Uruguay, officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, is a country located in the southeastern part of South America. It is bordered by Brazil to the north, Argentina to the west, and has a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean to the south and the Río de la Plata to the southwest. Montevideo, the capital and largest city, is a major port and serves as the country's political, economic, and cultural center. Uruguay's geography is characterized by rolling plains and low hill ranges, with a fertile coastal strip. It is one of the smallest sovereign states in South America by area.
History and Political Landscape:
Uruguay's history is marked by its position as a buffer state between the larger powers of Brazil and Argentina. After periods of Portuguese, Spanish, and Brazilian rule, it gained independence in 1828. Despite uruguay mobile numbers list a history of political instability and military dictatorships in the 20th century, Uruguay has emerged as one of the most stable and democratic nations in Latin America. It is renowned for its strong democratic institutions, high levels of political freedom, and low political polarization.
In the November 2024 presidential runoff election, Yamandú Orsi of the center-left Frente Amplio (Broad Front) coalition was elected president, taking office on March 1, 2025. This marks a return to power for the Frente Amplio after five years of center-right government. In the legislative elections held concurrently in October 2024, the Frente Amplio secured a majority in the Senate but fell short of a majority in the Chamber of Representatives. This fragmented parliamentary outcome suggests that the new government will likely face intense negotiations to secure support for legislation, though Uruguay's political culture is known for facilitating compromise and consensus.
Culture and Demographics:
Spanish is the official language of Uruguay. The population, estimated at around 3.5 million, is predominantly of European descent, with a significant Italian and Spanish heritage, and a smaller percentage of Mestizo and Afro-Uruguayan individuals. Uruguay stands out in Latin America for its relatively egalitarian society, with a large middle class (over 60% of the population) and low levels of poverty and inequality. Catholicism is the largest religion, but there is a strong tradition of secularism. Uruguayan culture is influenced by its European roots and its pastoral traditions, with strong emphasis on family, football (soccer), and mate (a traditional South American herbal tea). It is known for its Tango and Candombe music and dance, and a rich literary tradition.
Economy (as of mid-2025):
Uruguay boasts a high-income economy, recognized for its stability and strong institutions. It is a major exporter of agricultural products, including beef, soybeans, and cellulose (pulp). The country also generates significant revenue from hydroelectric power, making it a leader in renewable energy.
The economy rebounded in 2024, driven by a recovery in agriculture and energy after a severe drought in 2023. However, growth is expected to moderate in 2025, with projections from the World Bank and IMF ranging from 2.3% to 2.8%. This slowdown is attributed to a higher comparison base from 2024, weakened household consumption, and external factors like global trade uncertainties and slower growth among key trading partners. The Central Bank of Uruguay has been maintaining a tight monetary policy to keep inflation within its target range (3-6%), with inflation standing at 5.05% in January 2025. While external demand fueled growth in 2024, domestic consumption and investment are expected to play a more critical role in 2025. The new government is likely to prioritize policies to stimulate income growth and may increase social spending later in 2025, but will also need to balance this with fiscal sustainability.
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