Uruguay: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox country |
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|native_name = ''República Oriental del Uruguay''{{Spaces|2}}<small>{{es icon}}</small> |
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|conventional_long_name = |
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|common_name = Uruguay |
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|image_flag = Flag of Uruguay.svg |
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|alt_flag = |
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|image_coat = Coat of arms of Uruguay.svg |
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|alt_coat = |
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|symbol_type = |
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|national_motto = ''Libertad o muerte''{{Spaces|2}}<small>{{es icon}}</small><br />"Liberty or Death"</small> |
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|national_anthem = [[National Anthem of Uruguay]] [[File:United States Navy Band - National Anthem of Uruguay (complete).ogg]] |
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|royal_anthem = |
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|motto = |
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|other_symbol_type = |
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|other_symbol = |
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|image_map = Uruguay (orthographic projection).svg |
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|alt_map = |
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|map_caption = |
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|image_map2 = |
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|alt_map2 = |
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|map_caption2 = |
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|capital = [[Montevideo]] |
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|latd= 34 | latm= 53 | latNS = S |
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|longd= 56 |longm= 10 |longEW = W |
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|largest_city = capital |
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|official_languages = [[Spanish language|Spanish]] |
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|national_languages = |
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|regional_languages = |
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|languages_type = |
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|languages = |
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|ethnic_groups = 88% [[White Latin American|White]], 8% [[Mestizo]], 4% [[Afro-Uruguayan|Black]], [[Amerindian]] (Practically nonexistent)<ref name="cia" /> |
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|ethnic_groups_year = |
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|demonym = [[Uruguayan people|Uruguayan]] |
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|government_type = [[Presidential System|Presidential]] [[republic]] |
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|leader_title1 = [[President of Uruguay|President]] |
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|leader_name1 = [[José Mujica]] |
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|leader_title2 = [[Vice President of Uruguay|Vice President]] |
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|leader_name2 = [[Danilo Astori]] |
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|leader_title3 = |
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|leader_name3 = |
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|leader_title4 = |
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|leader_name4 = |
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|leader_title5 = |
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|leader_name5 = |
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|leader_title6 = |
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|leader_name6 = |
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|legislature = |
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|upper_house = |
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|lower_house = |
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|sovereignty_type = Independence |
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|sovereignty_note = from [[Empire of Brazil]] |
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|established_event1 = Declaration |
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|established_date1 = August 25, 1825 |
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|established_event2 = Constitution |
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|established_date2 = July 18, 1830 |
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|established_event3 = |
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|established_date3 = |
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|established_event4 = |
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|established_date4 = |
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|established_event5 = |
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|established_date5 = |
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|established_event9 = |
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|established_date9 = |
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|area_rank = 90th |
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|area_magnitude = |
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|area_km2 = 176,215 |
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|area_sq_mi = 68,037 |
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|area_footnote = |
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|percent_water = 1.5% |
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|population_estimate = 3,494,382<ref name="cia" /> |
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|population_estimate_rank = 131st |
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|population_estimate_year = 2009 |
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|population_census = 3,399,236 |
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|population_census_year = 2002 |
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|population_density_km2 = 19.8 |
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|population_density_sq_mi = 51.4 |
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|population_density_rank = 195th |
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|GDP_PPP = $48.140 billion<ref name=imf2>{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2010/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2007&ey=2010&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=298&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC%2CLP&grp=0&a=&pr.x=56&pr.y=7 |title=Uruguay|publisher=International Monetary Fund|accessdate=2010-04-21}}</ref> |
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|GDP_PPP_rank = |
