Overview of Uruguay

Profile

Uruguay faces the Atlantic Ocean and the Río de la Plata estuary, a temperate agricultural and pastoral country sandwiched between Argentina and Brazil. Flat pampas cover most of the country, known for high-quality beef, wine, and wool. It boasts a high literacy rate, social welfare system, and free and stable political regime, earning it the nickname "Switzerland of South America." The capital Montevideo is the cultural and economic center, combining the atmosphere of the colonial era with the face of a modern seaside city. Soccer, which is practically the national sport, is a world-class powerhouse, and it is popular as a tourist destination due to its friendly national character and good security.

Official name: Oriental Republic of Uruguay
Common name: Uruguay
Numeric code: 858
Alpha-3 code: URY
Alpha-2 code: UY
Population: 3.49 million (2023)
Population density: 20.2
Primary languages: Spanish
Major religions: Catholic, Protestant, Non-religious
National anthem: Himno Nacional de Uruguay (National Anthem of Uruguay)
Calling code: +598
Internet TLD: .uy

History

After independence, it developed into a mature democratic nation after periods of civil war and military rule.

Spain and Portugal entered in the 16th century, but colonization was delayed due to scarce resources. In the early 19th century, José Artigas and others led the independence movement, and independence was recognized between the two great powers of Argentina and Brazil in 1828. Afterward, political turmoil continued, including civil war between the Colorado Party and the Blanco Party, and the War of the Triple Alliance, but in the early 20th century, the José Batlle administration promoted welfare reforms and democracy took root. It transitioned to military rule in 1973 but returned to civilian government in 1985, and since 2005 has maintained stability under a multi-party system including the left-wing Broad Front.

Geography & climate

Most of the country consists of gentle grasslands and low hills, with fertile La Plata plains south of the Negro River and continuing to the Brazilian Highlands in the north.

Humid Temperate Climate

Area: South America / 176215 km²
Capital: Montevideo
Largest city: Montevideo
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Merín
Bordering countries: Argentina, Brazil

Natural resources

Fertile black soil, Pasture grass for livestock, Freshwater resources, Wind power, Hydropower, Solar power, Amethyst, Lapis lazuli, Limestone, Marine products, Eucalyptus forests, Tourism resources

Politics

Government: Constitutional Republic (Presidential System)

Economy

Currency: Uruguayan Peso (UYU)

GDP (nominal): 712 hundred million USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 1042 hundred million international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Spanish

Time zone: Uruguay Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

European descent (mainly Spanish and Italian), African descent, Mestizo, Other European descent (French, German, etc.), Asian descent (Japanese, etc.)

Life expectancy

77.6

Literacy rate

98

National sports

Soccer, Basketball, Rugby, Field Hockey, Horse Racing