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Fact FileCapitalMontevideoOther CitiesArtigas, Melo, Canelones, Duranzo, MinasOfficial languageSpanishAreaTotal 176.215 km2Population3,477,779 (2009est)CurrencyUruguayan Peso |
Country Profile: Uruguay
Uruguay is a country located in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to 3.46 million people, of whom 1.7 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area. Uruguay's only land border is with Brazil to the north. To the west lies the Uruguay River, to the southwest lies the estuary of Río de la Plata, with Argentina only a short commute across the banks of either of these bodies of water, while to the southeast lies the South Atlantic Ocean. Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America, larger only than Suriname.
Climate Change Effect
The climate in Uruguay is temperate, it has warm summers and cool winters. The predominantly gently undulating landscape is somewhat vulnerable to rapid changes from weather fronts. It receives the periodic influence of the polar air in winter, and tropical air from Brazil in summer. Without mountains to act as a barrier, the air masses freely move by the territory, causing abrupt weather changes. These changes have been particulary intense recently due to the effects of global warming and climate change. This has promted Uruguay to embark on studies and research to better understand and control climate change issues and global warming issues.
Economy
Uruguay economy relies heavily on trade, particularly in agricultural exports, Uruguay's financial indicators have remained more stable than those of its neighbours, a reflection of its solid reputation among investors and its investment-grade sovereign bond rating—one of only two in South America. In recent years Uruguay has shifted some of its energy into developing the commercial use of technologies and has become the first exporter of software in Latin America.
Agriculture
Agriculture played such an important part in Uruguayan history and national identity until the middle of the twentieth century that the entire country was sometimes likened to a single huge estancia (agricultural estate) centered around Montevideo, where the wealth generated in the hinterland was spent, at its casco or administrative head. Today, agriculture contributes roughly 11% to the country’s GDP and is still the main foreign exchange earner, putting Uruguay in line with other agricultural exporters like Brazil, Canada, and New Zealand. Uruguay is also a member of the Cairns Group of exporters of agricultural products. Industry has developed recently around estancia tourism which capitalizes on the traditional or folkloric connotations associated with gaucho culture and the remaining resources of Uruguay's historic estancias.
Science and Technology
Uruguay has recently undergone studies and research especially in relation to global warming and climate change, which are both seen as threats to their wealth of natural resources and agricultural industry. Uruguay is also one of the only Latin American countries to have taken part in extensive stem-cell research studies.
Culture
Uruguay has an impressive legacy of artistic and literary traditions, especially considering its small size. The contribution of its alternating conquerors and diverse immigrants has resulted in native traditions that integrate this diversity. Uruguay has centuries old remains, fortresses of the colonial era. Its cities have a rich architectural heritage and an impressive number of writers, artists, and musicians.
Future Outlook
In the near future, Uruguay will look to expand based on its tremendous agricultural wealth and abundance of natural resources. Also, Uruguay has become a leader in South America in terms of scientific research, especially related to global warming and climate change. Aside from this research Uruguay will also look to expand its scientific research of stem-cells and other helath related issues.
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