History

Before the Europeans discovered Uruguay, the only inhabitants of the country were the Charrua Indians.

Montevideo was founded by the Spanish in 1726 as a military stronghold.

Uruguay was annexed by Brazil in 1821, declared its independence four years later, and finally secured its freedom in 1828.

Politics

Uruguay is a presidential representative democratic republic. The president is both head of state and head of government.

Uruguay's political and labor conditions are among the most free in South America.

Uruguay has no official religion, and church and state are clearly separated.

Culture

Uruguay's national anthem, Orientales, la Patria o la tumba, is five minutes long - one of the longest national anthems.

Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Uruguay. Uruguay won the first World Cup, in 1930, and again in 1950.

Uruguayans celebrate Carnival each year, on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.

Candombe, a popular type of music, originated in the Rio de la Plata, when African slaves brought their dances and percussion music.

One of the most well-known tangos in the world, La Cumparsita, was written by Uruguayan composer Gerardo Matos Rodriguez.

Environment

Uruguay is third in the world in environmental sustainability out of 146 countries, according to the Environmental Scorecard Index.

Uruguay's climate is temperate but fairly warm. The temperature rarely ever dips below freezing.

Fun Facts

Uruguay is slightly smaller than the state of Washington.

There are approximately 3.3 million people and 11 million cows in Uruguay.

Uruguayans eat approximately 143 pounds of beef per capita each year.

Uruguay is the second smallest South American country.

Approximately three-quarters of the country is grassland.