Uruguay is a small country located in the southeastern region of South America. It is bordered by Brazil to the north and northeast, Argentina to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south and east. The capital and largest city is Montevideo.

With a population of approximately 3.5 million people, Uruguay is one of the smallest countries in South America. It is known for its progressive social policies, high standard of living, and stable democracy. Uruguay is also notable for being the first country in the world to legalize marijuana for recreational use.

Uruguay has a diverse economy with a strong agricultural sector, particularly in beef and wool production. It is also a major producer of soybeans and dairy products. In recent years, the country has also experienced growth in its technology and services sectors.

The official language of Uruguay is Spanish, and its culture is heavily influenced by European and African traditions. The country is known for its music, dance, and literature, and is home to several important cultural festivals throughout the year.

Uruguay has a temperate climate with mild summers and cool winters. The country's natural landscape includes rolling hills, beaches, and wetlands. It is also home to several national parks and protected areas, including the UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve of Bañados del Este.

Telephone Code
598

Local Emergency Phone
999, 911

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Warm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknown

Currency (Code)
Uruguayan pesos (UYU)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F, L

Major Languages
Spanish

Major Religions
Roman Catholic 47.1%, non-Catholic Christians 11.1%, nondenominational 23.2%, Jewish 0.3%, atheist or agnostic 17.2%

Potable Water
Yes

International Driving Permit
Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Uruguay, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Montevideo; Colonia del Sacramento; Santa Teresa National Park; Punta del Diablo; Carmelo; Salto; Piriapolis

Major Sports
Soccer, basketball, rugby

Cultural Practices
Uruguayans stand very close when conversing (in both social and business settings), often touching shoulders and/or holding arms while talking. The North American "OK" sign (thumb and index finger in a circle) is considered very rude.

Tipping Guidelines
Tipping 10% is normal at restaurants. At an airport or hotel, tip the porter 20 pesos for baggage handling.

Souvenirs
Leather and suede goods, amethyst jewelry, woolen items

Traditional Cuisine
Chivito — a sandwich filled with slices of churrasco (grilled/roasted and thinly sliced beef), ham, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, melted mozzarella, and a topping of fried (or sometimes boiled) eggs

Geography
Area
total: 176,215 sq km
land: 175,015 sq km
water: 1,200 sq km

Climate
warm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknown

Natural resources
arable land, hydropower, minor minerals, fish

People and Society
Population
3,416,264 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
White 87.7%, Black 4.6%, Indigenous 2.4%, other 0.3%, none or unspecified 5% (2011 est.)

Languages
Spanish (official)

Religions
Roman Catholic 42%, Protestant 15%, other 6%, agnostic 3%, atheist 10%, unspecified 24% (2014 est.)

Population growth rate
0.27% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
presidential republic

Capital
name: Montevideo

Economy
Economic overview
high-income, export-oriented South American economy; South America’s largest middle class; low socioeconomic inequality; growing homicide rates; growing Chinese and EU relations; 2019 Argentine recession hurt; key milk, beef, rice, and wool exporter

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$78.121 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$22,800 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
soybeans, milk, rice, maize, wheat, barley, beef, sugar cane, sorghum, oranges

Industries
food processing, electrical machinery, transportation equipment, petroleum products, textiles, chemicals, beverages

Exports
$18.82 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
China 29%, Brazil 12%, United States 5%, Netherlands 5%, Argentina 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
sulfate wood pulp, beef, soybeans, concentrated milk, rice (2019)

Imports
$15.051 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
Brazil 25%, China 15%, United States 11%, Argentina 11% (2019)

Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, packaged medicines, cars, broadcasting equipment, delivery trucks (2019)