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|GDP_PPP_year = 2010 |
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|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $14,342<ref name=imf2 /> |
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|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = |
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|GDP_nominal = $40.714 billion<ref name=imf2 /> |
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|GDP_nominal_rank = |
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|GDP_nominal_year = 2010 |
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|GDP_nominal_per_capita = $12,130<ref name=imf2 /> |
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|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = |
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|Gini = 47.1<ref name="UNDP-HDR">{{cite web |url=http://hdr.undp.org/en/media/HDR_2010_EN_Tables_reprint.pdf |title=Human Development Index and its components |author= |date= |work= |publisher= [[United Nations Development Programme]] |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> |
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|Gini_rank = |
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|Gini_year = 2000-2010 |
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|Gini_category = <span style="color:#e0584e;">high</span> |
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|HDI = {{increase}} 0.765<ref name="UNDP-HDR"/> |
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|HDI_rank = 52nd |
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|HDI_year = 2010 |
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|HDI_category = <span style="color:#090;">high</span> |
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|currency = [[Uruguayan peso]] ($, <code>[[ISO 4217|UYU]]</code>) |
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|currency_code = UYU |
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|time_zone = UYT |
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|utc_offset = -3 |
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|time_zone_DST = UYST |
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|antipodes = |
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|date_format = |
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|DST_note = |
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|utc_offset_DST = -2 |
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|drives_on = right |
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|cctld = [[.uy]] |
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|iso3166code = |
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|calling_code = [[+598]] |
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|image_map3 = |
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|alt_map3 = |
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|footnotes = |
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|footnote1 = |
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|footnote2 = |
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|footnote7 = |
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}} |
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'''Uruguay''' ({{pron-en|ˈjʊərəɡwaɪ|en-us-Uruguay-1.ogg}},<ref>{{cite book |title=Longman pronunciation dictionary |first=John C. |last= Wells |publisher=Longman |location=Harlow, England |year=1990 |isbn=0582053838 |page=755 }} entry "Uruguay"</ref> {{IPA-es|uɾuˈɣwai}}), {{lang-es|República Oriental del Uruguay}} {{IPA-es|reˈpuβlika oɾjenˈtal del uɾuˈɣwai|pron}} (the '''Oriental Republic of Uruguay'''<ref name="cia">{{cite web | url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/uy.html | title=Uruguay| version= | publisher=[[The World Factbook]] | author=[[Central Intelligence Agency]] | accessdate= January 5, 2010}}</ref><ref name="britannica">{{cite web |url= http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/620116/Uruguay |title=Uruguay |accessdate=2008-09-02 |year=2008 |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc}}</ref> or sometimes rendered as the '''Eastern Republic of Uruguay''' in the English language,<ref>For example, [http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/files/135/15873.pdf International Court of Justice press release 20 April 2010 re judgment ''Argentina v Uruguay''].</ref> see [[Uruguay#Etymology|etymology]]) is a country located in the southeastern part of [[South America]]. It is home to some 3.5 million people,<ref name="cia" /> of whom 1.8 million live in the capital [[Montevideo]] and its [[metropolitan area]]. An estimated 88% of the population are of European descent.<ref name="cia"/> |
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Uruguay's only land border is with [[Rio Grande do Sul]], [[Brazil]], to the north. To the west lies the [[Uruguay River]], to the southwest lies the [[estuary]] of [[Río de la Plata]], with [[Argentina]] only a short commute across the banks of either of these bodies of water, while to the southeast lies the southern part of the [[Atlantic Ocean]]. Uruguay, with an area of approximately 176,000 km<sup>2</sup>, is the second-smallest nation of South America in area after [[Suriname]]. |
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[[Colonia del Sacramento]], one of Uruguay's oldest European settlements, was founded by the [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese]] in 1680. Montevideo was founded by the [[Spanish Empire|Spanish]] in the early 18th century as a military stronghold.<ref name="dept-state"/> Uruguay won its independence in 1811–28 following a three-way struggle among Spain, Argentina and Brazil. It is a [[constitutional democracy]], where the president fulfills the roles of both [[head of state]] and [[head of government]]. |
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Uruguay is one of the most economically developed countries in South America, with a high [[Gross Domestic Product|GDP]] per capita and the 52nd highest [[List of countries by Human Development Index|quality of life]] in the world as of 2010, and first highest quality of life/human development in Latin America, when inequality is factored in.<ref name="UNDP-HDR"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.mercopress.com/2010/11/09/in-the-most-unequal-region-uruguay-has-highest-human-development-index |title=In the most unequal region, Uruguay has highest human development index — MercoPress |publisher=En.mercopress.com |date= |accessdate=2010-12-02}}</ref> According to [[Transparency International]], Uruguay is rated as the 2nd least corrupt country in [[Latin America]] (behind [[Chile]]), although Uruguay scores considerably better than Chile on domestic polls of corruption perception.<ref name="Transparency">[http://www.transparency.org/policy_research/surveys_indices/cpi/2010/results Transparency International – the global coalition against corruption<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Its political and labour conditions are among the freest on the continent.<ref name="cia" /> It was the highest rated country in Latin America on Legatum's 2010 Prosperity Index.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prosperity.com/rankings.aspx |title=The 2010 Legatum Prosperity Index |publisher=Prosperity.com |date= |accessdate=2010-12-02}}</ref> Reader's Digest ranked Uruguay as ninth "Most livable and greenest" country in the world, and first in all the Americas.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://web.archive.org/web/20080717133934/http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/best-places-to-live-green/article45734.html |title=Living Green: Full Country and City Rankings |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Reader's Digest via Internet Archive |accessdate=24 February 2011}}</ref> |
