Country Info: Uruguay

Know Uruguay

Visiting or living another country is often an unforgettable experience. It is always helpful to know something about the country, its people, amenities, services, culture, etc. before you settle in.

Uruguay, officially the Eastern Republic of Uruguay or Republic East of the Uruguay (River), is a country located in southern South America. It is bordered by Brazil to the north, the Uruguay River to the west, the estuary of the Río de la Plata (literally "River of Silver", but commonly known in English as "River Plate") to the southwest, with Argentina on the other bank of both, and finally the South Atlantic Ocean to the southeast. About half of its people live in the capital and largest city, Montevideo. The nation is the second smallest independent country in South America with a total surface of 176.220 sq kilometers, larger than only Suriname (it is also larger than French Guiana, which is not independent), and is one of the most politically and economically stable.

Entry Requirements - Visas Overview

Nationals from neighboring countries, western Europe, Australia, the USA, New Zealand and Canada do not require a visa, other visitors do.

All visitors need a tourist card, which is valid for 90 days and extendable for a similar period.

Economy

Uruguay's gross national product (GNP) per capita is among the highest in Latin America, and the nation has a large urban middle class. Its relatively high standard of living has historically been based on earnings from agricultural exports, notably wool and beef, which have nevertheless been subject to fluctuations in the world market. To reduce the nation's dependence on external trade, successive governments have encouraged domestic manufacturing and services, which have become dynamic sectors of the economy. The government operates a large number of corporations that produce electricity, refine imported petroleum, manufacture alcohol and cement, and process meat and fish; the government also controls the railways and the nation's largest telephone company.

Weather

Uruguay has a generally pleasant, temperate climate. The average temperature for the midwinter month of July varies from 54 °F (12 °C) at Salto in the northern interior to 50 °F (10 °C) at Montevideo in the south. The midsummer month of January varies from a warm average of 79 °F (26 °C) at Salto to 72 °F (22 °C) at Montevideo. Frost is almost unknown along the coast. Both summer and winter weather may vary from day to day with the passing of storm fronts; a hot northerly wind may occasionally be followed by a cold wind (pampero) from the Argentine Pampas. Uruguay has neither a decidedly dry nor a rainy season. The heaviest precipitation occurs during the autumn months (March and April), although more frequent rains occur in winter. The mean annual precipitation is generally greater than 40 inches (1,000 mm), decreasing with distance from the seacoast, and is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year.

Education

Uruguay has a high literacy rate, comparable to those of most developed nations. Education is compulsory for students aged 6–11 and free at all levels—primary, secondary, technical school, and university. Montevideo is the national centre for higher education. The HYPERLINK "http://www.britannica.com/eb/topic?idxStructId=498780&typeId=13"University of the Republic (1849) has numerous faculties, including a distinguished medical school that draws students from throughout the region. The Catholic University of Uruguay (1985) is a prominent private institution. The privately supported Institute of Higher Studies (1931) is devoted to scientific research, and vocational training is given by the Labour University of Uruguay (1878).

Health and Medical Care

Life expectancy is relatively high, with averages of 73 years for males and 79 years for females. Since elaborate social legislation was enacted in 1912 and 1929, Uruguay has been recognized for its advanced welfare programs, offering extensive subsidized health care and numerous benefits to the unemployed, low-wage workers, and the aged. Uruguayan employees with low annual incomes may receive maternity benefits, and mothers who earn low wages can receive child-care benefits.

Quality of Living

Services and trade employ more than half of the Uruguayan workforce, whereas about one-fifth of workers are engaged in manufacturing. Relatively few are employed in financial institutions and agricultural enterprises.

Uruguay has not had inheritance or personal income taxes since 1974. The government's main sources of revenue are value-added taxes and export taxes. Real estate taxes and corporate taxes are also levied. Currently a tax reform is under study.


Entry Requirements - Visas Overview

Nationals from neighbouring countries, western Europe, Australia, the USA, New Zealand and Canada do not require a visa, other visitors do.
All visitors need a tourist card, which is valid for 90 days and extendable for a similar period.

Security

The country has no secret police. Uruguay's small army, navy, and air force are made up of volunteers, most of whom enlist for one or two years of service. Uruguayan soldiers have participated in numerous United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Electricity

Voltage: 220V, Hertz: 50Hz.