Explore Uruguay
Uruguay is a country in South America. It has a south Atlantic Ocean coastline and lies between Argentina to the west and Brazil to the north. It is the second-smallest country in South America (after Suriname).
Often called the Switzerland of South America not for geographical features but for a stable democracy and social benefits such as free education. Long a desired country for immigration, Uruguay has been suffering from high levels emigration for almost four decades, mainly of highly trained workers and people with high level studies (brain drain) seeking for better opportunities abroad.
Uruguay has a rich agricultural and civic history within its indigenous people. The dominant pre-20th century live stock driving techniques are still utilized in some areas, and are less visited tourist attractions than the pleasant beaches and city centers.
The name Uruguay means river of the colorful birds. It is related to the name Guyana: Arawak Guayana, land of many waters.
The different regions of Uruguay:
- Atlantic Coast (Cabo Polonio, Chuy, La Paloma, Punta del Diablo, Piriapolis, Punta del Este)
great beach resorts fronting the Atlantic and a land crossing to Brazil
- Rio de la Plata (Montevideo, Colonia)
the capital city, old colonial magnificence and a ferry crossing to Argentina
- Northern Interior (Paysandu, Salto, Tacuarembo)
Gaucho culture, land crossings to Argentina and citrus growing
- Central Interior (Durazno)
agriculture, huge dams on the Rio Negro and land crossings to Brazil
