Canada is located in the north of North America, with an area of 9.97 million square kilometers, ranking second in the world. The population is 25 million, of which 40.2% are British, 26.7% are French, and about 23% are of other European descent. There are about 240,000 Indians and 335,000 overseas Chinese. English and French are official languages. Two thirds of the residents speak English and one fifth speak French, mainly in Quebec. About 86% people speak English and French. In Canada, Catholicism accounts for about 45% of the total population and Protestantism accounts for about 42%. At the end of 18, the independence movement broke out in Canada, and 1867 established a federation and became a dominion of Britain. 1926 gained diplomatic independence. 193 1 further confirmed that it enjoys equal status with Britain and becomes a member of the Commonwealth, and its head of state is still the Queen of England.

Canada is a federal country with a cabinet system, and the Queen of England is Elizabeth II. Parliament is divided into two houses: members of the upper house, who are recommended by the Prime Minister and appointed by the Governor-General, hold office until the age of 75. Members of the House of Commons are elected by the people, and their seats are adjusted in proportion every 65,438+00 years according to the census results. The term of office is five years, and the cabinet holds the executive power and is responsible to the Congress. 1970 65438+1October 13 Establish diplomatic relations with China. Canada is one of the developed capitalist industrial countries in the world, with a vast territory and few people, rich resources, developed economy and advanced technology. Annual per capita GDP 12680 USD or more, 1988 total export value11500 million USD. Canada has the reputation of "Maple Leaf Country", "Thousand Lakes Country" and "Sincere Northern Xinjiang". Canadians are cheerful, not conservative, materialistic, have a strong sense of freedom, act casually and pay little attention to etiquette. But they pay more attention to daily life, and the requirements for housing are cleanliness, comfort and complete equipment. It is also greatly influenced by religion in life customs. They are usually very taboo about the number "13". At their banquets, there are usually even seats. They like to spend Christmas. In festivals, turkeys and cloves are their indispensable dishes, and the content of festival activities is similar to that of other European countries.

192 1 year1month 2 1 When the Canadian government formulates the national emblem, it is suggested that red and white be used to represent the national color. This proposal was adopted by King George V of England and announced by him. Maple is the national tree of Canada and a symbol of the Canadian nation. When Prince Wales visited Canada in 1860, people decorated it with flaming maple leaves to welcome him. Since then, the symbol of maple leaf has been widely used and known to the world.

In Canada, except for a few villages influenced by religious rules, there is generally no obvious color hobby. In order to understand the market situation, we should read the color samples and improve the design according to the international color terms B, C, C and Munsell color system, otherwise we will lose our competitiveness. For example, a manufacturer accepted an order for wool gloves from Canada, but due to improper consideration of color, their export of big red wool gloves unexpectedly failed. Later, I traced the reason, only to know that Canadians like crimson best.

If you do business in Canada, you must change your methods because of your race, otherwise you will inevitably suffer. For example, when negotiating with British descendants, the time from entering the negotiation to determining the price is very difficult. One minute, I'm stuck on this issue, and the next minute, I'm stuck on that issue. In this way, we slowly reached our destination, so the negotiation was time-consuming. But once the contract is signed, it will be as stable as Mount Tai. You can rest assured of that. The descendants of the French, on the other hand, are very amiable, approachable and kind to their guests, just like entertaining guests from afar. However, once you sit down for a formal discussion, you are completely different, speaking slowly and unpredictable. Therefore, it is difficult to talk about a result. So after signing the contract, there will still be anxiety.

90% of Canadian businessmen are of British and French descent. Generally speaking, they are conservative and don't like the fluctuation of product prices.

According to Canadian business etiquette, it is wise to wear a conservative suit. Generally speaking, Canadian businessmen are quite conservative. Your sales should be formally put forward during working hours, and your attitude should be cautious. Trade restrictions between the United States and Canada are being relaxed year by year, which has both advantages and disadvantages for the Canadian economy. Because of the relaxation of the border, the economic division of labor and cooperation between the United States and Canada will eventually be realized.

