About Uruguay

Surface on land: 176,215 km²

Jurisdictional waters: 137,567 km²

Coastline : 660 km

Total Surface : 313,782 km²

Population : 3.241.003 (data 04/2005)

Population Density: 18.4 inhabitants per km²

Life Expectancy at Birth: 75.2 years

Capital: Montevideo

Language: Spanish

Political regime: Republican Democracy

National Holiday: August 25th, Declaration of Independence

Member of: U.N.O., O.A.S., ALADI, MERCOSUR

Constitution in force: November 28th, 1996

Cultural Profile: Literacy: 97.7%, Students per teacher: 21

Official Educational System: Lay, free and compulsory.

Religion: Catholic 56.2% - Non religious 38.3% - Protestant 2% Jewish: 1.7%

GDP per capita: 3609

Population with access to drinking water: 98%

Electrification rate: 98%

Cars (per 100 people): 19

Internet TLD (top-level domain): .UY

Calling Code: + 598

Local voltage: 220VAC 50Hz

Geography

The territory of Uruguay features gently sloping hills and elevations of modest altitude, separated by rivers which flow down to the sea or into other and larger rivers. There are no high mountains or vast plains, no impenetrable forests or desert regions. Earthquakes are unknown. The highest point is the Cerro Catedral, altitude 513 meters. The coastal plain boasts many beaches along the Atlantic coast and on the shores of the Rio de la Plata.

Demographics

As a Spanish-speaking country of Latin America, most Uruguayans share a Spanish cultural background, even though about one-quarter of the population is of Italian origin. Uruguay is distinguished by its high literacy rate, large urban middle class, and relatively even income distribution.

Economy

Uruguay's economy is characterized by an export-oriented agricultural sector, a well-educated workforce, and high levels of social spending, as well as a developed industrial sector. In recent years Uruguay has shifted most of its energy into developing the commercial use of IT technologies and has become the leading exporter of software in Latin America.

Climate

The climate is temperate throughout the country; there are no regional variations. Average temperatures are 17 degrees C in spring, 25 degrees C in summer, 18 degrees C in autumn, and 12 degrees C in winter. Maximum temperatures may exceptionally attain 40 degrees C in summer, and minimum temperatures -2 degrees C or -3 degrees C in winter. Snowstorms and hurricanes are unknown. For information about the weather in Montevideo, visit this page.

Local Time

Standard Uruguayan time corresponds to the UTC/GTM -3:00 zone. For information about Uruguayan local time, visit this page.

Currency

The Uruguayan Peso () is the official currency in Uruguay. US dollars are occasionally accepted. Euros are less common than dollars in Uruguay for transactions. The airport's taxi cabs accept US dollars and the Hotel check-out requires US dollars. However, you will need Uruguayan Pesos for small expenses.

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange facilities are available at banks and Money Exchange Houses located in commercial areas, as well as shopping malls and airports. Banks and Money Exchange Houses offer similar exchange rates. For information about currency exchange, visit thispage.

Credit Card

Credit cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants. The most commonly used credit cards are: Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)

They are easy to find in commercial and banking areas. They are a good and fast way of obtaining local money and american dolars.

Tipping

There is no fixed rule on tipping in Uruguay. However, it is usual to tip between 5% and 10% of the bill at restaurants. Don't tip taxi drivers with more than 10 pesos uruguayos. In hotels, USD1 per suitcase would be a fine tip.

Mobile phones

In Uruguay, there are three mobile operators: Ancel, Claro and Movistar. Please check with your network operator if it has a roaming agreement.

Electrical network

AC current is 220V at 50Hz. Power plugs used are "Schuco" and "three in a row" (3 en linea). A universal adapter is recommended as foreign connectors such as the american plug are not compatible with these connectors.

Visa Information

Citizens of certain countries are entitled to visit Uruguay as tourists for up to three months without a visa. Please check if you need a visa for traveling to Uruguay at the National Direction of Migration Web Site. A preliminary list of countries that do not require temporary visas can be viewed here. For further and updated information contact you nearest Uruguayan Embassy or Consulate. You can find information about Uruguayan missions in different countries at the Uruguayan Ministry of Foreign AffairsWeb Site. Visa applications can take quite a long time. We recommend you to apply for a visa well in advance of your journey.