10 Interesting Facts About Uruguay

Here are some quick facts about Uruguay:

• Location: Uruguay is located in South America, bordered by Argentina to the west, Brazil to the north and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south.
• Capital: Montevideo is the capital and largest city of Uruguay.
• Official Language: Spanish is the official language.
• Population: Uruguay had a population of around 3.5 million people.
• Currency: The official currency is the Uruguayan Peso (UYU).

1 Fact: More than half of the country’s population lives in the capital

More than half of Uruguay’s 3.5 million people live in the capital, Montevideo. With a population of around 1.8 million, it’s the bustling heartbeat of the country. This urban concentration highlights the city’s importance as a cultural and economic hub, drawing in a significant majority of the nation’s residents.

2 Fact: Paraguay is a safe country

Paraguay generally has a low crime rate, with a Global Peace Index ranking of 75 out of 163 countries in 2021. As of 2022, the homicide rate in Paraguay is around 8.5 per 100,000 people, which is relatively low compared to some other countries in the region. Despite these statistics, travelers should remain vigilant, especially in unfamiliar areas, and stay informed about the current safety situation through reliable sources and travel advisories.

3 Fact: There are 4 times more cows than people in the country

With a population of around 3.5 million people, Uruguay boasts a significant cattle population. As of 2022, there are approximately 12 million cows in the country, emphasizing the prominence of the livestock industry in Uruguay’s economy.

4 Fact: Paraguay historically loves soccer

Paraguay’s soccer passion runs deep, with an interesting twist in history. Not only is soccer a national obsession, but Paraguay played a pivotal role in the inaugural FIFA World Cup. In 1930, the first-ever World Cup took place in Uruguay, and Paraguay participated as one of the 13 teams. Although they didn’t make it past the group stage, their presence marked the beginning of a storied soccer legacy. Fast forward to today, where soccer remains a cornerstone of Paraguayan culture, boasting around 2,500 registered clubs and more than 100,000 licensed players. This historical connection to the early days of international soccer adds a fascinating layer to Paraguay’s enduring love for the beautiful game.

People attend a demonstration in support of the legalization of marijuana outside the Congress in Montevideo, Uruguay, on Tuesday.

5 Fact: Uruguay was the first country to legalize marijuana

Uruguay made headlines in 2013 by becoming the world’s pioneer in fully legalizing marijuana. With the passage of historic legislation, the country allowed individuals to grow their own cannabis, join cooperatives, or purchase from authorized pharmacies. This move was a bold step in the global drug policy landscape. There are around 47,000 registered cannabis consumers in Uruguay.

6 Fact: In Uruguay, every schoolchild has a laptop

Uruguay launched the “One Laptop per Child” initiative in 2007, providing laptops to over 600,000 primary school students by 2022. While not every schoolchild receives a laptop, the program has been a substantial effort to enhance digital literacy and education across the country.

7 Fact: People in Uruguay are happy with their lives

Uruguay consistently ranks high in global happiness indices, reflecting the contentment of its residents. The World Happiness Report places Uruguay among the top countries, emphasizing factors like social support, life expectancy, and personal freedom. The nation’s commitment to social welfare and a stable economy contributes to the overall well-being and happiness of its citizens.

8 Fact: Uruguay 2nd the smallest country in South America and prefer roads to railroads

Despite its small size of approximately 176,000 square kilometers, Uruguay boasts a robust road network, making it a standout in South America. Compared to larger neighbors like Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay’s well-maintained highways efficiently handle both passenger and freight transportation. This strategic infrastructure contributes to Uruguay’s position as one of the more developed and prosperous countries in the region.

Note: If you plan to travel in Uruguay – check if you need an International Driver’s License to drive in Uruguay.

9 Fact: Pericón is the national dance of Uruguay

The Pericón is Uruguay’s go-to dance party! It’s not just any dance; it’s the national dance, grooving to the beat of Uruguay’s history and culture. Picture this: at least 14 couples swaying and twirling, making it a grand spectacle at events. This dance is like Uruguay’s historical dance-off, bringing the past to life in a rhythmic celebration!

10 Fact: Uruguay is a Catholic country but has renamed traditional religious holidays

While the majority of the population identifies with Catholicism, the country embraces a secular state model that emphasizes the separation of church and state. In this spirit, Uruguay has renamed certain religious holidays to be more inclusive and reflective of its diverse society. For example, Christmas is often referred to as “Family Day,” and Holy Week might be termed “Tourism Week.” These alternative names aim to encompass the broader cultural and social significance of these holidays beyond their religious aspects.