USA – one out of many

Manners

Americans rate introductions by name highly yet at the same time they are very easy-going and informal: Most people are on first-name terms. "Hi, I’m ..." is good way to start a conversation. Shaking hands is common when meeting someone for the first time; however, for further meetings a handshake is less likely.
Greetings when meeting people on a professional level tend to be more formal. Initially, you would address the person with Mr. + surname, but it is common to fairly quickly get acquainted on first name terms. Nonetheless: This does not mean that there is no longer a respectful distance between the business partners. It is usually better to stick to Mister or Misses when addressing higher ranking individuals or also older people, even if they use the first name in return.
Please do not confuse the question "How are you?" with an enquiry into your state of health, it is simply an essential part of the greeting. The right answer would be along these lines: "Fine. How are you?". You can always greet acquaintances with: "Hi....! How are you?"
"Excuse me, is this a line?" It might be a line even if it is just a small group of people. Americans dislike pushing and shoving and prefer disciplined standing in line, whether it be in a hotel, post office, bank, cinema or restaurant.
On the topic of invitations: The spontaneous "Come to my house" phrase is a ritual which is meant to show openness. An invitation is only meant seriously if the potential host also makes precise suggestions on location, date and time. Americans are no sticklers for punctuality; to be 10 to 20 minutes late is fine. Host gifts are very popular, typical items from the visitor's country are rated highly.
Dress A dark suit with a muted-coloured shirt is a must. Dark shoes and knee-highs complement the look, showing a bit of "naked" calf when wearing a suit is definitely a no-no. Restraint also applies for women: Muted colours, classic dress-suit or dress. Never have the knees on display and always wear tights, even at the height of summer. Shaved legs are seen as a standard.
Non-discriminatory treatment when dealing with female business partners is of the utmost importance – especially for men. Opening doors or helping someone into the coat – this is something that everyone does for everybody in America depending on the situation.
Smoking is seen as primitive and inconsiderate in the US. Smoking is generally prohibited in planes and public buildings; some regions or cities even prohibit smoking on the street. There are hardly any restaurants which having smoking areas.

Food and drink

There is a vast choice of independent fast food restaurants with table service in addition to the well-known fast food chains. And naturally there is also ample choice of high-quality international restaurants, especially in the larger cities. Prices are high and making a reservation is highly advisable.

When you enter a restaurant wait at the entrance until a member of staff addresses you. You will then be shown to your table of choice. On the topic of table manners: Americans first cut their meat, potatoes, vegetables, etc. with knife and fork, then they put down the knife and take the fork into their right hand (for right handers), put the left hand in their lap and only eat with the fork. Americans find the European manner of eating with knife and fork affected. Wishing each other "a good meal" which is seen as good manners in most European countries is not adequate in the US. There is simply no fitting analogy in English to this European custom. And above all, the Americans simply do not see the need to make such a statement in the first place.
In the USA, bills are made up for the whole table. It is common practice to tip generously: 15 to 20 % of the net total. It is seen as hostile if people do not tip. The bill is usually settled using a credit card, anything else would be seen as a bit unusual. If you pay cash, it might even be assumed that you are not creditworthy.
Important to know: A meal out is not an event for the whole evening in the USA. Once the meal is finished, the bill is served and settled promptly and then it's time to leave. Anything else is considered highly unusual or even rude.

Economy*

The USA is the world’s strongest economic power and the most important trading partner of the European Union. The US service sector produces about 79% of the GDP, the industrial sector approx. 20% and the farming sector about 1%. The largest industrial sectors: chemical and metal processing industries, automotive, arms industry, textile and clothing as well as paper and cellulose production. The country’s three most important resources are crude oil, natural gas and coal.

*as of November 2008

Climate

Mainly warm and moderately cool climate. Warm summers and cold winters are typical for the northern regions. Quite heavy precipitation is spread throughout the year. The south has less precipitation; some regions have a desert environment. Summers are hot and dry, winters are relatively mild.

National holiday

4. July: Independence Day

Links

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June 2009