Uruguay has traditionally been known for its progress in education, its advanced welfare system and its liberal laws governing issues such as divorce.
Although it lacks significant natural resources, Uruguay was among the first countries in Latin America to establish a welfare system and has maintained this, together with one of the region’s lowest poverty indexes.
It has become a model for the care of the elderly who represent comparatively high percentage of the population. Good access to health care has contributed to a high level of average life expectancy.
More recently, its colonial towns, sandy beaches and year-round mild climate have contributed to a rapidly growing tourism industry.
However, Uruguay’s dependence on livestock and related exports has left it vulnerable to fluctuations in international commodity prices. Uruguay has a virtually homogeneous population, which consists mainly of second and third generation Europeans, mostly of Spanish or Italian origin. However, while it is largely free of the serious income inequality which characterizes much of Latin America, 10% of its population who are African or mixed European-native American descent, represent a higher proportion of its poorest people.
The country’s recent history has not been without conflict. With the appointment of former President Bordaberry to the military forces, Uruguay suffered repressive military dictatorship between 1973 and 1985.
In the presidential elections of October 31st, 2004 the leftist coalition Frente Amplio - Encuentro Progresista came into power for the first time in Uruguay’s history.
On november 29th, 2009, José Mujica, also from the Frente Amplio, was elected President and took office on March 1st, 2010.
The Independence Declaration was on the 25th of August, 1825.
But it was the Constitution Oath on 18th of July, 1830 that determined Uruguay as an independent country.
President: José Mujica
(since March 1st, 2010)
Vice President: Danilo Astori(since March 1st, 2010).
The President is both the Chief of State and Head of Government.
Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president with parliamentary approval. Elections are held every 5 years.(next to be held in October 2014).
Bicameral General Assembly:
Bicameral General Assembly consists of Chamber of Senators (30 seats), and Chamber of Representatives (99 seats).
Nine equal horizontal white (top and bottom) and blue stripes. There is a white square in the upper left corner with a yellow sun bearing a human face known as the Sun of May, and 16 rays, alternating triangular and wavy.
The Uruguayan shield was approved March 19th, 1829. Within an oval, rowned by a sun, the scale symbolizes equality and justice; the Hill of Montevideo, strength; the horse, freedom; and the ox, abundance.
18 years of age; universal and compulsory.
0-14 years: 23.5% (male 406,500; female 392,497)
15-64 years: 63.4% (male 1,066,464; female 1,087,100)
65 years and over: 13.1% (male 182,654; female 264,022)
male: 72.71 years, female: 79.24 years
White 88%, mestizo 8%, black 4%.
Roman Catholic 66%, Protestant 2%, Jewish 1%, other 31%.
98 % of population over 15 can read and write.
Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Argentina and Brazil.
176.215 Km2. The second smallest South American country, after Suriname.
Border countries: Argentina 579 km. / 362 Miles
Brazil 985 km. / 616 Miles
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 mt.
Highest point: Cerro Catedral 514 mts. / 1.686 feet
Prime agricultural land, minerals.
Three quarters of the country is grassland, ideal for cattle and sheep raising.
Uruguay’s stable economy is characterized by an export-oriented agricultural sector, a well-educated workforce, and high levels of social spending. After averaging growth of 5% annually during 1996-98, in 1999-2002 the economy suffered a major downturn, stemming largely from the spillover effects of the economic problems of its large neighbors, Argentina and Brazil.
Cooperation with the IMF has limited the damage. The debt swap with private creditors substantially alleviated the country’s amortization burden in the coming years and restored public confidence.
The economy is currently growing at a fast pace as a result of high commodity prices for Uruguayan exports, the weakness of the dollar against the euro, growth in the region, low international interest rates, and greater export competitiveness.
Industry 26.6%
Services 66%
More than 100 radio stations.
More than 20 TV channels.
La Republica, Montevideo daily.
La Diaria, Montevideo daily.
El Observador, Montevideo daily.
Ultimas Noticias, Montevideo daily.
El Telégrafo, Paysandú daily.
Brecha, Montevideo weekly.
Búsqueda, Montevideo weekly.
Channel Five, governmental channel
Saeta Channel 10, Montevideo
Montecarlo Channel 4, Montevideo
Teledoce, Channel 12, Montevideo
1,500 to 2,500 mts: 5
900 to 1,500 mts: 8
Shopping Malls are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
During spring and summer nights, we suggest to wear a light coat.
Spring: 59ºF to 68ºF
Summer: 77ºF to 90ºF
Fall: 50ºF to 64ºF
Winter: 37ºF to 52ºF
2 April Holy Friday
19 April Expedition of the 33 Orientales
1 May Labor Day
18 May Battle of Las Piedras
19 June Artigas Memorial Day
18 July Constitution Day
25 August Independence Day
12 October Columbus Day
25 December Christmas
3-4 February Llamadas Parade
18-24 Abril Oktoberfest - Paysandú
18-24 Abril Native Week
24 August Nostalgic Party
24-25 September Patrimonial Day
Although our country is considered one of the safest to visit, surely you will have those rings, necklaces, documents or simply cash, that you will want to have in a safe place in order to avoid any inconvenience in your trip. In Uruguay you can keep your values safe for any period of time.
The main financial institutions offer the rent of safe-boxes per year, month and in some cases, even for the day. Through fast and simple paperwork you can have access to a box every time you wish so you can enjoy your trip. In Uruguay we recommend to use the cofre fort’s service of Gales Casa Cambiaria.
