Culture Smart

Culture Smart! Singapore will introduce you to the rich and varied customs of this densely populated island-state. It describes its private, social, and business life, and tells you what to expect and how to behave in unfamiliar situations. In doing so it offers you a fuller, more rounded experience of this fascinating, conservative, "can-do" society. Singapore is a land of immigrants. Although the Chinese are by far the largest ethnic group, it is more of a salad bowl than a melting pot, and has never had a dominant culture or a single language. It is, however, possible to recognize a common identity that has emerged since independence in 1965.

Culture Smart! Singapore will introduce you to the rich and varied customs of this densely populated island-state. It describes its private, social, and business life, and tells you what to expect and how to behave in unfamiliar situations. In doing so it offers you a fuller, more rounded experience of this fascinating, conservative, "can-do" society. Singapore is a land of immigrants. Although the Chinese are by far the largest ethnic group, it is more of a salad bowl than a melting pot, and has never had a dominant culture or a single language. It is, however, possible to recognize a common identity that has emerged since independence in 1965.

Don't just see the sights—get to know the people.

The people of this land of white summer nights and pristine lakes are famous for their sisu, a form of enterprising stoicism. Shaped by the harsh physical beauty around them, the Finns can be melancholy, yet have a great sense of humor and they love to dance, sing, and perform. Culture Smart! Finland offers you a deeper, more rewarding experience of this beautiful land.

Culture Smart! Israel marks the nation's 70th year of independence in a concise cultural guide of this diverse, dynamic, and paradoxical country. This edition provides important insights so visitors will know what to expect and how to behave, avoid misunderstandings, and form good social and business relationships. While Israel is a modern and largely secular country, it is one steeped in biblical history—a place where religion still plays an active role in public life.

Despite superficial appearances, Germany is a country that operates very differently from the USA and Britain. German history is more than a thousand years old and the relatively new German nation-state encompasses an astonishing variety of cultural and regional differences. German society is in a state of flux as people respond to immigration and a tough economic climate, and traditional attitudes are softening as German business globalizes. Culture Smart! Germany aims to show you what treatment to expect, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to build rapport and credibility with this culturally rich and inventive people in the heart of Europe.

The people of this land of white summer nights and pristine lakes are famous for their sisu, a form of enterprising stoicism. Shaped by the harsh physical beauty around them, the Finns can be melancholy, yet have a great sense of humor and they love to dance, sing, and perform. Culture Smart! Finland offers you a deeper, more rewarding experience of this beautiful land.

Despite superficial appearances, Germany is a country that operates very differently from the USA and Britain. German history is more than a thousand years old and the relatively new German nation-state encompasses an astonishing variety of cultural and regional differences. German society is in a state of flux as people respond to immigration and a tough economic climate, and traditional attitudes are softening as German business globalizes. Culture Smart! Germany aims to show you what treatment to expect, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to build rapport and credibility with this culturally rich and inventive people in the heart of Europe.

A land of mountains, hills, and fertile plains, Romania is a tourist destination waiting to be discovered. It is a rich and complex country: a place whose cities are home to beautiful parks and vibrant cultural scenes; whose people welcome guests warmly into their homes, sharing the best of whatever they have, and party into the night, suffused by Latin joie de vivre. Buffeted over time between three great powers—the West, Russia, and Turkey—Romania betrays the cultural influences of each, and it can be a difficult place to get a handle on.

There is far more to Switzerland than beautiful scenery, chocolate, watches, faceless bankers, and spotless cities. The real Switzerland is full of surprises and anything but bland. This small, rugged, landlocked country at the heart of Europe has been a confederation since the first three cantons came together in a defensive alliance in 1291. Four national languages are spoken within its borders. Its present twenty-six cantons are largely autonomous and retain their individual characters. In this grassroots democracy real power lies with the people, who exercise it directly through frequent referendums.