Uruguay

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Map of southern South America highlighting Uruguay in tan, bordered by Brazil to the north and Argentina to the west, with Montevideo marked as the capital on the southern coast along the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounding countries and major bodies of water are labeled for geographic context.

Plaza Independencia in Montevideo, Uruguay, featuring palm trees, a central monument, and the historic Palacio Salvo building surrounded by modern city architecture.

Map of Uruguay showing national boundaries, major cities, rivers, and departments. Neighboring countries Brazil and Argentina are labeled, and the Atlantic Ocean borders Uruguay to the southeast. An inset locator map highlights Uruguay's position in South America.

Montevideo, Uruguay cityscape with modern and historic buildings, including a tall glass tower and a white arched bridge near the waterfront under a clear blue sky.

Two Monk Parakeets perched on a palm frond against a blue sky in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Uruguay: Religious affiliation

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Mercy in Mercedes, Uruguay, with two bell towers, palm trees at the entrance, and a gated fence in front.

Interior view of Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral showing ornate altar, religious statues, arched ceiling, chandeliers, and rows of pews.

At a Glance

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Uruguay summary

Uruguay: Media

country, South America

Images

Uruguay

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Map of southern South America highlighting Uruguay in tan, bordered by Brazil to the north and Argentina to the west, with Montevideo marked as the capital on the southern coast along the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounding countries and major bodies of water are labeled for geographic context.

Uruguay

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Plaza Independencia in Montevideo, Uruguay, featuring palm trees, a central monument, and the historic Palacio Salvo building surrounded by modern city architecture.

The Heart of Uruguay's Capital

Independence Square (Plaza Independencia) is the main square in Montevideo, the capital...

© HPK-Images/stock.adobe.com

Map of Uruguay showing national boundaries, major cities, rivers, and departments. Neighboring countries Brazil and Argentina are labeled, and the Atlantic Ocean borders Uruguay to the southeast. An inset locator map highlights Uruguay's position in South America.

Uruguay

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Montevideo, Uruguay cityscape with modern and historic buildings, including a tall glass tower and a white arched bridge near the waterfront under a clear blue sky.

Downtown Montevideo, Uruguay

Modern office towers, residential buildings, and waterfront development reflect Montevideo's...

© skostep/stock.adobe.com

Two Monk Parakeets perched on a palm frond against a blue sky in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Colorful Residents of Uruguay

Uruguay supports a diverse range of birdlife, including the monk parakeet. The species...

© Leamus—iStock/Getty Images

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Mercy in Mercedes, Uruguay, with two bell towers, palm trees at the entrance, and a gated fence in front.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Mercy in Mercedes, Uruguay

Located in Mercedes, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mercy reflects Uruguay's Catholic...

© Matyas Rehak/Dreamstime.com

Interior view of Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral showing ornate altar, religious statues, arched ceiling, chandeliers, and rows of pews.

Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral

Located on Montevideo's historic Plaza Constitución, the Metropolitan Cathedral has...

© FredLee Na Estrada—iStock/Getty Images

Aerial view of Punta del Este, Uruguay at sunset, showing the marina, high-rise buildings along the coast, and the ocean under a partly cloudy sky.

Punta del Este, Uruguay

Modern buildings overlook the marina in Punta del Este, a resort city on Uruguay's...

© Michele/stock.adobe.com

A large group of sheep with thick wool are gathered in a corral surrounded by stone walls and trees on a ranch in Uruguay, waiting to be sheared.

Sheep Farm in Uruguay

Sheep raising has long been a cornerstone of Uruguay's agricultural economy. Along...

© Pablo Porciuncula —AFP/Getty Images

The Mercosur Parliament building stands along the sandy beach of the Rio de la Plata in Montevideo, Uruguay, with people relaxing on the coast and city buildings in the background.

The Mercosur Parliament in Montevideo, Uruguay

Located in Montevideo, the Mercosur Parliament represents the regional trade organization...

© donyanedomam/stock.adobe.com

Close-up of yerba mate tea in a traditional calabash gourd with a metal straw, showing loose leaves and foam on a wooden table.

A Uruguayan Tradition: Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is a traditional herbal drink deeply woven into everyday life in Uruguay....

© RHJ—iStock/Getty Images

Grill loaded with various meats including sausages, ribs, and chicken at Mercado del Puerto, Montevideo, Uruguay, with bottles visible in the background.

Uruguay's Parrillada Tradition

Grilled meats are a cornerstone of Uruguayan cuisine. At Montevideo's Mercado del...

© Stefano Paterna/Alamy

José Enrique Rodó

José Enrique Rodó

José Enrique Rodó, c. 1917.

Courtesy of the Organization of American States

Mathias Olivera of Uruguay celebrates with teammates on the field after scoring a goal against the United States during the 2024 Copa America Group C match in Kansas City.

Uruguay on the World Stage in Football

Defender Mathías Olivera celebrates a goal during Uruguay's 2024 Copa América match...

© Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Uruguay's Wendy Carballo, in blue jersey, kicks the ball while Venezuela's Gabriela Garcia, in white, challenges her during a women's football match at Centenario stadium.

The Rise of Women's Football

Uruguay'sWendy Carballo battles for possession during a 2026 CONMEBOL Nations League...

© Dante Fernandez—AFP/Getty Images

José Gervasio Artigas

José Gervasio Artigas

Monument to José Gervasio Artigas, the Uruguayan national hero, with the cathedral...

Peter L. Gould

Uruguayan postage stamp from 1961 featuring a black and white portrait of Manuel Oribe with text reading Brigadier General Manuel Oribe, 10 centesimos, Uruguay.

Manuel Ceferino Oribe

Manuel Ceferino Oribe, Uruguayan postage stamp, 1961.

© rook76/Shutterstock.com

José Batlle y Ordóñez

José Batlle y Ordóñez

José Batlle y Ordóñez.

Courtesy of the Organization of American States

Tabaré Vázquez

Tabaré Vázquez

Tabaré Vázquez.

Carlos Rodríguez/ANDES

José Mujica

José Mujica

Uruguayan politician José Mujica, 2009.

Matilde Campodonico/AP Images

A gaucho on horseback herds a group of cattle across a grassy plain on a ranch in central Uruguay, with distant tree lines under a clear sky.

gaucho herding cattle in Uruguay

Gaucho herding cattle on a ranch in central Uruguay.

Carl Frank/Photo Researchers

Uruguay

Uruguay

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Audio

National anthem of Uruguay

The instrumental version of the national anthem of Uruguay.

Interactives

Uruguay: Religious affiliation

Uruguay: Religious affiliation

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Uruguay: Urban-rural

Uruguay: Urban-rural

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Uruguay: Age breakdown

Uruguay: Age breakdown

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Uruguay: Major import sources

Uruguay: Major import sources

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

Uruguay: Major export destinations

Uruguay: Major export destinations

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

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