# country

> distinct territorial body or political entity

**Wikidata**: [Q6256](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6256)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Country)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/country

## Summary
Uruguay is a sovereign state and constitutional republic located in South America, specifically in the southern region of the continent within the Southern Cone and Latin America. It is a constitutional republic with its capital at Montevideo, having declared independence on August 25, 1825. The country is bordered by Brazil to the north and Argentina to the west, with a population of approximately 3.4 million people as of 2023.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name**: República Oriental del Uruguay (preferred), also known as Oriental Republic of Uruguay or Eastern Republic of Uruguay.
- **Area**: 176,215 square kilometres.
- **Capital**: Montevideo.
- **Independence Date**: August 25, 1825.
- **Population**: 3,444,263 (2023 Uruguayan census, preferred value).
- **Coordinates**: Latitude -33°, Longitude -56°.
- **Continent**: South America.
- **Bordering Countries**: Brazil (to the north), Argentina (to the west).
- **Highest Point**: Cerro Catedral.
- **Lowest Point**: Atlantic Ocean (0 metres).
- **Timezone**: UTC−03:00 (standard time), America/Montevideo.
- **National Flag**: Flag of Uruguay.
- **Coat of Arms**: Coat of arms of Uruguay.
- **Anthem**: National Anthem of Uruguay.
- **Motto**: "Liberty or Death".
- **Nicknames**: "El Paisito" (The Little Country), "La Suiza de América" (The Switzerland of America).
- **National Language**: Spanish; also recognized Uruguayan Sign Language and Uruguayan Portuguese (in Rivera department).
- **Currency**: Uruguayan peso (since 1994); previously nuevo peso (1975-1994).
- **Driving Side**: Right-hand traffic (since September 2, 1945).
- **Electricity**: 230 volts, 50 Hz (since 2004); plug types include Europlug, Type L, AS/NZS 3112.
- **Emergency Number**: 911.
- **International Calling Code**: +598.
- **Internet TLD**: .uy.
- **ISO Codes**: Alpha-2: UY, Alpha-3: URY, Numeric: 858.
- **M49 Code**: 858.
- **Aircraft Registration Prefix**: CX.
- **Licence Plate Code**: UY (since 2012).
- **Maritime Identification Digits**: 770.
- **Mobile Country Code**: 748.

## FAQs
**What type of government does Uruguay have?**
Uruguay is a sovereign state, constitutional republic, secular state, and presidential system with a participatory democracy form of government. The head of state and government is the President of Uruguay.

**What is Uruguay's current population and demographic profile?**
As of the 2023 Uruguayan census, the population is 3,444,263. The population has grown from approximately 2.5 million in 1960 to over 3.4 million in 2023, with urban population of approximately 3.27 million versus rural population of approximately 147,591 in 2022.

**What are Uruguay's economic indicators?**
Uruguay's nominal GDP was $71.2 billion in 2022. The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 40.2 (2020). The unemployment rate is 8.4% (2024). The VAT rate is 22% standard and 10% reduced.

**What international organizations is Uruguay a member of?**
Uruguay is a member of the United Nations (since December 18, 1945), World Trade Organization (since January 1, 1995), Organization of American States (since 1948), UNESCO (since November 8, 1947), and many other international bodies including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Finance Corporation, and Interpol.

**What is Uruguay's human development status?**
Uruguay's Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.809 (2021), classified as "Very High." The Inequality-adjusted HDI is 0.710 (2021). Life expectancy at birth is 78 years (2022).

**What are Uruguay's major holidays and public celebrations?**
Public holidays include New Year's Day (January 1), International Workers' Day, Christmas (Dia de la Familia), Carnival, All Souls' Day (November 2), Epiphany (January 6), and Tourism Week (variable date).

**What administrative divisions does Uruguay have?**
Uruguay is divided into 19 departments: Artigas, Canelones, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida, Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysandú, Río Negro, Rivera, Rocha, Salto, San José, Soriano, Tacuarembó, and Treinta y Tres.

