Uruguay
Uruguay Facts Maps
Photo: Uruguay
Colonia del Sacramento's well preserved colonial center is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city sits just across the Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Photograph by Thomas Schmitt/Getty Images
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Uruguay Information and History

Situated in southeastern South America, Uruguay consists mostly of low, rolling grasslands. Ranchers raise cattle and sheep on the well-watered pastures. It has one of the highest urbanization and literacy rates in South America as well as the lowest poverty and population growth rates. About 93 percent of Uruguayans—most of Spanish or Italian descent—live in cities, with Montevideo home to one-third. Education is compulsory and free, but many Uruguayans emigrate to places like Spain for better job opportunities. Uruguay's economy remains dependent on agriculture. Economic diversification, including development of hydroelectric power, has spread optimism; tourists flock to Atlantic beach resorts like Punta del Este.

ECONOMY

Industry: food processing, electrical machinery, transportation equipment, petroleum products.
Agriculture: rice, wheat, corn, barley; livestock; fish.
Exports: meat, rice, leather products, wool, vehicles.

Text source: National Geographic Atlas of the World, Eighth Edition, 2004
Uruguay Flag and Fast Facts
Flag of Uruguay
Population
3,419,000
Capital
Montevideo; 1,341,000
Area
176,215 square kilometers
(68,037 square miles)
Language
Spanish, Portunol, Brazilero
Religion
Roman Catholic
Currency
Uruguayan peso
Life Expectancy
75
GDP per Capita
U.S. $7,900
Literacy Percent
98
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Map: Uruguay
Country: Uruguay
Continent: South America
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