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Uruguay was the first South American country to legalize same-sex and different-sex [[civil union]]s at a national level,<ref name=unions>{{cite web|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/world/20071129-1132-uruguay-gay-.html |title=> News > World – Uruguay set to legalize gay civil unions |publisher=SignOnSanDiego.com |date=2007-11-29 |accessdate=2010-06-26}}</ref> to allow gay adoption,<ref>{{cite web|last=Olivera |first=Yanina |url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gu1QYorSnG_WrGpbQ-ic2fMpxObg |title=AFP: Uruguay approves Latin America's first gay adoption law |publisher=Google.com |date=2009-09-09 |accessdate=2010-12-02}}</ref> and to test hemp cultivation.<ref>{{cite web|last=Griggs |first=Robyn |url=http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/natural-home-living/uruguay-authorizes-industrial-hemp-cultivation.aspx |title=Uruguay Authorizes Industrial Hemp Cultivation |publisher=Naturalhomemagazine.com |date=2010-01-29 |accessdate=2010-12-02}}</ref> |
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==Etymology== |
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Translated into English, ''República Oriental del Uruguay'' becomes ''Oriental Republic of Uruguay''; ''Eastern Republic of Uruguay''; or ''the Republic East of the Uruguay''. The latter is actually the only right translation (though probably the least common), as it is named after its geographic location to the east of the Uruguay River. Because of the ambiguity in its meaning when translated, the government of Uruguay normally uses simply ''Uruguay'' in English.<ref>http://www.uruwashi.org/</ref> |
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The word ''Uruguay'', coming from the [[Guaraní language]], means "river where the painted birds live".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.turismo.gub.uy/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=216&Itemid=195&lang=en |title=Ministerio de Turismo y Deporte del Uruguay (Spanish, English and Portuguese) |publisher=Turismo.gub.uy |date= |accessdate=2010-06-26}}</ref> |
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==History== |
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{{Main|History of Uruguay}} |
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===Early history and colonization=== |
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The only documented inhabitants of Uruguay before [[European colonization of the Americas|European colonization]] of the area were the [[Charrúa]], a small tribe driven south by the [[Guarani people|Guaraní]] of [[Paraguay]].<ref name="dept-state">{{cite web |url=http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2091.htm |title= Background Note: Uruguay |author=Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs |date= |work= |publisher=US Department of State |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> There have also been identified examples of ancient [[rock art]], at locations such as [[Chamangá]], and elsewhere. |
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The [[Spanish Empire|Spanish]] arrived in the territory of present-day Uruguay in 1516, but the people's fierce resistance to [[Spanish colonization of the Americas|conquest]], combined with the absence of [[gold]] and [[silver]], limited settlement in the region during the 16th and 17th centuries.<ref name="dept-state"/> Uruguay then became a zone of contention between the Spanish and the Portuguese empires. In 1603 the Spanish began to introduce [[cattle]], which became a source of wealth in the region. The first permanent settlement on the territory of present-day Uruguay was founded by the Spanish in 1624 at [[Villa Soriano|Soriano]] on the [[Río Negro (Uruguay)|Río Negro]]. In 1669–71, the Portuguese built a fort at [[Colonia del Sacramento]]. Spanish colonization increased as Spain sought to limit [[Portugal]]'s expansion of [[Brazil]]'s frontiers. |
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[[Montevideo]] was founded by the Spanish in the early 18th century as a military stronghold; its natural [[harbor]] soon developed into a commercial area competing with [[Argentina]]'s capital, [[Buenos Aires]].<ref name="dept-state"/> Uruguay's early 19th century history was shaped by ongoing fights between the [[United Kingdom|British]], [[Spanish Empire|Spanish]], [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese]], and colonial forces for dominance in the [[La Plata Basin|Platine region]].<ref name="dept-state"/> In 1806 and 1807, the [[British invasions of the Río de la Plata|British army attempted to seize Buenos Aires]] as part of the [[Napoleonic Wars]]. As a result, at the beginning of 1807, Montevideo was occupied by a 10,000-strong British force who held it, until the middle of the year, when they left to attack Buenos Aires. |
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===Independence struggle=== |
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[[File:Juan Manuel Blanes - El Juramento de los Treinta y Tres Orientales.jpg|thumb|The oath of the [[Thirty-Three Orientals]]]] |
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In 1811, [[José Gervasio Artigas]], who became Uruguay's national hero, launched a successful revolution against the [[Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata|Spanish authorities]], defeating them on May 18 at the [[Battle of Las Piedras]].<ref name="dept-state"/> |
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In 1813, the new government in Buenos Aires convened a constituent assembly, where Artigas emerged as a champion of federalism, demanding political and economic autonomy for each area, and for the [[Banda Oriental]] in particular.<ref name="loc-3">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/uruguay/3.htm |title=THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE, 1811-30 — Uruguay |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Library of Congress Country Studies |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> However, the assembly refused to seat the delegates from the Banda Oriental, and Buenos Aires pursued a system based on unitary centralism.<ref name="loc-3"/> |
