heart

· 03 July – St Peter and St Paul

· 20 July – Independence Day

· 07 August – Battle of Boyaca

· 15 August – Assumption

· 08 October – Columbus Day

· 01 November – All Saints’ Day

· 11 November – Independence of Cartagena City

· 08 December – Immaculate Conception

· 25 December – Christmas Day

Taken from:

www.bbc.co.uk

www.worldtravelguide.net

COLOMBIAN people

The Demography of Colombia is characterized for being the third-most populous country in Latin America, after Mexico. Colombia experienced rapid population growth like most countries, but four decades of civil war and urban violence combined with mass poverty rates pushed millions of Colombians out of the country. However, a rebound economy in the 2000s in urban centres (perhaps the most urbanized Latin American nation) improved the situation of living standards for Colombians in a traditional class stratified economy.

Population

44,725,543 (July 2011 est.)

Age structure

0–14 years: 30.3% (male 6,683,079/female 6,528,563)

15–64 years: 64.5% (male 13,689,384/female 14,416,439)

65 years and over: 5.2% (male 996,022/female 1,279,548) (2006 est.)

0–14 years: 27.2% (male 6,150,834/female 5,876,697)

15–64 years: 66.8% (male 14,562,536/female 14,967,492)

65 years and over: 6% (male 1,125,184/female 1,522,550) (2010 est.)

Median age

total: 27.6 years

male: 26.7 years

female: 28.6 years (2010 est.)

Population growth rate

1.433% (2007 est.)

1.184% (2010 est.)

Birth rate

20.16 births/1,000 population (2007 est.)

17.76 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)

Death rate

5.54 deaths/1,000 population (2007 est.)

5.24 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)

Nationality

noun: Colombia adjective: Colombian(s)

Ethnic groups

According to the 2005 census by the DANE the population of Colombia was composed of these ethnic groups:[2]

58% Mestizo (European and Amerindian).

20% White (European).

14% Mulatto(European and Black/African).

4% Afro-Colombian.

3% Zambo (African and Amerindian).

1% Amerindian.

Other ethnic groups include Arabs counted with the Whites (Lebanese, Palestinians and Syrians), Chinese, Roma or Gypsies from Eastern Europe, and South Asians (East Indians).[citation needed]

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demographics_of_Colombia

COLOMBIAN food

Colombian cuisine refers to the cooking traditions and practices of Colombia. Along with other cultural expressions of national identity, Colombian cuisine varies among its many distinct regions.^[1] Colombians typically eat three meals a day: a large breakfast, a medium lunch between 12-2, and a light dinner.^[2] Colombian coffee is well known for its high standards in taste compared to others.

Regional cuisine

In Bogotá and the Andean region, ajiaco is a traditional dish. It is a soup made of chicken, corn, many different types of potatoes, avocado, and guascas, a local herb. Traditionally, cream and capers are added at the table before eating. Ajiaco is served with white rice, salad with a hint of lemon, avocado, or sweet or salty tostadas. For breakfast, people in Bogotá often eat changua, a milk, scallion and egg soup.

Along the Caribbean coast, pork and Whale liver are used in mild spicy food. Coconut rice is a common dish along the coastal cities. Suero, which is a cross between yogurt and sour cream, is widely consumed, and was introduced by Arab immigrants in Barranquilla and other coastal cities. The arepa has many forms in the Caribbean region, which include arepa limpia, arepa de huevo (arepa with egg), and arepa de queso (arepa with cheese).

In the Llanos of the east, barbecued meat is common, due to the cowboy-like culture. Dishes such as the ternera llanera are cooked on a vertical spit over an open fire. Freshwater fish such as the amarillo are also eaten. In the Amazon, Brazilian and Peruvian influences can be seen in the local food. Local resources such as beef and other livestock, as well as freshwater fish, are typical ingredients in Amazonian cuisine.

The tamales Tolimenses are considered a delicacy in the Tolima region. These tamales are made of corn dough, and are filled with a mixture of peas, carrots, potatoes, rice, chicken, pork, and various spices. They are wrapped in plantain leaves and boiled for three to four hours. Lechona is a whole roast pig stuffed with rice, vegetables, and pork, and is typically eaten on Sundays. This dish is now enjoyed throughout the country.

Dishes and foods

Fruit

Fruit and juice stands are found all over the place, particularly on the Caribbean coast.