**What is Uruguay's relationship with neighbouring countries?**
Uruguay shares borders with Brazil to the north and Argentina to the west. It has diplomatic relations with numerous countries including Argentina, Brazil, United States, China, Spain, and many others. The country was previously part of the Cisplatina Province before independence.

## Why It Matters
Uruguay matters as one of South America's most stable and developed democracies, consistently ranking high on democratic governance indices and human development measurements. The country has transitioned from a period of economic volatility in the late 20th century to become a regional leader in social progress, political stability, and economic openness. Its democratic index score of 8.85 (2021) places it among the most democratic nations in Latin America.

The country's significance extends beyond its borders as a member of major international organizations and as an active participant in regional affairs. Uruguay serves as a bridge between Mercosur countries and maintains diplomatic relations with over 50 nations worldwide. Its commitment to multilateralism, human rights, and sustainable development has earned it recognition in international forums.

Uruguay's economic model, characterized by a mixed economy with strong social welfare programs, has attracted international attention as a potential development template for other Latin American nations. The country's approach to issues such as marriage equality, marijuana legalization, and environmental protection has positioned it as a policy innovator in the region.

The nation's cultural influence, particularly through its contributions to literature, music, and sports, extends throughout the Spanish-speaking world. Montevideo serves as a cultural hub for the Southern Cone, while the country's film and literary traditions have gained international acclaim.

## Notable For
- **The Economist Country of the Year (2013)**: Recognized for outstanding progress in social and democratic metrics.
- **High Democracy Ranking**: Democracy index of 8.85 (2021), ranking 13th globally.
- **BTI Governance Index**: Scored 7.39 (2022), indicating strong governance quality.
- **Human Development**: Classified as "Very High" with HDI of 0.809 (2021).
- **Pioneering Social Policies**: First country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage (2013), first Latin American country to legalize cannabis (2013).
- **Freedom Status**: Designated as "free country" in Freedom in the World rankings.
- **Happy Planet Index**: Score of 57.5 (2019), reflecting quality of life relative to environmental impact.
- **Low Population Density**: One of the lowest population densities in South America despite high development indicators.
- **Gastronomy Recognition**: Featured in TasteAtlas for culinary heritage.
- **Historic Capital**: Montevideo is one of South America's oldest continuously inhabited European settlements.

## Body

### History and Independence
Uruguay's path to sovereignty began with its independence from the Empire of Brazil on August 25, 1825, following the Cisplatine War. The country emerged from the Cisplatina Province, which had been annexed by Brazil after the Argentine-Brazilian War. The Declaration of Independence was formalized following negotiations between Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay, with the Treaty of Montevideo establishing the country's boundaries.

Prior to independence, the territory was known as the Provincia Oriental (Eastern Province) and was contested between Spanish and Portuguese colonial powers, as well as the Banda Oriental. The country's name derives from the Uruguay River, which forms part of its western border with Argentina.

### Geography and Environment
Uruguay occupies a territory of 176,215 square kilometres in the southern cone of South America. The country lies at coordinates latitude -33° and longitude -56°, placing it entirely in the Southern Hemisphere. The landscape is characterized by rolling plains and low mountain ranges, with the highest point being Cerro Catedral.

The country shares its northern border with Brazil and its western border with Argentina, separated by the Uruguay River and the Río de la Plata estuary. The southern and eastern coasts border the Atlantic Ocean, with the lowest point at sea level (0 metres). The easternmost point is located at coordinates lat: -32.65440712, lon: -53.18464279, while the westernmost point is at lat: -33.68206818, lon: -58.43799591. The northernmost point is at lat: -30.086248369444444, lon: -56.99383823055555, and the southernmost point has coordinates of lat: -34.97361029, lon: -54.95181084.

The country is located within the Rio de la Plata basin and is named after the Uruguay River. Other significant water bodies include the Río Negro, which bisects the country, and numerous smaller rivers and streams. The climate is temperate with four distinct seasons.

