S PAIN Andy Wallace. C OUNTRY I NFORMATION The History of Spain dates back to the emergence of man in Europe. Throughout its history, Spain has remained.

SPAIN

Andy Wallace

COUNTRY INFORMATION

The History of Spain dates back to the emergence of man in Europe. Throughout its history, Spain has remained a political and economic powerhouse. It currently has a population of 47 million. Due to its history as part of the Roman Empire, the predominant religion of Spain is Roman Catholic. However there is a large Muslim population on the Mediterranean coast

Spain is located on the western edge of Europe.

OTHER INFORMATION Spain’s current flag only

dates back to the 1970’s. It is rumored that its yellow and red coloring is derived from the bull arena, red being the blood of the bull, yellow, the sand of the arena. The royal seal of Spain appears on the flag and it is framed by the pillars of Hercules.

Spain adopted the use of the Euro upon its arrival into the European union in 1986. One Euro currently equals approximately $1.32 US dollars

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING

A US citizen can spend up to 90 days in Spain without the need of a Visa

There is a threat of crime and terrorism when visiting Spain

When visiting the more populated and urban areas of Spain, there is a high risk of pickpockets

A FEW WORDS

Hello………Hola Goodbye....Adios Thank You….Gracias Where is the Bathroom…….Donde esta el

bano? I don’t know……No se

MAKING APPOINTMENTS

Office hours in Spain are generally from 9:00 AM to 1:30 - 2:00 PM

It is common to discuss business over a meal. However it should be noted that most Spaniards regard meals as highly social occasions, so make it clear that you desire to discuss business

BUSINESS DRESS

Spaniards are extremely dress-conscious Men should be dressed wearing top quality

clothing Women should dress modestly to not draw

attention to their femininity For casual wear, shorts are not really

acceptable in public areas

TOPICS OF CONVERSATION

Good Content Your home country Spanish traditions Soccer Bullfighting Politics Family Spanish Wines

Bad Content Religion The Civil War and

WWII Basque separatism Catalan regionalism Machismo and

feminism Enquiries of

personal nature

ADDRESSING OTHERS

First names are reserved for family and close friends

Use proper titles (Senor, Senora, Senorita, professor, etc.)

Use “Usted” instead of “tu” when addressing a counterpart

Many younger Spaniards disregard these rules

ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

Spaniards are never in a hurry Many Spaniards are heavy smokers, so

expect colleagues to smoke First introductions are very formal During conversation, it is not uncommon for

a Spaniard to stand uncomfortably close to you or pat you on the back or shoulder

GIFT GIVING

In Spain, give gifts of food and drink If given a gift, open it immediately and in

front of the giver If invited to a Spanish home, bring chocolate

or other deserts/pastries Never give anything too extravagant, as it

may be seen as a bribe

NEGOTIATING

Business cards should be English on one side, Spanish on the other

Take plenty of literature

Personal contacts and relationships are crucial

Hierarchy plays a huge role in Spanish culture

ENTERTAINING

Breakfast meetings are not popular in Spain

The person who extends the invitation pays the bill

Don’t start talking business until the Spaniards do

The later in the night, the better and more social

DINING

Tapas are what to eat in Spain. They’re basically appetizers

Paella is a really popular rice dish

Spanish Omelets are extremely popular as tapas and as main courses

Seafood is very popular

COMPARING TO THE US Spain is very laid back Manners and proper

etiquette are important in Spain, Spaniards are very formal

Spaniards are very welcoming to foreigners

There is a noticeable hierarchy in Spain

Spaniards are very sensitive about their religion

THE END