Going to Quebec to do business with French Canadians, if you can speak French, there are unexpected benefits. People call Canada a melting pot of races. It can be seen that there are about 40 languages in newspapers published in Canada.

Canadians are not as casual as Americans. Most receptions are held in restaurants and clubs. If you are invited to a Canadian home, you can send a bouquet of flowers to the hostess in advance, or you can bring it yourself. But don't send Bai Baihe. In Canada, Bai Baihe is only used at funerals.

Canadians don't like foreigners to compare their country too much with the United States. Canadians like outsiders to talk about the advantages of their country and people.

First, daily etiquette

Hold the open door and let the people behind go first, which will be appreciated.

Smile and say "hi" to passers-by or strangers you meet in the elevator to show friendliness.

When we first met, we shook hands and asked each other, "How are you?" A: How are you? ), usually you don't have to really answer this idiom, just say "fine, thanks." ("Fine, thanks." )

After a conversation, you usually say, "Have a nice day/evening/weekend." ("Have a nice day/evening/weekend")

Neighbors, colleagues and people waiting in the reception room often have informal conversations. Even in business situations, informal conversations will take place after the meeting begins or ends.

Avoid talking or arguing loudly in public places. Even if there is a conflict in public places, such as a car accident, try to stay calm.

It is considered rude to talk in another language in front of foreigners. Staring at people is also extremely impolite.

The attitude of new immigrants towards Canadians should remain calm and not overreact. Many seemingly "racial discrimination" reactions may just be out of ignorance, curiosity or surprise. Don't immediately think that you are offended or jump to the conclusion of racial discrimination.

Second, smoking.

Smoking is illegal in buildings, elevators, most airplanes, banks, shops, restaurants and other public places. Canadians think it is very impolite to smoke unless it is in a designated smoking area or in a private house, and with the permission of the host or hostess. Before smoking, you should ask people around you if you mind smoking. If they mind, you should respect their wishes.

Third, spitting.

Canadians think spitting is extremely rude. If you want to clear your throat, you should go to the toilet or use paper towels and napkins.

Fourth, the bathroom.

Children under the age of six should go to the toilet with their parents. It is illegal for babies and children to urinate in public places.

5. Breastfeeding and changing diapers

Many Canadians believe that this kind of behavior should not be made public. Please go to the nursing room in the public toilet and the place where babies change diapers.

Canadians have to make an appointment in advance for many things. You should make an appointment for business, personal affairs, job interviews, entertainment and even visiting friends' homes. Uninvited guests are not welcome.

Westerners pay attention to a lot at the dinner table. Eat separately, don't make too much noise, don't chew with your mouth open, and so on. Only by observing more can we understand its essence. Even if you invite local friends to your home, you should respect their table habits.

China people like modesty, but westerners like informality. Some comity, such as persuading people to drink and eat, will make people feel unacceptable. China people's social expression is very subtle, and the external expression is often not the internal meaning. Canadians are straightforward, and sometimes they are not so "considerate" to China people. These differences need "running-in".

China people who have just arrived in Canada feel strange about some things, and even some things that are common in China can't be seen here, such as thermos bottles and washbasins. Canadians like to drink cold water. No matter what level of banquet, cold water with ice always occupies a place. Because hygiene is guaranteed, everyone generally drinks cold water from tap water pipes.

Domestic garbage should be packed in plastic bags, then put into special black plastic bags, and the municipal garbage truck will transport it away one day a week. Put the big plastic bag in front of the house the night before. If the amount of garbage is large and there are many kinds, it is necessary to use special plastic baskets to classify according to the types. Generally divided into paper, metal, glass containers and miscellaneous garbage for recycling.

The general characteristics of Canadian social customs can be summarized in the following sentences:

Canadians are friendly, frank and original;

Approachable, humorous and playful;

Maple leaf is highly respected and regarded as friendship and national treasure;

Snow is not favored, and life never leaves;

Bai Baihe is a funeral, and "13th" and "Friday" are troublesome.