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Consequently, Artigas broke with Buenos Aires and besieged Montevideo, taking the city in early 1815.<ref name="loc-3"/> Once the troops from Buenos Aires had withdrawn, the Banda Oriental appointed its first autonomous government.<ref name="loc-3"/> Artigas organized the [[Liga Federal|Federal League]] under his protection, consisting of six provinces, including four which are now part of Argentina.<ref name="loc-3"/> |
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In 1816 a force of 10,000 Portuguese troops invaded the Banda Oriental from Brazil and took Montevideo in January 1817.<ref name="loc-3"/> After nearly four more years of struggle, [[United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves|Portuguese Brazil]] annexed the Banda Oriental under the name of [[Cisplatina|Província Cisplatina]].<ref name="loc-3"/> The [[Brazilian Empire]] became independent from Portugal in 1822. In response to the annexation, the [[Thirty-Three Orientals]] led by [[Juan Antonio Lavalleja]] declared independence on August 25, 1825 supported by the [[United Provinces of the Río de la Plata]] (present-day Argentina).<ref name="dept-state"/> |
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This led to the 500-day [[Argentina-Brazil War]]. Neither side gained the upper hand, and in 1828 the [[1828 Treaty of Montevideo|Treaty of Montevideo]], fostered by the [[United Kingdom]], gave birth to Uruguay as an independent state. The nation's [[Constitution of Uruguay|first constitution]] was adopted on July 18, 1830.<ref name="dept-state"/> |
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===Blancos—Colorados conflicts=== |
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{{See|Uruguayan Civil War}} |
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[[File:Gral. Manuel Oribe y Viana.png|thumb|upright|[[Manuel Oribe]]]] |
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[[File:Caseros.jpg|thumb|left|[[Battle of Caseros]]]] |
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At the time of independence, Uruguay had an estimated population of just under 75,000.<ref name="loc-5">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/uruguay/5.htm |title=BEGINNINGS OF INDEPENDENT LIFE, 1830-52 — Uruguay |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Library of Congress Country Studies |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> The political scene in Uruguay became split between two parties, the conservative [[National Party (Uruguay)|Blancos]] (Whites), headed by [[Manuel Oribe]] and representing the agricultural interests of the countryside, and the liberal [[Colorado Party (Uruguay)|Colorados]] (Reds), led by [[Fructuoso Rivera]] and representing the business interests of Montevideo. The Uruguayan parties became associated with warring political factions in neighbouring Argentina. |
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The Colorados favored the exiled Argentinian liberal [[Unitarian Party|Unitarios]], many of whom had taken refuge in Montevideo, while the Blanco president [[Manuel Oribe]] was a close friend of the Argentinian ruler [[Manuel de Rosas]]. On June 15, 1838, an army led by the Colorado leader Rivera overthrew the president, who fled to Argentina.<ref name="loc-5"/> Rivera declared war on Rosas in 1839. The conflict would last thirteen years and become known as the [[Guerra Grande]] (the Great War).<ref name="loc-5"/> |
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In 1843 an Argentinian army overran Uruguay on Oribe's behalf, but failed to take the capital. The [[Uruguayan Civil War#The Great Siege|siege of Montevideo]], which began in February 1843, would last nine years and capture the world's imagination: [[Alexandre Dumas, père]] compared it to a new [[Trojan War]].<ref name="loc-6">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/uruguay/6.htm |title=The Great War, 1843-52 — Uruguay |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Library of Congress Country Studies |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> The besieged Uruguayans called on resident foreigners for help and a French and an Italian legion were formed, the latter led by the exiled [[Giuseppe Garibaldi]].<ref name="loc-6"/> |
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In 1845 Britain and France intervened against Rosas to restore normalcy to commerce in the region, but their efforts proved ineffective, and by 1849, tired of the war, both withdrew after signing a treaty favourable to Rosas.<ref name="loc-6"/> It appeared that Montevideo would finally fall, but an uprising against Rosas led by [[Justo José de Urquiza]], governor of Argentina's [[Entre Ríos Province]], and the Brazilian intervention in May 1851 on behalf of the Colorados, changed the situation, defeating Oribe. The siege of Montevideo was lifted, and the Guerra Grande finally came to an end.<ref name="loc-6"/> Montevideo rewarded Brazil's support by signing treaties that confirmed Brazil's right to intervene in Uruguay's internal affairs.<ref name="loc-6"/> |
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In accordance with the 1851 treaties, Brazil intervened militarily in Uruguay as often as it deemed necessary.<ref name="loc-7">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/uruguay/7.htm |title=THE STRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL, 1852-75 — Uruguay |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Library of Congress Country Studies |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> In 1865 the [[Treaty of the Triple Alliance|Triple Alliance]], formed by the [[emperor of Brazil]], the [[president of Argentina]], and the Colorado general [[Venancio Flores]], the Uruguayan head of government whom they both had helped to gain power, declared war on Paraguayan leader [[Francisco Solano López (politician)|Francisco Solano López]].<ref name="loc-7"/> The resulting [[War of the Triple Alliance]] ended with the invasion of Paraguay and its defeat by the armies of the three countries. Montevideo, which was used as a supply station by the Brazilian navy, experienced a period of prosperity and relative calm during the war.<ref name="loc-7"/> |
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The constitutional government of General [[Lorenzo Batlle y Grau]] (1868-72) was forced to suppress an insurrection led by the [[National Party (Uruguay)|National Party]].<ref name="loc-9"/> After two years of struggle, a peace agreement was signed in 1872 that gave the Blancos a share in the emoluments and functions of government, through control of four of the [[Departments of Uruguay|country's departments]].<ref name="loc-9">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/uruguay/9.htm |title=Caudillos and Political Stability — Uruguay |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Library of Congress Country Studies |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> This establishment of the policy of co-participation represented the search for a new formula of compromise, based on the coexistence of the party in power and the party in opposition.<ref name="loc-9"/> |