Native fruit

Colombiais home to numerous tropical fruits and rarely found elsewhere. There are several varieties of bananas including a very small, sweet version. Others include zapote (Quararibea cordata), nispero (Manilkara achras) lulo (Solanum quitoense), uchuva (Physalis peruviana), passion fruit, borojó (Borojoa patinoi), curuba (Passiflora tarminiana), mamoncillo (Melicoccus bijugatus), guanábana (Annona muricata), guava, mango, apple, pear, blackberry, strawberry and many others.

Meat dishes

Ajiaco is a traditional Andean dish that originated from Bogotá. Basically it’s a chicken, corn, and potato stew with a hint of guasca (Gallant Soldiers), a local herb. Sancocho is a traditional dish that originated in the north coast. It is made basically with any kind of meat along with corn, potato, yuca, plantain and local spices that are cooked together to form a soup. Bandeja Paisa originates from Antioquia and is made with several ingredients making necessary to use a platter (Bandeja in Spanish, hence the name). It is made of beans, rice, fried eggs, chorizo, pork rind and other ingredients depending on the location. Tamales are corn “cakes” wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed. They can be filled with everything from chicken, potatoes, peas, carrots, to rice. The tamales vary in shape and fillings in each region, and almost every region has its own variation. Some well known variations are from Tolima, Santander, Cúcuta, Bogotá and Valle del Cauca; just to name a few. Fritanga is another popular Colombian dish made of meats, fried plantains, chicharrones, and yellow potatoes with aji sauce eaten all over Colombia. It is often used for sharing with friends and family.

Soups

Changua (milk soup with eggs) is a typical breakfast soup of the central Andes region of Colombia, in particular in the Boyacá and Cundinamarca area, including the capital, Bogotá. The dish has Chibcha origins. Caldo de costilla (Spanish for rib broth) is a dish typical of Colombian cuisine, from the Andean region. It is made mainly from beef ribs boiled in water with slices of potato, some garlic, onion and cilantro leaves.

Taken from wikipedia

Places to go in COLOMBIA

Goods to look out for include gold jewellery, art, antiques and leather products. Colombia produces first-grade precious stones, and the emeralds are among the most perfect in the world. Shopping for these should only be undertaken if you know what you’re doing however; incidents of cheating are high. Try to get recommendations of reputable dealers and acquire some knowledge before shopping for precious stones.

Bogotá has numerous large shopping malls as well as several distinct shopping districts. Try the Zona Rosa for designer clothes and high-end jewellery stores, and La Candelaria for independent, unique shops.

In Cali you can find authentic handicrafts and goods from all over the country in the Parque Artesanía – perfect for souvenirs. Cali also has some ultra-modern shopping malls, such as Chipichape, offering more generic produce such as clothes and shoes at prices not much less than you would pay at home. These malls contain bars and restaurants for you to make an evening of your shopping trip, as well as big food courts serving a mixture of North American and Colombian fast food.

You can buy Colombian coffee throughout the country, not just in the Zona Cafetera, but if buying as a gift bear in mind that it might be opened at Customs. Also take care when buying souvenirs made of skin or feather – cultural artefacts and items of animal origin such as the above are prohibited.

The hot-blooded Colombian people are known for their vibrant nightlife, with busy restaurants, numerous parties and nightclubs filled with dancers twisting hips to the beats of salsa, cumbia and merengue. The busiest nights are Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Bogotá in particular offers ballet, opera, drama and music, as well as casinos. The Zona Rosa in Bogotá contains plenty of bars of all themes: a beer bar, an Irish bar and more Colombian bars than you can count, all with happy hours and offers. You’ll also find many clubs around this area, which often have entrance fees.

Caliis the place to go for all-night salsa clubs, which are full of sharp young things dressed up to the nines, all displaying an enviable dancing ability. Medellín offers a fantastic variety of bars and clubs. Most big cities have high-end hotels which come equipped with excellent bars, though this is the expensive way to do it. In Cartagena you’ll find smaller bars in the walled old town serving good rum cocktails, with a chilled-out salsa vibe.

In smaller towns you’ll more easily find local bars and a much more relaxed atmosphere, though the drink choice is largely limited to beers and rum. Colombia also has a well-developed hostel track, and most have their own bars where you can meet other travellers.

Colombia’s tourist trail is being steadily established, and along the way entrepreneurial young expats are setting up bars, restaurants and cafés. These places are good for happy hours and a taste of home, as well as free Wi-Fi.

