Uruguay

Montevideo, founded by the Spanish in 1726 as a military stronghold, soon took advantage of its natural harbor to become an important commercial center. Claimed by Argentina but annexed by Brazil in 1821, Uruguay declared its independence four years later and secured its freedom in 1828 after a three-year struggle. The administrations of President Jose BATLLE in the early 20th century established widespread political, social, and economic reforms that established a statist tradition. A violent Marxist urban guerrilla movement named the Tupamaros, launched in the late 1960s, led Uruguay's president to cede control of the government to the military in 1973. By yearend, the rebels had been crushed, but the military continued to expand its hold over the government. Civilian rule was not restored until 1985. In 2004, the left-of-center Frente Amplio Coalition won national elections that effectively ended 170 years of political control previously held by the Colorado and Blanco parties. Uruguay's political and labor conditions are among the freest on the continent.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 3,460,607 (July 2007 est.)

Nationality (Noun): Uruguayan(s)

Nationality (Adjective): Uruguayan

Official Language(s): Spanish

Major Languages Spoken: Spanish

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Oriental Republic of Uruguay

Country Name (short form): Uruguay

Country Name (local long form): Republica Oriental del Uruguay

Country Name (local short form): Uruguay

Name of Capital: Montevideo

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Uruguay: Argentina, Brazil

Land Area: 173620 sq km

Water Area: 2600 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than the state of Washington

Total Land Boundry: 1,648 km

Coastline: 660 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 25 August (1825)

International Phone Code: 598

Currency Code: Uruguayan peso (UYU)

Internet Country Code: .uy

US Embassy Location: Lauro Muller 1776, Montevideo 11200

US Embassy Mailing Address: APO AA 34035

Services In, and Related to Uruguay

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