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• The Republic of Uruguay is a nation in southeastern South America that borders Brazil, Argentina, and the Atlantic Ocean.

• Fast Facts:

  1. Capital: Montevideo
  2. Government: Constitutional republicCIA World Factbook: Uruguay - Government
  3. Population: 3,477,778 (July 2008 est.)CIA World Factbook: Uruguay - People
  4. Currency: Uruguayan Peso (UYU)
  5. Time zone: UTC-3, UTC-2 during summer
  6. Country code: +598
  7. Official language: Spanish, Portunol, BrazileroNational Geographic: Uruguay Facts
  8. Climate: Temperate
  9. Religion: Roman CatholicNational Geographic: Uruguay Facts
  10. Smallest independent state in South AmericaUS Embassy in Montevideo, Uruguay: Uruguay Celebrates Decleration of Independence Day (August 24, 2006)
  11. Gained independence on August 25, 1828US Embassy in Montevideo, Uruguay: Uruguay Celebrates Decleration of Independence Day (August 24, 2006)

• Brief History

  Prior to European contact, Uruguay was inhabited by tribes of Amerindian hunter-gatherers. Spain began to settle coastal areas of Uruguay in the 17th century as a means of countering Portuguese power in neighboring Brazil. The capital city of Montevideo was founded in the 1700s and remains today a highly important port city, and houses over one third of the population of the entire nation. Uruguay achieved its independence from Spain in 1825. In 1973, Uruguay's president ceded control of the government to the military, in response to the activities of the Tupamaros, a Marxist-inspired guerrilla movement. By 1985, Uruguay had returned to civilian rule.

• Climate and Terrain

  Uruguay is a relatively level country with its highest point at just over 1600 feet. The country is bisected by the Rio Negro, and the Rio de la Plata runs along the southwestern border.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Argentina | Brazil | Atlantic Ocean | Portugal

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