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Between 1875 and 1886 the military became the center of power.<ref name="loc-10">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/uruguay/10.htm |title=MODERN URUGUAY, 1875-1903 — Uruguay |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Library of Congress Country Studies |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> During this authoritarian period, the government took steps toward the organization of the country as a modern state and encouraged its economic and social transformation. Pressure groups, particularly businessmen, [[hacendado]]s, and industrialists, were organized and had a strong influence on government.<ref name="loc-10"/> A transition period (1886- 90) followed, during which politicians began recovering lost ground, and there was some civilian participation in government.<ref name="loc-10"/> |
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===Mass immigration and development=== |
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[[File:Idiarte borda.jpg|thumb|[[Juan Idiarte Borda]]]] |
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After the Guerra Grande there was a sharp rise in the number of immigrants, primarily from Italy and Spain. By 1879 the total population of the country was over 438,000.<ref name="loc-8">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/uruguay/8.htm |title=Evolution of the Economy and Society — Uruguay |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Library of Congress Country Studies |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> The economy saw a steep upswing, above all in livestock raising and export.<ref name="loc-8"/> Montevideo became a major economic centre of the region, becoming an [[entrepôt]] for goods from Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.<ref name="loc-8"/> |
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The Colorado leader [[José Batlle y Ordóñez]] was elected president in 1903.<ref name="loc-12">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/uruguay/12.htm |title=THE NEW COUNTRY, 1903-33 — Uruguay |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Library of Congress Country Studies |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> The following year the Blancos led a rural revolt, and eight bloody months of fighting ensued before their leader [[Aparicio Saraiva]] was killed in battle. Government forces emerged victorious, leading to the end of the co-participation politics that began in 1872.<ref name="loc-12"/> Batlle had two terms (1903–07 and 1911–15) in which, taking advantage of the nation’s stability and growing economic prosperity, he instituted major reforms such as a welfare program, government participation in many facets of the economy, and a plural executive.<ref name="dept-state"/> |
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[[Gabriel Terra]] became president in March 1931. His inauguration coincided with the effects of the [[Great Depression]].<ref name="loc-14">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/uruguay/14.htm |title=THE CONSERVATIVE ADJUSTMENT, 1931-43 — Uruguay |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Library of Congress Country Studies |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> The social climate became tense as a result of the lack of jobs. There were confrontations in which police and leftists died.<ref name="loc-14"/> In 1933 Terra organized a coup d'état, dissolving the General Assembly and governing by decree.<ref name="loc-14"/> A new constitution was promulgated in 1934, transferring powers to the president.<ref name="loc-14"/> In general, the Terra government weakened or neutralized economic nationalism and social reform.<ref name="loc-14"/> |
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In 1938 general elections were held, and Terra's brother-in-law, General [[Alfredo Baldomir]], was elected president. Under pressure from organized labor and the National Party, Baldomir advocated free elections, freedom of the press, and a new constitution.<ref name="loc-15">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/uruguay/15.htm |title=Baldomir and the End of Dictatorship — Uruguay |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Library of Congress Country Studies |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> Although Baldomir declared Uruguay neutral in 1939, British warships and the German ship [[German cruiser Admiral Graf Spee|Admiral Graf Spee]] [[Battle of the River Plate|fought a battle]] not far off Uruguay's coast.<ref name="loc-15"/> Admiral Graf Spee took refuge in [[Montevideo]], claiming sanctuary in a neutral port, but was later ordered out.<ref name="loc-15"/> Uruguay would drop its policy of neutrality and join the Allies only in 1945. |
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In the late 1950s, partly because of a decrease in demand in the world market for agricultural products, Uruguayans suffered from a steep drop in the standard of living, leading to student militancy and labor unrest. An urban guerrilla movement known as the [[Tupamaros]] emerged, first engaging in activities such as robbing banks and distributing the proceeds to the poor, in addition to attempting political dialogue. As the government banned their political activities and the police became more oppressive, the Tupamaros took up overtly armed struggle.<ref>Scott Myers, ''Los Años Oscuros 1967-1987''Editorial Latina 1997.</ref>{{Verify source|date=February 2011}} |
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President [[Jorge Pacheco Areco|Jorge Pacheco]] declared a state of emergency in 1968, followed by a further suspension of civil liberties in 1972. In 1973, amid increasing economic and political turmoil, the armed forces closed the Congress and established a civilian-military regime.<ref name="dept-state"/> Around 180 Uruguayans are known to have been killed during the 12-year military rule from 1973–1985. <ref>{{cite news |first= |last= |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=New find in Uruguay 'missing' dig. |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/4494286.stm |quote= |work=[[BBC News]] |year=2005 |accessdate=2011-02-04 }}</ref> Most were killed in Argentina and other neighbouring countries, with only 36 of them having been killed in Uruguay. <ref>{{cite news |first= |last= |authorlink= |coauthors= |title=Uruguay dig finds 'disappeared'. |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4485288.stm |quote= |work=[[BBC News]] |year=2005 |accessdate=2011-02-04 }}</ref> |
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===Return to democracy=== |
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[[File:Batlle1.jpg|thumb|Then-president [[Jorge Batlle]] with [[George H.W. Bush]]]] |
