Honduras

Country Background

A Honduran constitutional assembly was elected in 1980, and general elections were held in President Roberto Suazo Córdova of the Liberal Party came to power. Trough extensive aid and cooperative efforts, Honduras joined with the United States to combat economic recession and the political instability of its Central American neighbors. Peaceful elections have continued since that time. History

Spanish is the official language, although several Indian dialects are also spoken in more remote areas. The Roman Catholic church has a strong cultural influence in Honduras, with 85 percent of the population following its teachings. The population of Honduras is about 5 million. The ethnic makeup is 90 percent mestizo ( a mixture of Indian and European heritage), 7 percent Indian, 2 percent black, and 1 percent white. Language Religion Demographics

Business Practices

 The best time to visit Honduras is between February and June. The rainy season lasts from May to November, and December and August are popular vacation times.  Meetings may take place at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Let your counterpart suggest the time. Appointments

 Personal friendships are vital to business in Honduras.  Latin Americans respect the value of individual dignity and honor, regardless of social status or wealth.  A verbal “yes” may have been given out of politeness and may not be considered binding. Negotiating

 In their desire to please, Hondurans are likely to give you the answer they think you want to hear. “Does the market open at 8:00?” will probably be answered “yes”, whether this is the truth or not, since this is the answer they think you want to hear. Instead, phrase questions so that they require more detailed answers, such as “What time does the this market open?”.  Remember avoid saying “no” in public while in Honduras; always avoid embarrassing anyone. “Maybe” or “we will see” generally means no. Negotiating

 The best times for business meeting are breakfast and lunch, the main meal of the day.  Foreign businesswomen should never invite their male counterpart to a business dinner unless spouses also attend. For business lunches, eat at your hotel and have the bill added to your tab; otherwise the man will never let you pay. Business Entertaining

Honduras is six hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (G. M. T. –6). Time

Protocol

 Men shake hands in greetings. Women often pat each other in the right arm or shoulder instead of shaking hands.  Do not be surprised to receive a limp handshake; give the same in return.  At parties it is customary to greet and shake hands with everyone in the room. Greetings

 Several gestures are unique to this area. Placing a finger below the eye indicates caution. A hand below the elbow means that a person is stingy. “No” is indicated by waving the index finger. Joining one’s hands together shows strong approval.  Honduran men are warm and friendly and make a lot of physical contact. They often touch shoulders, or hold another's arm. To withdraw from such a contact is considered insulting. Gestures

Business: Men should wear a conservative business suit. Women should wear a skirt and blouse or a dress. Honduran businessmen commonly wear a guayabera, which is a decorative shirt, rather than a shirt and tie. Dress Guayabera