| Area Total | 176,215 sq km |
| Climate | warm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknown |
| Natural Resources | arable land, hydropower, minor minerals, fish |
| Imports | $8.607 billion (2017 est.) partners: China 20%, Brazil 19.5%, Argentina 12.6%, US 10.9% (2017) |
| Exports | $11.41 billion (2017 est.)m partners: China 19%, Brazil 16.1%, US 5.7%, Argentina 5.4% (2017) |
| Government | presidential republic |
| Capital | Montevideo |
| Population | 3.4 million (July 2018 est.) |
| Ethnicity | white 87.7%, black 4.6%, indigenous 2.4%, other .3%, none or unspecified 5%; note: data represent primary ethnic identity (2011 est.) |
| Language | Spanish (official) |
News about Uruguay
- Uruguay cuts policy rate to 5.75% after external shock, with inflation still below target
on March 4, 2026Uruguay’s Central Bank cut its benchmark policy rate by 75 basis points to 5.75%, from 6.5%, in a unanimous decision and the seventh consecutive reduction, as it weighed the market impact of the renewed Middle East conflict and a rebound in the U.S. dollar.
- Three foreigners convicted in Uruguay for attempting to obtain a passport with forgeries
on March 4, 2026A court in Uruguay’s Flores department convicted three foreign nationals —a Russian, a Kazakh and a Mexican woman— after authorities said they attempted to begin identification procedures using false documentation at the National Civil Identification Directorate (DNIC) office in the city of Trinidad.
- Uruguay activates Mercosur–Singapore FTA on a bilateral basis, opening preferential access to Southeast Asia
on March 3, 2026The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Mercosur and Singapore entered into force on a bilateral basis between Uruguay and the city-state on 1 March 2026, after both sides completed domestic procedures and deposited their instruments of ratification, according to a joint statement.
- Uruguay: Orsi defends “stability” in first-year address, announces justice ministry and new projects
on March 3, 2026Uruguay’s President Yamandú Orsi addressed the General Assembly on Monday to present a first-year account of his administration and set priorities for 2026, combining legislative announcements with infrastructure pledges across security, health, transport and technology.
- Orsi’s first year in power: unemployment and crime fall, wages edge up, growth moderate in Uruguay
on March 2, 2026Uruguay’s President Yamandú Orsi is set to address the General Assembly on Monday to deliver a first-year account of his administration and outline priorities for the year ahead. Parliament scheduled the session for 18:30 at the Legislative Palace in Montevideo.
- Uruguay approves offshore 3D seismic survey for oil exploration, sets marine safeguards
on February 28, 2026Uruguay’s Environment Ministry on Friday granted operational authorization for a 3D seismic survey in its jurisdictional waters, in an offshore block operated by Chevron, with a specialized vessel already in position and work planned through the end of April.
- European Commission announces provisional entry into force for the trade pillar of the EU-Mercosur deal
on February 27, 2026European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday announced the provisional application of the trade part of the EU-Mercosur association agreement, following parliamentary ratification in Argentina and Uruguay. The move activates trade commitments ahead of full conclusion of the treaty, which still requires the European Parliament’s consent.
- Uruguay and Argentina ratify the EU-Mercosur deal, leaving entry into force to Brussels
on February 26, 2026Uruguay and Argentina ratified on Thursday the trade agreement between Mercosur and the European Union, becoming the first founding members of the South American bloc to complete parliamentary approval. Whether the treaty begins to apply now hinges on decisions inside the EU, as a separate legal review process continues following moves in the European […]
- Latin America’s best- and worst-rated presidents in new poll: Bukele the best, Delcy the worst
on February 26, 2026El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele tops a February 2026 regional ranking of Latin American leaders’ public approval, according to a survey by Argentina-based CB Consultora Opinión Pública. Bukele posts 72.6% approval and 24.8% disapproval.
- Orsi and Lacalle Pou reunite at Uruguayan Air Force event marking arrival of A-29 Super Tucanos
on February 24, 2026Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi and former president Luis Lacalle Pou attended an Air Force ceremony at Base Aérea No. 1 (Route 101, Canelones) for the presentation of the first A-29 Super Tucano aircraft entering service with the Uruguayan Air Force (FAU). Defence Minister Sandra Lazo and former defence minister—now senator—Javier García were also […]
