Uruguay

A violent Marxist urban guerrilla movement, the Tupamaros, launched in the late 1960s, led Uruguay's president to agree to military control of his administration in 1973. By the end of the year the rebels had been crushed, but the military continued to expand its hold throughout the government. Civilian rule was not restored until 1985. Uruguay's political and labor conditions are among the freest on the continent.
(Source: CIA - The World Factbook)

border countries: Argentina, Brazil

Official Name:
República Oriental del Uruguay
short form: Uruguay
int'l long form: Eastern Republic of Uruguay
former: Banda Oriental, Cisplatine Province

ISO Country Code: uy

Time:
Local Time = UTC -3h

Country Calling Code: +598

Capital City: Montevideo (est. pop. 1.4 million)
Other Cities: Maldonado

Government:
Type: Constitutional Republic.
Independence: 25 August 1825 (from Brazil)
Constitution: First 1830, current 1967, most recently amended December 1996.

Geography:
Location: Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Argentina and Brazil.
Area: 176 000 sq. km. (68 000 sq. mi.)
Terrain: Plains and low hills; 84% agricultural.

Climate: Temperate.

People:
Nationality: Uruguayan(s).
Population: 3.4 million.
Ethnic groups (est.): European descent 93%, African descent 5%, mestizo 1%, Amerindian (practically nonexistent).
Religions: Roman Catholic 52%, Protestant and other Christian 16%, Jewish 2%, non-professing or other 30%.
Languages: Spanish.
Literacy: 97%.

Natural resources: Arable land, hydropower, minor minerals, fisheries.

Agriculture products: Rice, wheat, corn, barley; livestock; fish.

Industries: Food processing, electrical machinery, transportation equipment, petroleum products, textiles, chemicals, beverages.

Exports partners: Brazil 19.4%, USA 18%, Germany 6.6%, Argentina 6.4% (2004)

Imports partners: Argentina 21.3%, Brazil 17.1%, USA 12.3%, China 6.9%, Russia 5.1% (2004)

Currency: Uruguayan Peso (UYU)