Context on Uruguay
Government
Uruguay is a representative democratic republic with a presidential system and a decentralized unitary state.
As per The Economist, Uruguay is considered the most democratic country in South America.
The national government operates from the capital, Montevideo. Each of Uruguay’s 19 departments has its own local government as well.
The President is simultaneously Head of State and Government and is elected together with the Vice President. As well as the departmental governors and the members of the legislative bodies, they are chosen by the universal, secret, and compulsory vote of citizens of either sex above the age of 18. The President has a mandate of 5 years without the possibility of immediate re-election. In the event that no candidate obtains an absolute majority of the votes, a second round is held between the first two majorities. In said voting, the candidate that obtains the simple majority of the votes is the winner.
The current president is Luis Lacalle Pou, the current vice president is Beatríz Argimón. They belong to a right-leaning party called Partido Nacional.
Economy
Uruguay’s GDP is US$53.63 billion (2020), with a per capita GDP of US$15,438. Uruguay stands out for its egalitarian society, high per capita income, well-educated workforce, and low levels of poverty. More than 60% of the population identifies as middle class. The country enjoys an extensive social protection network, a strong health system with universal coverage, and comparatively favorable levels of labor formality and social welfare. The country has a history of advanced workers-right protection.
The country’s main industry is agriculture. Tourism, telecommunications, energy, software, and mining are also important industries in the Uruguayan economy. It is an export-oriented economy. By 2020, Uruguay´s top export destinations were China (27%), Brazil (15%), EU (14%), the United States (7%), Argentina (5%) and Mexico (3%).
Geography
Uruguay is located in the southeast of South America and is bordered to the south by the Atlantic Ocean, as well as Argentina by the west and Brazil by the north and east. It is located in the southern hemisphere on the Atlantic coast of South America between 53 and 58 west longitudes and 30 and 35 south latitudes.
To the south, it also faces the Río de la Plata, a wide estuary that opens into the South Atlantic. Montevideo is approximately at the same latitude as Cape Town and Sydney.
The country has a low altitude, with “Sierras” and “Cerros” instead of mountains. The highest peak is Cerro Catedral, with an altitude of 513.66 m / 1685.2 ft
Religion
Uruguay has no official religion. All public institutions are secular and religious freedom is considered very important for Uruguayans. Many Uruguayans describe themselves as atheists or agnostic. The most widespread religions include Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism, Islamism, and Buddhism.
Culture
Montevideo has considerable cultural production. Some of the main venues of the city include Solís Theater, Auditorio Nacional del Sodre, and Sala Zitarrosa. The national Ballet is called Ballet Nacional del Sodre and is wildly popular among Uruguayans of all social backgrounds. The Orquesta Sinfónica del Sodre is one of the oldest orchestras on the continent.
Uruguay has an immense national rock scene. Before the pandemic, Montevideo was home to the yearly Montevideo Rock festival, a two-day-long outdoors festival for national bands.
Candombe is an important part of Uruguayan culture and it highlights the impact of African descendants in the country’s cultural scene.
Currently, visual arts are marked by new media such as photography, video, installations, and conceptual art. However, painting in Uruguay continues to have a strong presence.
Temperature
The temperature during the Uruguayan Winter (June, July, and August) ranges from about 40°F to about 55°F. There is often humidity which may make it feel even colder. Central heating is not as common in buildings, so be prepared with extra layers.