Uruguay lies sandwiched between its huge neighbours, Brazil and Argentina. Much of the country is covered by the grassy plains of the Pampas. Low ranges of hills called cuchillas rise from these plains. Uruguay is criss-crossed by rivers. The largest, the Rio Negro (“Black River”) flows across the country from east to west, while the River Uruguay forms the western border with Argentina. Along the coast are sandy beaches, dunes and lagoons. Uruguay has a mild temperate climate.

People

Nearly all Uruguayans are descendants of the thousands of Spanish and Italian immigrants who arrived in the country after independence in 1828. The official language is Spanish, but on the border with Brazil many people speak a mixture of Portuguese and Spanish, called “Portuñol”. More than half the population lives in the capital, Montevideo or its metropolitan area.

Uruguay is a peaceful, liberal country. Its citizens enjoy a high standard of living; everyone has access to a good education, clean water, healthcare and social security. However, many skilled, educated Uruguayans, especially those under 25, have left the country to look for work in the US and Spain. The result is an ageing population.

Agriculture and tourism

Uruguay’s richest resource is its farmland. For over 200 years, farmers have raised cattle on the Pampas. Today, more than three quarters of Uruguay's land area is used for grazing. Animal products such as beef, wool, milk and leather are still the country's main exports. Crops grown include soya beans, rice and wheat. Large factories in the south and west process and pack meat and dairy products for export.
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A large number of Uruguayans, especially those in cities, work in service industries such as banking, education or tourism. Tourism is becoming popular in Uruguay: its sandy Atlantic beaches, rivers, lakes and the cities of Montevideo and Punta del Este attract nearly 2 million visitors each year.

Facts about Uruguay

Population 3,499,451 (2023 census)

Area 175,015 sq km

Highest point Cerro Catedral 514 m (1686 ft)

Capital Montevideo, metro area population 1,947,604

Other major cities Salto (pop. 104,011), Ciudad de la Costa (95,176)

Language Spanish

Religions Christian (Roman Catholic) 47%, other Christian 34%, others and none 19%

Ethnicity white European 88%, mestizo (mixed Native American / European) 8%, black African 4%

Currency Uruguayan peso (UYU)

Chief exports beef, soya beans, rice, wheat, wood and pulp, dairy products, wool, leather, medicines