General Information About Uruguay
República Oriental del Uruguay, takes its name from the fact that its territory is situated east of the Uruguay river. The word "Uruguay" comes from the Guarani language and means "River where the bird lives".

Location and Climate
Uruguay is located in South America, with its eastern coast on the Atlantic Ocean. It is situated in the moderate zone of the South Hemisphere, of marine predominance. It borders with Brazil (North and the North-East), Argentina (across the Río Uruguay), Río de la Plata (South) and the Atlantic Ocean (East). Uruguay enjoys a strategic position in the South Cone of the continent that favors substantially its politics of regional integration.

The territorial extension of Uruguay is 176.215 Km2. Uruguay is politically divided in 19 departments: Artigas, Canelones, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida, Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysandú, Río Negro, Rivera, Rocha, Salto, San José, Soriano, Tacuarembó and Treinta y Tres.
Uruguay enjoys a moderate climate. The average temperature in spring is 17°; in summer of 25 °; in autumn of 18 ° and in winter of 12 °.(Celsius).

Government
The government type in Uruguay is a Republic under a presidential system. The state is organized in three independent powers: Executive, Legislative and Judiciary. The Executive is headed by the President and a cabinet of 13 ministers. The legislative branch is a bicameral General Assembly or “Asamblea General” which consists of the Chamber of Senators (30 seats plus vice president, who serves as chairman; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and Chamber of Representatives (99 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms).

The suffrage is compulsory and universal (over 18 years of age).

The Uruguayan legal system is based on written law passed by the Parliament and promulgated by the President.

Population
Uruguay has 3.241.030 (2005) habitants with a very heterogenous composition., Population is mainly from European origins mostly Spanish and Italian, thanks to a migratory policy of open doors. Most are nominally Roman Catholic although the majority of Uruguayans do not actively practice a religion; church and state are officially separated.

Uruguay is distinguished by its high literacy rate -99%- sustained with public, lay and obligatory education system. Uruguay population is composed by a large urban middle class, and relatively even income distribution. Montevideo is the biggest city in the country with about 1.4 million inhabitants.

Tourism
Uruguay is getting more importance as a tourist destination.. This growth is based on a diversified tourist supply, its safety and security, its stability and its people. Uruguayans, zealous of their traditions and mindful of their natural and cultural resources, are at the same time open, warm and hospitable with visitors.

In order to develop the tourist industry, a model has been chosen which matches the country's way of life, capabilities and resources, where the key is industry sustainability in the medium and long term. In 2005, the total income for tourism in Uruguay was $574 million dollars, equivalent to 12,7% of total exports. Therefore tourism is one of the most important sources of foreign currencies income for the country.

Uruguay has successfully overcome the seasonal nature of its summer tourism, by creating a year-round tourism offer, extending its benefits to all departments. Its traditional destinations have been improved and the country fosters the development of new tourism areas and undertakings.
The industry is now focused on providing quality service in different areas, besides the traditional beach-summer tourism such as: Ecological Tourism, Sports Tourism, etc.

Some measures to grow up the tourist industry were taken by the Uruguayan government: tourist projects were declared of national interest, advertising campaigns outside the country, simplification of customs procedures officers for the entrance of tourists, etc. Also, the infrastructure of highways, ports and airports have been considerably improved, being the most notorious the double highway that connects “Punta del Este” with Montevideo.

The country has several tourist attractions from coast to coast. Starting in the west with the charming colonial city of Colonia del Sacramento, continuing towards the center with beaches of Montevideo, Atlantida, Solís, Piriápolis, Portezuelo and top jewel of the Atlantic Ocean, Punta del Este, and to the very East with quiet beaches such as La Paloma, La Pedrera, La Coronilla, Cabo Polonio, Aguas Dulces, Punta del Diablo and Santa Teresa.

Living Standards
Uruguay offers one of the highest safety levels of Latin America, there are no racial nor religious conflicts.
In addition to this, the Uruguayan market offers consumer goods from all over the world. It has many international festivals. The national sport is soccer, which attracts the majority of the population.
The country occupies the 6th place in the world rank index of Environmental Sustainability. The kindliness of its climate, the absence of environmental contamination, the high level of medical assistance and sanitary conditions make Uruguay a great place to live in.

International Transportation
The main airport facilities are in the areas of major concentration of population and tourist infrastructure. The International Airport of Carrasco, the main air terminal of the country is located to the East of Montevideo. The "Laguna del Sauce" airport (Punta del Este) is located 15 km. from this international resort destination. The International Bus Station (Tres Cruces) and the legendary Montevideo’s Port are located in the capital city.