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A new constitution drafted by the military was rejected in a November 1980 plebiscite.<ref name="dept-state"/> Following the plebiscite, the armed forces announced a plan for return to civilian rule, and national elections were held in 1984.<ref name="dept-state"/> [[Colorado Party (Uruguay)|Colorado Party]] leader [[Julio María Sanguinetti]] won the presidency and served from 1985 to 1990. The first Sanguinetti administration implemented economic reforms and consolidated democracy following the country's years under military rule.<ref name="dept-state"/> |
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The National Party's [[Luis Alberto Lacalle]] won the 1989 presidential election, former President Sanguinetti ran a new term from 1995 until March 2000. Both carried on with the economic structural reforms initiated after the reinstatement of democracy; other important reforms were aimed at improving the electoral system, social security, education, and public safety. |
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The 1999 national elections were held under a new electoral system established by a 1996 constitutional amendment. Colorado Party candidate [[Jorge Batlle]], aided by the support of the National Party, defeated [[Broad Front (Uruguay)|Broad Front]] candidate [[Tabaré Vázquez]]. The formal coalition ended in November 2002, when the Blancos withdrew their ministers from the cabinet,<ref name="dept-state"/> although the Blancos continued to support the Colorados on most issues. Low commodity prices and economic difficulties in Uruguay's main export markets, first in Brazil with the devaluation of the [[Brazilian real|real]] then in [[Argentine economic crisis (1999–2002)|Argentina in 2002]], caused a severe recession: the economy contracted by 11%, unemployment climbed to 21% and the percentage of Uruguayans in poverty went over 30%.<ref name="cong-r"/> |
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In 2004 Uruguayans elected Tabaré Vázquez as president, while giving the Broad Front a majority in both houses of Parliament. Vázquez stuck to economic orthodoxy: as commodity prices soared and the economy recoiled from recession, he tripled foreign investment, cut poverty and unemployment, cut public debt from 79% of GDP to 60% and kept inflation steady.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.economist.com/node/14700728 |title=The mystery behind Mujica's mask |author= |date=Oct 22nd 2009 |work= |publisher=The Economist |accessdate=24 February 2011}}</ref> |
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In 2009 [[José Mujica]], a former left-wing militant who spent almost 15 years in prison during the country's military rule, emerged as the new President as the Broad Front won the election for a second time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8385092.stm |title=Uruguay elects Jose Mujica as president, polls show |author= |date=30 November 2009 |work= |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=24 February 2011}}</ref> |
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==Politics== |
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{{Main|Politics of Uruguay}} |
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[[File:Palacio Legislativo.JPG|thumb|Legislative Palace, Montevideo]] |
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Uruguay is a multiparty [[presidential system|presidential]] [[representative democracy|representative democratic]] [[republic]]. The [[President of Uruguay|president]], who is both the [[head of state]] and the [[head of government]], is elected by [[popular vote]] for a five-year term, with the vice president elected on the same ticket. Thirteen [[cabinet (government)|cabinet]] ministers, appointed by the president, head various [[executive (government)|executive]] departments. |
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The [[General Assembly of Uruguay|General Assembly]] has two [[bicameralism|chambers]]: the [[Chamber of Representatives of Uruguay|Chamber of Deputies]], of 99 members, elected for a five year term by [[proportional representation]], and the [[Senate of Uruguay|Chamber of Senators]] of 31 members; 30 of which are elected for a five year term by [[proportional representation]] and the Vice-president who presides over it. |
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The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land. Its judges are elected for 10-year terms by the General Assembly. Below the Supreme Court are appellate and lower courts, as well as justices of the peace. There are also electoral and administrative ("contentious") courts, an accounts court, and a military justice system. |
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Uruguay adopted its [[Constitution of Uruguay#Sixth Constitution (1967 - 1997)|current constitution]] in 1967. Many of its provisions were suspended in 1973 but re-established in 1985. The [[Constitution of Uruguay|Uruguayan Constitution]] allows citizens to repeal laws or to change the constitution by [[referendum]]. During the last 15 years the method has been used several times; to confirm a law renouncing prosecution of members of the military who violated human rights during the military regime (1973–1985), to stop privatization of public utilities companies, to defend pensioners' incomes, and to protect water resources.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/22/world/americas/22iht-bolivia.html |title=Latins' backlash drives off investors |author= |date=February 23, 2005 |work= |publisher=New York Times |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> |
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For most of Uruguay's history, the [[Colorado Party (Uruguay)|Partido Colorado]] has been the government. The other "traditional" party of Uruguay, [[National Party (Uruguay)|Partido Blanco]] has ruled only twice. The elections of 2004, however, brought the [[Broad Front (Uruguay)|Frente Amplio]], a coalition of socialists, communists, [[Tupamaros]], former communists and [[Social democracy|social democrats]] among others to govern with majorities in both houses of parliament and the election of President [[Tabaré Vázquez]] by an absolute majority.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fcs.edu.uy/pri/en |title=Politics and International Relations Data Bank at the Social Science School at the Universidad de la República (Uruguay) |publisher=Fcs.edu.uy |date= |accessdate=2010-06-26}} {{Dead link|date=November 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> |
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A 2010 [[Latinobarómetro]] poll found that within Latin America, Uruguayans are among the most supportive of democracy, and by far the most satisfied with the way democracy works in their country.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.economist.com/node/17627929 |title=The democratic routine |author= |date=Dec 2nd 2010 |work= |publisher=The Economist |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> Uruguay ranked 27th in [[Freedom House]]'s "[[Freedom in the World]]" index. According to the [[Economist Intelligence Unit]] in 2008, Uruguay scores an 8.08 in the [[Democracy Index]], located in the 23rd position among the 30 countries considered to be Full Democracies in the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://a330.g.akamai.net/7/330/25828/20081021185552/graphics.eiu.com/PDF/Democracy%20Index%202008.pdf |title=The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Index of Democracy 2008|format=PDF |date= |accessdate=2010-06-26}}</ref> Uruguay ranks 24th in the World [[Corruption Perceptions Index]] composed by [[Transparency International]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.transparency.org/policy_research/surveys_indices/cpi/2010/results |title=Transparency International – the global coalition against corruption |publisher=Transparency.org |date=2010-11-10 |accessdate=2010-12-02}}</ref> |