### Government and Politics
Uruguay operates as a presidential constitutional republic with a presidential system of government. The President serves as both head of state and head of government, currently Yamandú Orsi, who assumed office on March 1, 2025. The executive body is the Presidencia de la República (Presidency of the Republic).

The legislative body is the General Assembly of Uruguay (Asamblea General), a bicameral parliament consisting of the Chamber of Representatives and the Chamber of Senators. The highest judicial authority is the Supreme Court of Uruguay (Suprema Corte de Justicia).

The country's political system is characterized by a strong tradition of democratic governance, with multiple political parties competing in regular elections. The Broad Front (Frente Amplio) has been a significant political force in recent decades. Uruguay's democracy index score of 8.85 (2021) places it among the top 15 most democratic nations.

### Demographics and Society
As of 2023, the population is approximately 3,444,263. The population has grown from approximately 2.5 million in 1960 to over 3.4 million in 2023, with urban population of approximately 3.27 million versus rural population of approximately 147,591 in 2022.

The society is highly urbanized, with the urban population reaching 3.27 million in 2022 compared to a rural population of 147,591. The life expectancy at birth is approximately 78 years (2022). The birth rate is 9.5 per 1,000 people (2022), and the death rate is 9.6 per 1,000 people (2022). The suicide rate is 9.3 per 100,000 people (2019).

The official language is Spanish, with Uruguayan Sign Language and Uruguayan Portuguese (in Rivera department) also recognized. Compulsory education begins at age 5 and continues until age 16. The age of majority is 18. The preferred retirement age is 66.33 years.

### Economy and Infrastructure
The economy is characterized by a mixed economy with strong social welfare programs. The nominal GDP was $71.2 billion in 2022. The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 40.2 (2020). The unemployment rate is 8.4% (2024). The VAT rate is 22% standard and 10% reduced.

The currency is the Uruguayan peso (since 1994), replacing the nuevo peso (1975-1994). The De Nederlandsche Bank serves as the central bank. The median income is approximately $20,000. Individual income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 36.65% to 51.75% (2019 figures).

Infrastructure includes a right-hand traffic system (since September 2, 1945). Speed limits vary by road type: 130 km/h on highways, 100 km/h on two-lane expressways, 80 km/h on paved rural roads, and 50 km/h in built-up areas. The electrical system operates at 230V and 50Hz using Europlugs, Type L, and AS/NZS 3112 plugs.

### International Relations and Memberships
Uruguay maintains diplomatic relations with numerous countries, including Argentina, Brazil, United States, China, Spain, and many others. It is a member of the United Nations (since December 18, 1945), World Trade Organization (since January 1, 1995), Organization of American States (since 1948), UNESCO (since November 8, 1947), and many other international bodies including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, International Finance Corporation, and Interpol.

### Symbols and Culture
The national flag is the Flag of Uruguay. The coat of arms is the Coat of arms of Uruguay. The anthem is the National Anthem of Uruguay. The motto is "Liberty or Death". The country is known by the nicknames "El Paisito" (The Little Country) and "La Suiza de América" (The Switzerland of America).

Cultural highlights include the historic capital of Montevideo, one of South America's oldest continuously inhabited European settlements. The country is also known for its contributions to literature, music, and sports, with Montevideo serving as a cultural hub for the Southern Cone.

### Administrative Divisions
Uruguay is divided into 19 departments: Artigas, Canelones, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida, Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysandú, Río Negro, Rivera, Rocha, Salto, San José, Soriano, Tacuarembó, and Treinta y Tres. Each department has its own administrative and political structure, contributing to the country's regional diversity.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
The country uses the .uy top-level internet domain and has an international calling code of +598. The aircraft registration prefix is CX. The license plate code is UY (since 2012). The maritime identification digits are 770. The mobile country code is 748.

The ISO codes are Alpha-2: UY, Alpha-3: URY, Numeric: 858. The M49 code is 858. The emergency number is 911. The timezone is UTC−03:00 (standard time), America/Montevideo.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BBC Things
3. GF WordNet