Uruguay Facts: 39 Things You Didn’t Know about Uruguay

Uruguay is a small country located in South America, often overlooked by its larger neighbors. However, it is a country with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and interesting history. In this blog post, we will explore 39 Uruguay facts that will give you a deeper understanding of this fascinating country.

1. Uruguay is the second-smallest country in South America, after Suriname.
2. The official language of Uruguay is Spanish.
3. The country has a population of approximately 3.5 million people.
4. Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay, is known for its art deco architecture.
5. The Uruguayan peso is the official currency of Uruguay.
6. Uruguay is known for its cattle and beef production, with its meat considered some of the best in the world.
7. The country is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the historic quarter of Colonia del Sacramento.
8. Uruguay has a high literacy rate, with over 98% of its population being able to read and write.
9. Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Uruguay, and the national team has won two FIFA World Cups.
10. The Carnival of Uruguay is a vibrant and colorful celebration held annually in Montevideo.
11. Uruguay is the first country in the world to provide a laptop for every primary school student.
12. The official name of Uruguay is the Oriental Republic of Uruguay.
13. The country has a mild climate, with average temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) in winter to 25°C (77°F) in summer.
14. The national flower of Uruguay is the ceibo, which produces bright red flowers.
15. Uruguay is the only country in South America where abortion is legal and free.
16. Punta del Este, a popular resort town in Uruguay, is known for its stunning beaches and upscale restaurants.
17. The Uruguayan flag features a sun with a face, which is a symbol of independence.
18. The country is a popular destination for birdwatchers, with over 450 species of birds found in its diverse ecosystems.
19. The tallest building in Uruguay is the World Trade Center Montevideo, which stands at 158 meters (518 feet) tall.
20. Uruguay is a founding member of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.
21. The country has a strong tradition of mate drinking, a popular social beverage made from yerba mate leaves.
22. The Uruguay River forms part of the country’s western border with Argentina.
23. The highest point in Uruguay is Cerro Catedral, which stands at 514 meters (1,686 feet) above sea level.
24. Uruguay is known for its progressive social policies, including legalizing same-sex marriage in 2013.
25. The national anthem of Uruguay is called “Himno Nacional de Uruguay.”
26. The country has a vibrant music scene, with genres ranging from cumbia to tango to rock.
27. The Juan Manuel Blanes Museum of Fine Arts in Montevideo houses an impressive collection of Uruguayan art.
28. The Uruguayan Navy has a long history and is considered one of the oldest in the Americas.
29. The Palacio Legislativo, the seat of the Uruguayan Parliament, is an impressive neoclassical building in Montevideo.
30. The Uruguayan education system is highly regarded, with free and compulsory education for all children between the ages of 4 and 14.
31. The country has a high standard of living and is considered one of the most socially advanced countries in Latin America.
32. The national soccer team of Uruguay is known as “La Celeste” (The Sky Blue).

33. The Gaucho Museum in Tacuarembó honors the culture and traditions of the gauchos, the South American cowboys who played a significant role in the country’s history.
34. Uruguay is home to several national parks, including Cabo Polonio National Park, which features a stunning coastline and sand dunes.
35. The country has a rich literary history, with several famous writers hailing from Uruguay, including Mario Benedetti and Eduardo Galeano.
36. The Uruguayan wine industry has been growing in recent years, with Tannat being the most famous grape variety produced in the country.
37. The traditional Uruguayan dish is asado, a barbecue featuring different cuts of beef cooked over an open flame.
38. The famous football player, Luis Suarez, is from Uruguay and has played for both the national team and major European clubs.
39. The Uruguay Round of trade negotiations, held between 1986 and 1994, resulted in the creation of the World Trade Organization and liberalized global trade.