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Uruguay Facts And Figures

Uruguay facts and figures: information on population, inflation rate, taxes, and seasons. Residency, visa requirements, and more appear

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Facts and Figures About Uruguay

Key Takeaways: Uruguay Facts And Figures in 2026

Residency is straightforward with low qualifying thresholds.
Foreign residents enjoy the same rights as citizens.
Citizenship is possible after five years of legal residence.

There are many interesting facts about Uruguay. Some might come as no surprise, while others will probably leave you scratching your head.

Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord

Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.

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Fact #1: If you’re a fan of soccer (futbol) then you will be happy to know that the inaugural FIFA World Cup was held in Uruguay back in 1930. They also happened to win.

Fact #2: When people think of Uruguay they often think of farming, in particular cattle. In fact, the country has 3 times as many cows as they do people!

Fact #3: Sheep also outnumber people in Uruguay. Great news for those who enjoy the warm feel of a wool sweater.

Fact #4: Uruguay legalized same-sex marriage in 2013, becoming only the 20th country to do so at that time.

Fact #5: Uruguay has a very high literacy rate, not just for South America, but the entire world. A 2018 estimate by UNESCO has literacy at 98.7%.

Fact #6: In December 2013, marijuana trade became legalized in Uruguay. Costs remain very low for the product, however quality is also regarded as being very low-quality, as well.

Fact #7: Size doesn’t really matter. Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America.

Fact #8: Over 50% of Uruguay’s population lives in the capital city of Montevideo.

Fact #9: Uruguay’s former President Jose Mujica was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.

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More Uruguay Facts And Figures


Metrics For Uruguay	Figures
Population	3,386,588 (June 2024 est.)
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)	US$156.41 billion (2024 est.)
GDP Per Capita	US$18,590 (2024 est.)
Inflation Rate	5.57% (2024 est.)
Currency	Uruguayan Peso (UYU)
Exchange Rate Versus U.S. Dollar	41.56 pesos per U.S. dollar (Oct. 2024)
Language	Spanish, Portunol, Brazilero (Portuguese-Spanish mix on the Brazilian frontier)
Capital	Montevideo
Population of Capital City	1.781 million (2024)
Time Zone	UTC – 3
Seasons	Temperate. Warm summers and cold winters.
International Dialing Code	598
Electricity	220V / 50 Hz. Plug Type: C, F, I, L
System of Government	Constitutional Republic
Current Leader	President Luis Lacalle Pou (since March 1, 2020)
Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Property	None
Local Chamber of Commerce	Rincon 454 P.2 Montevideo 11000 Tel: 598-2-916-12-77
American Chamber of Commerce	www.ccuruguayusa.com Plaza Indepencia 831 Office 209 Montevideo 11000 Tel: 598-2-908-91-86/87
Primary Exports	Beef, soybeans, cellulose, wheat, rice, wood, wool, dairy products.
Residency and Visa Requirements	Tourist Visa: automatic 90 days upon entry. Residency: Unlike most countries, the Uruguayan residency process is designed to take place in Uruguay, not at a consulate overseas. So you come to Uruguay and petition for residency in-country. The process for obtaining residency is fairly straightforward, with low qualifying thresholds.Citizenship:After legal residence for five years if you practice any art, science, or industry in Uruguay. More on Visas, Residency, and Citizenship in Uruguay
Special Benefits for Foreign Residents or Retirees	Uruguay offers a number of advantages as a place of residency and as a tax domicile, as foreign residents have the same rights as citizens and Uruguay does not tax worldwide income. You get your residency card near the beginning of the process, rather than at the end. So you can enjoy all the benefits of being a Uruguayan resident while you wait.
National Airline	Sociedad Uruguaya de Aviación

Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord

Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.

Start Your New Overseas Life Today

We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.

Uruguay Facts And Figures- FAQs

Is beef a well-known product of Uruguay?

Uruguay is a small country that exports beef. It is situated between Argentina and Brazil, which are two of the biggest beef producers and exporters in the world.