Head for the dizzying heights of Bogotá, which sits at 2,600m (8,600ft). A city of many parts, Bogotá has a swish, modern side and a windy, narrow streets side, overlooked by a mountain viewpoint. On Sundays and holidays from 0700 to 1400, 121km (75 miles) of the streets are turned into car-free cycle ways, so explore the city on two wheels. Historical landmarks include the Capitol (congress building) and the cathedral (the Capilla del Sangrario) on the main square, the Plaza Bolivar. Colombia’s capital Bogotá is a city out to prove the world wrong. Known as a violent and rather grim place in the 1990s, Bogotá has since pulled together and flourished. The arts have burgeoned, security has tightened and several enlightened schemes have been introduced – not least, the weekly cyclovia, when bicycles take over the city.

That’s not to say that this high-altitude South American metropolis still doesn’t have its share of urban problems. Poverty, congestion, crime and pollution persist, whilst its ever-growing population – already over seven million inhabitants, many of whom reside in Bogotá’s shantytowns – place pressure on services.

However, these deterrents are far outweighed by Bogotá’s attributes. Bogotá has one of the widest choices of restaurants in South America, several world-class museums, plenty of colonial churches and mansions, parks, lively street art, frequent festivals and a pulsating nightlife. A cable car also runs up into the neighbouring Andean peaks.

Cycle or skate along car-free roads in central Bogotá on Sundays and holidays from 0700 to 1400, 121km (75 miles) of the capital's streets are transformed into ciclovías (cycleways).

Get sucked into the El Dorado dream: visit Bogotá's astonishing Gold Museum, housing an extraordinary wealth of glistening pre-Columbian treasures. Also take the cable car to a mountaintop overlooking the city for sunset.

Wander among voluptuous sculptures created by Colombian artist Fernando Botero in the Plaza Botero, found in Bogotá’s La Candelaria; or see around 120 of his paintings, as well as an impressive collection of Impressionist and modern art, at the Museo Botero.

Be bewitched by the colonial port of Cartagena, its balconied streets dense with history and overhung by bougainvillea. From here you can take trips to local coral islands, the Islas del Rosario, beaches, dive sites, mangrove labyrinths and a mud volcano.

The country’s most famous salsa spot, Cali is the place to go for all-night hip swishing. Dress to impress in the salsa clubs, which get going at 0200 and don’t stop until 0600. During the day explore the historical centre or visit the bizarrely modern shopping malls.

The second largest city in Colombia, Medellín is modern and vibrant, and has a lot of time for the arts. Visit the museums and parks, learn to tango and embrace the serious nightlife on offer. The annual Festival of Flowers in August is superb.

The best time to visit is for the Barranquilla Carnaval, when vibrant costumes, energetic dancing and lively music transform the industrial port. The main parades take place on the three days preceding Ash Wednesday and are second in size only to Rio's carnival.

A great town to visit en route to the south, Popayán is a vision of beautifully kept and restored colonial architecture. Wander around the stunning streets and visit the beautiful churches, in particular Belén, which is perched on a hilltop and provides lovely views. Easter week here is particularly impressive.

Santa Cruz de Mompox, known simply as Mompox, this tiny colonial gem is off the main tourist path due to its comparative inaccessibility. But it’s worth the trip by bus and boat; the architecture is remarkably well preserved and maintained, and the town has a sleepy, friendly feel about it.

In the south of Colombia, discover the tombs of Tierradentro National Park, dug by a pre-Columbian race on a series of hilltops. Hike or horse ride your way around the beautiful park and climb in and out of the well-preserved tombs, some of which are 6m (20ft) deep.

Colombiais famous for its coffee, and you can take a trip to the high-altitude grassland, visit the coffee haciendas and hike or ride through the landscape, trying different coffees all the way. The triangle is made up of Quindío, Caldas and Risaralda – there are plenty of towns in the area in which to stay.

Climb high into the jungle-covered Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to the archaeological ruins of the Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), discovered in 1976. This six-day trek is not for the faint-hearted, but is very rewarding. (Travellers are strongly advised to check local advice first, as the area has been unsafe in the past.)

Climb the snow-capped Nevado del Ruiz: the 5,400m (17,717ft) peak is one of five permanently white-tipped volcanoes in Los Nevados National Park. Guided treks are available from Manizales.

Dive into the tropical waters of the UNESCO Seaflower Biosphere Reserve around San Andrés and Providencia, home to a multitude of fish and coral species. Other diving hotspots include the Islas del Rosario and Tayrona National Park. Raft the rapids on the Rio Negro in Cundinamarca and Fonce or kayak through the Chicamocha canyon in Santander.

Head off-road on a motorbike or 4-wheel drive vehicle: Colombia's rugged terrain is ideally suited to driving enthusiasts seeking a muddy challenge.