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===Foreign relations=== |
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{{main|Foreign relations of Uruguay}} |
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[[File:LulaMujica.JPG|thumb|Uruguay's president [[José Mujica]] with the former President of Brazil [[Lula da Silva]]]] |
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In November 2010 Uruguay ratified the [[Unasur Constitutive Treaty]], becoming the ninth (out of 12) nation to do so. The treaty was written in 2008 to come into force 30 days after the date of receipt of the ninth instrument of ratification.<ref name=businessweek.com>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-11-26/unasur-pledges-to-isolate-coup-regimes-fight-drug-trafficking.html |title=Unasur Pledges to Isolate Coup Regimes, Fight Drug Trafficking — BusinessWeek |publisher=businessweek.com |date=2010-11-26 |accessdate=2010-12-24}}</ref> |
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Argentina is, along with Brazil, Uruguay's most important trading partner: imports from Argentina accounted for 20% of the total in 2009.<ref name="cia"/> Since bilateral relations with Argentina are considered a priority, Uruguay denies clearance to [[Falkland Islands]] bound British naval vessel to call in Uruguayan territory for supplies and fuel.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.mercopress.com/2010/09/24/uruguay-marks-distance-from-argentina-uk-does-not-come-to-plunder-resources |title=Uruguay marks distance from Argentina: UK does not come to plunder resourcesMercoPress |author= |date=September 24th 2010 |work= |publisher= |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> A rivalry between the port of Montevideo and the port of Buenos Aires, dating back to the times of the Spanish Empire, has been described as a "port war". In 2010 officials of both countries emphasized on the need to end this rivalry in the name of regional integration.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.mercopress.com/2010/11/20/mujica-praises-argentina-uruguay-common-past-calls-for-an-end-to-ports-war |title=Mujica praises Argentina/Uruguay common past; calls for an end to ‘ports’ war’ |author= |date=November 20th 2010 |work= |publisher=MercoPress |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> |
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The construction of a controversial pulp paper mill in 2007 on the Uruguayan side of the [[Uruguay River]] caused protests in Argentina over fears that it would pollute the environment, leading to diplomatic tensions between the two countries.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7089226.stm BBC News: Argentines in pulp mill protest (11 Nov 2007)]</ref> The ensuing [[Pulp mill dispute between Argentina and Uruguay]] remained a subject of controversy into 2010, particularly after ongoing reports of growing water contamination in the area that were later proved to be sewage discharge from the actual town [[Gualeguaychú]] itself.<ref>[http://www.lafraybentina.com.uy/act/1-1/443-las-mentiras-tienen-patas-cortas ''La Fraybentina'': Las mentiras tienen patas cortas (01 Mar 2010) {{es}}]</ref><ref>[http://www.clarin.com/diario/2010/02/22/um/m-02145337.htm ''Clarín'': Hay 115 casos de dermatitis en un balneario ubicado frente a Botnia (22 Feb 2010) {{es}}]</ref> In November 2010 Uruguay and Argentina announced they had reached a final agreement for the joint environmental monitoring of the pulp mill.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.mercopress.com/2010/11/15/uruguay-and-argentina-implement-scientific-accord-for-joint-monitoring |title=Uruguay and Argentina implement “scientific” accord for joint monitoring |author= |date=15th November 2010 |work= |publisher=MercoPress |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> |
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Brazil and Uruguay have signed cooperation agreements on defence, science, technology, energy, river transportation and fishing, with the hope of accelerating political and economic integration between these two neighbouring countries.<ref>[http://ontheroadtofindout.com/2010/07/brazil-and-uruguay-step-closer-to-integration/ Brazil and Uruguay step closer to integration]</ref> |
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Uruguay has enjoyed friendly relations with the United States since its transition back to democracy.<ref name="cong-r">{{cite web |url=http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/137274.pdf |title=Uruguay: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations |author=Peter J. Meyer |date=January 4, 2010 |work= |publisher=Congressional Research Service |accessdate=24 February 2011}}</ref> Commercial ties between Uruguay and the United States have expanded substantially in recent years, with the countries signing a bilateral investment treaty in 2004 and a [[Trade and Investment Framework Agreement]] in January 2007.<ref name="cong-r"/> The United States and Uruguay have also cooperated on military matters, with both countries playing significant roles in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti.<ref name="cong-r"/> |
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President Mujica backs [[Venezuela]]’s bid to join [[Mercosur]] and supports the Venezuelan Economy Minister [[Ali Rodriguez]] to become general secretary of [[UNASUR]], a position previously held by [[Nestor Kirchner]]. Venezuela has a deal to sell Uruguay up to 40,000 barrels of oil a day under preferential terms.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.mercopress.com/2011/01/27/chavez-and-mujica-meet-and-sign-numerous-bilateral-agreements |title=Chavez and Mujica Meet and Sign Numerous Bilateral Agreements |author= |date=January 27th 2011 |work= |publisher=MercoPress |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> |
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In December 2010 an Uruguayan, Major General Gloodtdofsky, was appointed Chief Military Observer and head of the [[United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.mercopress.com/2010/12/23/uruguayan-major-general-appointed-head-of-un-mission-in-india-and-pakistan |title=Uruguayan Major General appointed head of UN mission in India and Pakistan |author= |date=December 23rd 2010 |work= |publisher=MercoPress |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> Uruguay will officially recognize a [[Palestinian state]] in March 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.mercopress.com/2011/02/02/uruguay-will-officially-recognize-a-palestinian-state-next-march |title=Uruguay will officially recognize a Palestinian state next March |author= |date=February 2nd 2011 |work= |publisher=MercoPress |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> |
