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 (1,5 million) live in the capital Montevideo.

The educational level of the country is high and is illustrated in 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.

Government

The country has adopted a democratic and republican government under a presidential system with executive, judicial and legislative powers. According to the Constitution, Uruguayans vote every five years and elect the people who will run the government.

Presently, the government is made up of a president, vice president - who is also the President of the General Legislative Assembly and the Senate - and two parliamentary bodies elected by national vote and with proportional representation: the House of Representatives with 99 members and the Senate with 30.

The territory is divided into 19 departments, governed with some autonomy by their respective executive (Municipal Intendance) and legislative (Departamental Council)bodies, and there are also local groups in the distinct departments.

Language

The official language is Spanish. In the main tourist centers English, French and Italian are spoken.

Religion

The Constitution of the country guarantees freedom of religion, and thus there exist different religious denominations. Catholicism, practiced throughout the history of the country, is the predominant religion among Uruguayans.

Currency

The national currency is the Uruguayan Peso. One Peso is a hundred cents. Coins come in denomination of 50 Cents, 1, 2, 5 and 10 Pesos; and bills of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 Pesos.

The country operates on a free exchange system. The buying and selling of gold coins is done by the official bank and foreign exchange booths. Some transactions and payments can be made in US Dollars or Euros.

Time

The official time is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) less 3 hours. During summer, the time is set ahead one hour.

Electricity

The urban network of electricity is of alternating current 220 Volts with 50 Cycles. The main hotels have outlets for 110 Volts.

Business Hours

To have an exact idea of the business hours is quite difficult if the person is not used to it.

For Montevideo following rules can be followed: (from Mondays to Fridays)

• Private Banks: from 12 pm to 6 pm
• State Banks: from 1 pm to 6 pm
• Shops: from 9 am to 7 pm (also open from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays)
• Electricity Co. (UTE): from 9 am to 5 pm
• Water Co. (OSE): from 9 am to 4 pm
• Telephone Company (ANTEL) from 9 am to 5 pm
• City Hall: from 8 am to 2 pm
• Foreign Affairs Ministry: from 10 am to 2 pm
• Immigrations: from 9:15 am to 2:30 pm

Shopping centers and malls are open 7 days a week from 10 am to 10 pm. Supermarkets are also open 7 days a week from 8 am to 10 pm. Shopping centers, malls and supermarket will be closed on special holidays like January 1st, May 1st and December 25th.

Holidays

The dates in red are mandatory holidays.

• January 1st - New Year
• March 1st - (every 5 years - multiple of 5) Presidential assumption
• April 19th - Crossing of the 33 Orientales for freedom campaign
• May 1st - Labour day
• May 18th - Battle of Las Piedras
• June 19th - Birth date of José Artigas (national hero)
• July 18th - First Constitution anniversary (1830)
  
• August 25th - Independence Declaration (1825)
• October 12th - Americas day
• November 2nd - Remembrance day
• December 25th - Christmas