Weave your way around more than 500 mysterious pre-Columbian stone statues and tombs in one of South America's most fascinating archaeological sites, San Agustín. It is the largest group of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures on the continent.

Fly to the tropical islands of San Andrés and its smaller sibling Providencia, one of the Caribbean's most unspoilt gems, north of the Colombian coast. They were once the headquarters of the English pirate Captain Henry Morgan.

Go to the Tayrona National Park, some 35km (22 miles) east of Santa Marta, to see one of the country's most popular parks. Its major attraction is its deep bays, shaded with coconut trees, beautiful beaches and several coral reefs – get back to nature and remember your mosquito repellent.

Take a jungle tour into the Amazon basin, which covers almost one-third of Colombia's territory. Boat trips depart from Leticia to the nearby Amacayu National Park and often include visits to Indian tribes.

Travel to Zipaquirá and enter the famous Salt Cathedral, an underground church built within a salt mine, in the body of a mountain. Stalactites and specks of salt jostle with crosses and chapels.

Taken from www.worldtravelguide.net

Doing business in COLOMBIA

Following centuries of Spanish rule, Colombia finally gained independence in the late nineteenth century. Years of violent political conflict ensued as parties and governments fought to be the ruling power and insurgent groups became more prevalent. Meanwhile an extensive illegal drug trade developed and Colombians were increasingly accused of human rights abuses against captured guerrillas and members of insurgent groups. The 90s were a period of social, economic and political improvement during which time a new constitution was introduced. However, the violence present in Colombian society as a result of the existence of insurgencies and the illegal drug trade did not improve.

Today, despite a turbulent past, Colombia's efforts to improve current economic policy and democratic security strategies have given rise to an increased confidence in the economy and business sector. The fourth largest country in South America and one of the continent's most populous nations, Colombia’s substantial oil reserves and natural resources provide numerous business and trade opportunities for foreign investors. Understanding Colombian business etiquette is essential to successfully doing business in Colombia.

Working practices in Colombia

•In most Colombian cities, working hours are generally 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., but may extend until 7.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Business is rarely conducted at the weekend, which is normally reserved for family.

•It is important to schedule business appointments at least two to three weeks in advance and confirm them once you have arrived in Colombia. Also try to leave a few hours in between them should they go on longer than anticipated.

•Business lunches are a favourable method of conducting business in Colombia and often go on for several hours.

Structure and hierarchy in Colombian companies

• Colombian companies tend to have vertical hierarchies. This hierarchy is an important part of Colombian business culture and should be respected whenever possible.

•Most decisions are made from the top by the senior members of staff, though often opinions and consensus is sought from subordinate employees.

•Titles are important and should be used to show respect to those with authority, especially elder and more senior members of the group.

Working relationships in Colombia

•In Colombian business culture, cultivating close personal relationships and building trust are considered vital components for a successful working environment.

• Colombians prefer to do business with people whom they know/trust and it is not uncommon to find many family members working for the same business.

Doing Business in Colombia

Business practices in Colombia

• Handshakes are the most common form of greeting, though people who know each other well may greet each other with an embrace. Offering your hand upon arrival as well as departure is an essential part of Colombian culture.

•As part of the formality of Colombian business culture, titles are important and frequently used when addressing someone. Courtesy titles such as “Mr” (Señor), “Mrs” (Señora), or “Miss” (Señorita), and professional titles (i.e. “Licenciado”, “Doctor”, “Profesor”) should be used, followed by a surname. Since first names are generally only used with family and close friends, you should wait until invited to address someone in this way.

•The formality of Colombian business culture and flexible attitude towards time often results in business negotiations being a lengthy process. It is imperative not to rush this process and take the time to continue developing relationships for negotiations to be successful.

Colombian business etiquette (Do’s and Don’ts)

DO expect to spend a lot of time getting to know your Colombian business counterparts before any business takes place.

DO translate all your marketing literature, business cards and any other documents you present in your business dealings into Spanish. Failure to do so may jeopardise your business potential.

DO accept invitations from your Colombian business counterparts to social or business occasions. Social events are an ideal time to develop relationships which are an essential part of Colombian business culture. They are also a great opportunity to experience and learn more about Colombian culture.

DON’T rush business dealings with your Colombian colleagues and avoid pressing for final decisions.

DON’T be overly aggressive while negotiating business deals, as it is considered rude and often perceived as arrogant.

DON’T ignore formal Colombian dining etiquette as this will reflect poorly on you as an individual and will also negatively impact any business dealings in Colombia.

Taken from www.communicaid.com