Uruguay, officially known as the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, is a country located in the southeastern region of South America. It is bordered by Argentina to the west, Brazil to the north and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south and southeast. Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America, covering an area of approximately 176,000 square kilometers (68,000 square miles).
Geography
Climate
Uruguay has a temperate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot summers. The country experiences four distinct seasons, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) in winter to 25°C (77°F) in summer. The climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, with coastal areas experiencing milder temperatures compared to inland regions.
Fauna
Uruguay is home to a diverse range of fauna, including native species such as the capybara, pampas deer, and maned wolf. Its coastal waters are rich in marine life, with species like dolphins, seals, and various fish inhabiting the Atlantic Ocean.
Longest Rivers
The longest river in Uruguay is the Uruguay River, which forms part of the border with Argentina. It stretches approximately 1,600 kilometers (990 miles) in length. Other significant rivers include the Río Negro and the Río de la Plata.
Highest Mountains
Uruguay is a relatively flat country, and it does not have any significant mountain ranges. Its highest point is Cerro Catedral, located in the Sierra Carapé hills, with an elevation of only 514 meters (1,686 feet) above sea level.
History
Prehistory
Uruguay’s prehistory dates back to around 10,000 years ago when Paleo-Indians inhabited the region. These early inhabitants were hunter-gatherers who lived off the land’s natural resources.
Colonial Period
In the early 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in present-day Uruguay, claiming it as part of the Spanish Empire. The territory was sparsely populated, and European settlement was limited until the 18th century when the Spanish established Montevideo as a military stronghold.
Independence and Modern Age
Uruguay gained independence from Spain in 1811, following a series of conflicts and revolutions. It then became part of the United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata, which later dissolved, leading to Uruguay’s independence in 1828. The country experienced periods of political instability throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries but eventually established a stable democracy.
Demographics
Uruguay has a population of approximately 3.5 million people, with a relatively low population density compared to other South American countries. The majority of the population is of European descent, with significant contributions from Spanish and Italian immigrants. Indigenous peoples and Afro-Uruguayans also form part of the country’s ethnic makeup.
Administrative Divisions
Uruguay is divided into 19 departments, each with its own local government. These departments are further subdivided into municipalities, which are responsible for local administration and services. The capital city, Montevideo, is its own department and serves as the country’s political, economic, and cultural center.
10 Largest Cities by Population
- Montevideo
- Salto
- Ciudad de la Costa
- Paysandú
- Las Piedras
- Rivera
- Maldonado
- Tacuarembó
- Melo
- Mercedes
Education Systems
Uruguay has a well-established education system that provides free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 4 and 14. The country boasts a high literacy rate, with education being highly valued in Uruguayan society. The University of the Republic, located in Montevideo, is one of the country’s top universities and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Transportation
Airports
Uruguay has several airports, with the major ones being:
- Carrasco International Airport (MVD) in Montevideo
- Laguna del Sauce International Airport (PDP) in Punta del Este
- Capitán Corbeta CA Curbelo International Airport (PDP) in Punta del Este
- Nueva Hesperides International Airport (STY) in Salto
- Angel Adami Airport (ATI) in Artigas
Railways
Uruguay has an extensive railway network, primarily used for freight transportation. The total length of railways in the country is approximately 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles).
Highways
Uruguay has a well-maintained road network, with highways connecting major cities and towns. The total length of highways in Uruguay is around 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles), with Route 5 being the main north-south highway.
Ports
Uruguay has several major ports, including:
- Port of Montevideo
- Port of Nueva Palmira
- Port of Paysandú
- Port of Fray Bentos
- Port of Colonia
Country Facts
- Population: 3.5 million
- Capital: Montevideo
- Language: Spanish
- Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholicism
- Race: European descent, Afro-Uruguayan, Indigenous
- Currency: Uruguayan Peso (UYU)
- ISO Country Codes: UY, URY
- International Calling Code: +598
- Top-Level Domain: .uy