There are the following characteristics in the details of life:

The living habits of Canadians include the comprehensive characteristics of Britain, France and the United States. They are reserved by the British, known to the French and not restricted by the Americans. They are hospitable and sincere. They like modern art and love sports, especially ice and snow sports in winter. Canada is a famous "Maple Leaf Country" in the world. Maple leaves are dotted with Canadian territory, and the Canadian people have very deep feelings for maple leaves. They regard the maple leaf as a national treasure and the pride of the motherland; He also compared the maple leaf to a symbol of friendship. They also like snow. They think snow is a symbol of good luck. Snow walls and snowmen are often used to add fun. They think it can prevent the invasion of evil spirits. They especially like guests to praise their beautiful country and hardworking and intelligent people.

Inuit people in Canada are optimistic, generous, friendly and like to make jokes. They are extremely hospitable and are called "people who never get angry" in the world.

Five, etiquette etiquette

Canadians usually shake hands when meeting guests in social situations. Although kissing and hugging are also Canadian etiquette, they only apply to acquaintances, relatives and lovers.

Canada maintains close ties with Britain, other European countries and its southern neighbor, the United States. Most of its residents speak French. There are two little-known facts: Canada is the second largest country in the world; It is America's largest trading partner.

General etiquette

Remember that Canada is made up of many different nationalities; Although their customs are roughly the same all over the country, there are still some differences. According to nature, the best way is to help the guests.

Compared with American citizens, Canada is more conservative.

Appellation and greetings

It is appropriate to shake hands when meeting and leaving.

Appointment and punctuality

Punctuality is required in most parts of Canada.

Hospitality and gifts

Reception is usually held in hotels or nightclubs.

If you are entertained in a private home. It is polite to bring flowers or flowers to the hostess. Don't send Bai Baihe, they are associated with the funeral.

Talk to each other

Don't favor separatism in conversation-divide Canada into two countries that speak French and English.

Canadians are proud of their country and oppose exaggerating the comparison with the United States.

Talking about examples of positive achievements and praising the Canadian people and their country are very welcome.

Sixth, the taboo of faith.

Most Canadians believe in Protestantism and Roman Catholicism, while a few believe in Judaism and Orthodox Christianity. They taboo "13" and "Friday" and think that "13" is an unlucky number and "Friday" is a symbol of disaster. They are afraid of Bai Baihe. Because it will bring people an atmosphere of death, people are used to using it to forget the dead. They don't like foreigners to compare their country with the United States, especially the superiority of the United States, which is even more unacceptable. Canadian women have the habit of beauty and makeup, so waiters are not welcome to send towels. In diet, we should avoid eating foods with strange taste and fishy smell, such as shrimp sauce, fish sauce, fermented bean curd and stinky tofu. Avoid eating animal viscera and melons; I don't like spicy food either.

Seven, eating habits

Due to historical reasons and ethnic factors, life customs and eating habits are similar to those of Britain, France, the United States and Britain. It is unique in that they have developed the habit of eating baked goods. This is mainly due to the influence of geographical environment. They are generally used to using knives and forks when using tableware. They like the roast steak with hometown flavor very much, especially the tender steak. They are used to drinking coffee and eating fruit after meals.

Canadian eating habits have the following characteristics:

① Pay attention to the nutrition and quality of dishes, and pay attention to the freshness of dishes.

Generally, the taste doesn't like to be too salty, preferring sweetness.

③ The staple food is generally rice.

(4) non-staple food, such as beef, chicken, eggs, sardines and game. And tomatoes, onions, vegetables, potatoes, cucumbers and other new vegetables; Seasonings such as ketchup, salt and butter.

⑤ Cooking methods prefer dishes made by frying, roasting and frying.

Chinese food likes Jiangsu cuisine, Shanghai cuisine and Shandong cuisine in China.

⑦ Enjoy sweet and sour shredded pork, shredded apple, fried potato chips, sweet and sour fish, crispy chicken, onion potato chips, fried pheasant slices, soft fried chicken, shredded silver bud chicken, roasted chicken and other flavor dishes.

Shuijiu likes drinking, especially brandy and champagne. I'm also interested in coffee and black tea in drinks.

9 Fruits like fruits, especially lemons, lychees, guavas, bananas, apples and Yantai pears in Shandong. Dried fruits such as pine nuts, raisins and peanuts.