ou have arrived in Uruguay, where the hospitality of its people will make you feel as if you were at home. In this relatively small country you will find many natural wonders, a pleasant climate, genuine and friendly people, and a democratic and cultivated national spirit, all of which will make your stay one of your most cherished recollections.

The Oriental Republic of Uruguay lies in the southern zone of the South American Continent, bordered on the west by the Republic of Argentina and on the north and east by the Federative Republic of Brazil, being surrounded on the south by the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Rio de la Plata. It has a surface area of 68.036 square miles and a population of 3.146.200 inhabitants.

The land is gentily undulating, showing plains and plateaus,characterized by elevations on the southeast, whose altitudes fluctuate between 1.640 feet and more above sea level.

Montevideo, the capital of the Republic, is warm, beautiful and quiet, and it offers all the possibilities to enjoy it fully. It has a population of 1.328.100 inhabitants and an area of 207 Sq. miles. Being located on the south, its shores are bathed by the Rio de la Plata, and as a contemporary metropolis, it centralizes a high propotion of the economic activities, the commercial trade and the services, banks operations and tourism held in Uruguay.

This capital city has the best natural port in South America.

Government

Montevideo, seat of the Uruguayan government, with the corresponding three powers of the State, is also the seat of Public Enterprises, of the University, as well as an artistic and cultural centre.

The government, which is presently made up of a President and two parlamentary bodies: the Senate with 31 members and the House of Representatives with 99 members, are elected by national vote every 5 years by those citizens of age. The Council of Ministers is designated by the President.

Economy

Uruguay is a member of the: UNO, OAS, ALADI and MERCOSUR.

The grazing land for sheep and cattle covers constitute the main source of exportation. Despite lacking some natural resources, Uruguay enjoys a high standard of living.

Climate

Because of its location in the mild southern area of the hemisphere, Uruguay enjoys a moderate climate. The average temperature during spring is 63 F, during summer 77 F, during fall 64 F and in winter 54 F.

Language

The official language is Spanish.

Religion

The Constitution of the Republic guarantees freedom of religion, and that is why there exist different religious denominations. Catholicism is the predominant religion among Uruguayans.

Currency

Uruguayan peso. The country operates on a free exchange system. Monetary exchange is done by official banks and exchange houses.

Business Hours

Shopping: from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, except the shopping centres, which are open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day.
Official and private banks, and public offices are usually open in the afternoon, but we suggest you inform yourself about business hours for each case.