Uruguay is not a large country nor is it an econimically preponderant country. It does not have large nor small mountains, only hills or "cuchillas"; it does not have snow nor winter sports; it does not have an indigenous culture with valuable contributions to the past or present. Notwithstanding, it is a privileged country because the forces of nature have saved it from the great catastrophes. Nature has also furnished it with an excellent climate; fertile and majestic meadowlands; a colourful and diverse flora and fauna; and miles of beaches with fine, white sand bordering waters rich in marine life.

Aside from the natural attractions, you will find the Uruguayans, friendly people who are offspring of many immigrations; people who have long and impeccable pattern of democracy and social justice; people with a unique lifestyle and their own traditional culture in arts, literature and sports; all this will welcome you warmly to a nation whose greatest treasures are its people.

Location

Uruguay is geographically located between: 53º2'E and 58º28'W and 56º49'N and 34º56'S bordering with Argentina in the south and west and with Brazil in the north and north east. The east is open Atlantic Ocean. The surface is of 176.215 km2 and a Sea Right over 125.057 km2 over the Atlantic Ocean.

Topography

The relief is characterized by hills with low hight. The highest hill is 514 m high (Cerro Catedral). The country is crossed by several rivers and has some natural and artificial lakes, whjich provide enouigh water for agricultre and cattle growth.

Natural Resources

Agricultre land, cattle growth, forests, hidroelectric dams, mining resources (gold and semiprecious stones) and fishing industry.

Use of the Land

Agriculture land: 7%
Cattle growth: 77%
Foresting: 6%
Others: 10% (1997 est.)

Population

The population of the country, largely of European descent - primarily Spanish and Italians, resulting from the open door migratory policy at the end of XIX to the beginning of XX - surpasses 3 million inhabitants.

In spite of being a cattle country, more than 80% of the population is concentrated in the urban centers. Almost half of the Uruguayans live in the capital Montevideo.

The educational level of the country is high and is illustratedin the high literacy rate (97%). 80% of the labour force in Montevideo has reached primary education; 40% higher or technical education and 18% university education.