Key Facts

South America.

Area

176,215 sq km (68,037 sq miles).

Population

3.5 million (UN estimate 2008).

Population Density

19.9 per sq km.

Capital

Montevideo. Population: 1.35 million (2007).

Government

Republic since 1830.
Uruguay is bordered to the north by Brazil, to the southeast by the Atlantic, and is separated from Argentina in the west and south by the River Uruguay, which widens out into the Rio de la Plata estuary. The landscape is made up of hilly meadows broken by streams and rivers. There are a string of beaches along the coast. Most of the country is grazing land for sheep and cattle. Montevideo, the most southern point of the nation, accommodates nearly half of the population. About 90% of the land is suitable for agriculture, although only 12% is used in this way.

Language

Spanish. Some English is spoken in tourist resorts.

Religion

Roman Catholic is the predominant religion.

Time

GMT - 3 (GMT - 2 from the second Sunday in October to the second Sunday in March).

Social Conventions

Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Uruguayans are very hospitable and like to entertain both at home and in restaurants. Normal courtesies should be observed. Smoking is not allowed in cinemas or theatres or on public transport.

Electricity

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Continental flat three-pin or round two-pin plugs.

Head of State

President Tabare Vazquez since 2005.

Recent History

Tabare Vazquez, from the leftist Frente Amplio coalition, was elected as president in 2005, becoming Uruguay’s first third-party Head of State. The Frente Amplio had further success in the mayoral elections of May 2005. Noteworthy developments under leftist rule have included the paying off of Uruguay’s debt to the IMF, restoration of diplomatic ties with Cuba, the banning of smoking in public places, and the sanctioning of same-sex civil unions. The Uruguayan government controversially granted leases to foreign multinationals to build paper factories on the Rio. Uruguay has strained relations with neighbouring Argentina, resulting in protests and bridge closures.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period.

2009
1 Jan New Year's Day.
6 Jan Epiphany.
23-24 Feb Carnival.
9 Apr Maundy Thursday.
10 Apr Good Friday.
20 Apr (moved from 19 Apr) Landing of the 33 Patriots.
1 May Labour Day.
18 May Battle of Las Piedras.
19 Jun Birth of General Artigas (Día del Nunca Más).
18 Jul Constitution Day.
25 Aug National Independence Day.
12 Oct Día de la Raza.
2 Nov All Souls' Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

2010
1 Jan New Year's Day.
6 Jan Epiphany.
15-16 Feb Carnival.
1 Apr Maundy Thursday.
2 Apr Good Friday.
19 Apr Landing of the 33 Patriots.
1 May Labour Day.
17 May (moved from 18 May) Battle of Las Piedras.
19 Jun Birth of General Artigas (Día del Nunca Más).
18 Jul Constitution Day.
25 Aug National Independence Day.
11 Oct Día de la Raza.
2 Nov All Souls' Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

Note

Many businesses close during Carnival Week and during Tourist Week (Easter).

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