Country Profile: Uruguay
Uruguay is a small, yet vibrant country located in southern South America, nestled between Argentina and Brazil along the South Atlantic Ocean. Known for its rolling plains and low hills, it boasts significant agricultural areas, contributing to its economy as one of South America's largest exporters of beef, rice, and wool. With a population of approximately 3.4 million, Uruguay maintains a strong middle class supported by a governance system that is classified as a presidential republic, ensuring political freedoms and social stability.
Geography
Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America, covering an area of 176,215 sq km, bordered by Argentina to the west and Brazil to the north. Its coastline stretches 660 km along the Atlantic Ocean, and much of the land features rolling plains, making it ideal for agriculture. The country has a temperate climate with minimal temperature extremes, and around 81.4% of its land is utilized for agricultural purposes.
- Elevation: Highest point at 514 m (Cerro Catedral)
- Natural resources: Rich in arable land and hydropower
- Urbanization: Approximately 80% of the population resides in urban areas, primarily around Montevideo
People and Society
Uruguay has a population of approximately 3.4 million (2024 estimate) with a diverse ethnic makeup comprising 87.7% White, 4.6% Black, and 2.4% Indigenous. Spanish is the official language, and a significant portion of the populace identifies as Roman Catholic. The country boasts a high literacy rate of 98.9% and experiences a slow population growth rate of 0.26%.
- Median age: 36.5 years (2024 estimate)
- Population density: Predominantly urban with 95.8% living in cities
- Life expectancy: 78.9 years (2024 estimate)
Economy
Uruguay has a high-income, export-oriented economy with a real GDP of $108.5 billion (2024 estimate). Key sectors include agriculture, services, and industry, with significant contributions from exports of milk, beef, and rice. Socioeconomic inequality is low, although economic growth was recently affected by external factors such as the Argentine recession.
- Real GDP per capita: $32,000 (2024 estimate)
- Unemployment rate: 8.5% (2024 estimate)
- Inflation rate: 4.8% (2024 estimate)
Government
Uruguay operates as a presidential republic with a bicameral legislature. The President serves as both the head of state and government, with the current president being Yamandú Orsi Martínez, who took office in March 2025. The country has a civil law system and guarantees universal suffrage starting at age 18.
- Administrative divisions: 19 departments
- Citizenship: Dual citizenship is recognized
- National holiday: Independence Day on August 25
Military and Security
The Armed Forces of Uruguay consist of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with an active personnel strength of approximately 23,000. Military expenditures account for 2.1% of GDP (2024 estimate). Uruguay also participates in various UN peacekeeping missions and has a long-standing tradition of security cooperation with neighboring countries.
- Military service age: Voluntary from ages 18-30
- Military deployments: 600 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2024 estimate)
- Defense responsibility: Includes national sovereignty and strategic resource protection
Energy
Uruguay has made significant strides in energy production, with 100% of the population having access to electricity. The energy mix is diversified, with 37% from wind, 27.3% from hydroelectric sources, and 23.9% from biomass and waste.
- Installed capacity: 5.682 million kW (2023 estimate)
- Electricity consumption: 9.826 billion kWh (2023 estimate)
- Energy consumption per capita: 45.755 million Btu/person (2023 estimate)
Environment
Uruguay faces several environmental challenges, including water pollution from industrial activities and deforestation. The country is party to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at protecting biodiversity and addressing climate change.
- Urban population: 95.8% of total (2023 estimate)
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 6.896 million metric tonnes (2023 estimate)
- Municipal waste generation: 1.26 million tons annually (2024 estimate)
Transportation
Uruguay has a developed transportation system with 65 airports and extensive railway networks. The country operates a merchant marine fleet of 58 vessels, contributing to its trade capabilities.
- Railways length: 1,673 km (2016)
- Ports: 8 total (2024 estimate)
- Civil aircraft registration country code: CX
Communications
The communications infrastructure in Uruguay is robust, with a high penetration of mobile and internet services. Approximately 90% of the population uses the internet, and the country is equipped with numerous broadcasting media outlets.
- Mobile cellular subscriptions: 4.8 million (2023 estimate)
- Fixed telephone subscriptions: 1.205 million (2023 estimate)
- Broadband subscriptions: 1.1 million (2023 estimate)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,425,330 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 176,215 sq km | Total area |
| GDP | $108.502 billion | 2024 estimate (PPP) |
| Energy Consumption | 9.826 billion kWh | 2023 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 12.6 births/1,000 | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 8.5% | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 78.9 years | 2024 estimate |
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