There are many interesting facts about Uruguay. Some might come as no surprise, while others will probably leave you scratching your head.
Fact #1: If you’re a fan of soccer (futbol) than 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 2015 estimate by UNESCO has literacy at 98.4%.
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.
Figures on Uruguay
| Metrics For Uruguay | Figures |
|---|---|
| Population | 3,351,016 (July 2016 est.) |
| Gross Domestic Product PPP (GDP) | US$71.43 billion (2015 est.) |
| GDP Per Capita | US$21,500 (2015 est.) |
| Inflation Rate | 8.7% (2015 est.) |
| Currency | Uruguayan Peso (UYU) |
| Exchange Rate Versus U.S. Dollar | 29.14 pesos per U.S. dollar (Nov. 21, 2016) |
| Language | Spanish, Portunol, Brazilero (Portuguese-Spanish mix on the Brazilian frontier) |
| Capital | Montevideo |
| Population of Capital City | 1.707 million (2015) |
| 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 Tabaré Vázquez (since March 1, 2015) |
| Restrictions on Foreign Ownership of Property | None |
| Local Chamber of Commerce | www.cncs.com.uy 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 |
| 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. |
| 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 | PLUNA www.pluna.com.uy |