COUNTRY NAME: ORIENTAL REPUBLIC OF URUGUAY.

it's main economic center. 43% of the population lives in Montevideo.

predominantly of European origin, mainly from Spain and Italy. There is a small Afro Uruguayan population descendent of slaves brought to the country in the 19th century. None of the original Native American population remains, which distinguishes Uruguay from the rest of Latin America.

Even though it’s economy is based largely in agriculture particularly livestock raising, Uruguay is a highly urbanized country, with more than 80% of Uruguayans residing in cities. Nearly half live in Montevideo

By world’s standards, the welfare of Uruguayans runs high. Infant mortality rate – 13.9/1000 - is low, and life expectancy at birth – 75,2 years – is the highest in South America.

Uruguayans are very open and friendly to foreigners. They are also very fond of outdoors activities and sports, particulary soccer which is the national passion. A major Uruguayan costume is to join the family or friends in the weekends for a typical “asado” (a barbecue).

Religions: There is no official religion (Catholics 56%, non religious 38%, Protestants 2%, Jews 2%)

Languages: Spanish. Business languages: English and Portuguese.

and hills. This rolling topography has two main ranges of interior hills: the Cuchilla de Haedo, west of Tacuarembo and the Cuchilla Grande, south of Melo (Cerro Largo), neither of which exceeds 500 meters in height. The highest elevation in Uruguay is the Cerro Catedral (Cathedral Hill) with 514 meters.

 There are three main rivers: Rio de la Plata, Rio Uruguay and Rio Negro (principal river of the Uruguayan interior) which, in addition to the Mirin Lagoon, a large lagoon near the Atlantic border with Brazil, are of major  importance in terms of communications, hydroelectric power and supply of drinking water.

 Uruguay has 670 km of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and the Rio de la Plata. Beaches along the coast are one of Uruguay’s main attractions.

is organized under three independent branches or powers, as they are called: Executive, Legislative and Judiciary. The President heads the Executive Power and a cabinet of 13 ministers. The Legislative is represented by the General Assembly, or Parliament, composed by two chambers. The Senate of 30 members, plus the Vice President of the Republic who acts as chairman, elected on a nationwide basis. The House of Representatives of 99 members, elected on a basis of proportional representation of each of the 19 provinces. Elections for President as well as for these seats are held every 5 years. The suffrage is compulsory and universal for all those over 18 years of age. The president in office is called Jorge Battle.

 Uruguay is divided into 19 departments (political divisions). Each department has an administrator (intendente) elected by popular vote.  These are: Artigas, Canelones, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida, Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysandu, Rio Negro, Rivera, Rocha, Salto, San Jose, Soriano, Tacuarembo, Treinta y Tres.

Uruguay exported 1858 million dollars in 2002. The main items were beef, rice and other grains, skin hides and leather products, foodstuff beverages and tobacco, wool, textiles and manufactured textile goods, plastic materials, rubber and manufactured rubber products. Although software and consulting services account for 3% of total exports, Uruguay is the leading exporter of software and IT services to Latin American countries.

Uruguays' main trade partners are Brazil, Argentina and the European Union.

98% of the population has access to running water and 16% uses Internet. Uruguay is one of the few countries in the world with a 100% digital telephone network.

July 18 (Oath of the Constitution), August 25 (Independence Day), December 25 (Christmas)