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===Military=== |
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{{main|Military of Uruguay}} |
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The armed forces are constitutionally subordinate to the president through the minister of defense.<ref name="dept-state"/> The armed forces personnel count is about 14,500 for the army, 6,000 for the [[National Navy of Uruguay|navy]], and 3,000 for the [[Uruguayan Air Force|air force]].<ref name="dept-state"/> Enlistment is voluntary in peacetime, but the government has the authority to conscript in emergencies.<ref name="cia"/> Uruguay ranks first in the world on a per capita basis for its contributions to UN [[peacekeeping]] forces, with 2,513 soldiers and officers in 10 UN peacekeeping missions.<ref name="dept-state"/> As of February 2010, Uruguay had 1,136 military personnel deployed to Haiti in support of [[MINUSTAH]] and 1,360 deployed in support of [[MONUC]] in the Congo.<ref name="dept-state"/> |
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Since May 2009, gays are allowed to serve openly in the military, after the Defence Minister signed a decree stating that military recruitment policy would no longer discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation.<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/13/uruguay-to-lift-ban-on-ga_n_203004.html Uruguay To Lift Ban On Gays In The Military]</ref> In the fiscal year 2010, the United States provided Uruguay with $1.7 million in military assistance, including $1 million in [[Foreign Military Financing]] and $480,000 in [[International Military Education and Training]].<ref name="cong-r"/> |
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==Administrative divisions== |
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{{main|Administrative divisions of Uruguay}} |
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Uruguay consists of nineteen [[Department (country subdivision)|departments]] ({{lang|es|''departamentos''}}, singular {{lang|es|"''departamento''"}}). The first departments were formed in 1816 and the newest, Flores, dates from 1885. The departments are governed by an ''intendente municipal'' who is elected for five years, The members of the Departmental Assembly ({{lang|es|''Junta Departamental''}}) form the legislative level of the department. |
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[[File:Departments of Uruguay (map).png|thumb|300px|Map of the departments of Uruguay]] |
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{| class="wikitable sortable" |
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! align=center | Department || Capital || Area (km²) || Population (30 June 2010) |
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|- |
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|[[Artigas Department|Artigas]] || [[Artigas, Uruguay|Artigas]] || {{formatnum:11928}} || {{formatnum:79270}} |
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|- |
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|[[Canelones Department|Canelones]] || [[Canelones]] || {{formatnum:4536}} || {{formatnum:525980}} |
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|- |
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|[[Cerro Largo Department|Cerro Largo]] || [[Melo]] || {{formatnum:13648}} || {{formatnum:90883}} |
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|- |
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|[[Colonia Department|Colonia]] || [[Colonia del Sacramento]] || {{formatnum:6106}} || {{formatnum:120894}} |
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|- |
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|[[Durazno Department|Durazno]] || [[Durazno]] || {{formatnum:11643}} || {{formatnum:62155}} |
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|- |
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|[[Flores Department|Flores]] || [[Trinidad, Uruguay|Trinidad]] || {{formatnum:5144}} || {{formatnum:25726}} |
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|- |
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|[[Florida Department|Florida]] || [[Florida, Uruguay|Florida]] || {{formatnum:10417}} || {{formatnum:70811}} |
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|[[Lavalleja Department|Lavalleja]] || [[Minas, Uruguay|Minas]] || {{formatnum:10016}} || {{formatnum:61994}} |
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|- |
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|[[Maldonado Department|Maldonado]] || [[Maldonado, Uruguay|Maldonado]] || {{formatnum:4793}} || {{formatnum:152523}} |
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|- |
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|[[Montevideo Department|Montevideo]] || [[Montevideo]] || {{formatnum:530}} || {{formatnum:1336878}} |
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|[[Paysandú Department|Paysandú]] || [[Paysandú]] || {{formatnum:13922}} || {{formatnum:116387}} |
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|- |
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|[[Río Negro Department|Río Negro]] || [[Fray Bentos]] || {{formatnum:9282}} || {{formatnum:56513}} |
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|- |
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|[[Rivera Department|Rivera]] || [[Rivera]] || {{formatnum:9370}} || {{formatnum:112084}} |
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|[[Rocha Department|Rocha]] || [[Rocha, Uruguay|Rocha]] || {{formatnum:10551}} || {{formatnum:70374}} |
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|[[Salto Department|Salto]] || [[Salto (Uruguay)|Salto]] || {{formatnum:14163}} || {{formatnum:128669}} |
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|- |
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|[[San José Department|San José]] || [[San José de Mayo]] || {{formatnum:4992}} || {{formatnum:110714}} |
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|- |
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|[[Soriano Department|Soriano]] || [[Mercedes, Uruguay|Mercedes]] || {{formatnum:9008}} || {{formatnum:88449}} |
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|- |
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|[[Tacuarembó Department|Tacuarembó]] || [[Tacuarembó]] || {{formatnum:15438}} || {{formatnum:96783}} |
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|- |
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|[[Treinta y Tres Department|Treinta y Tres]] || [[Treinta y Tres]] || {{formatnum:9529}} || {{formatnum:49497}} |
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|- |
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! Total¹ || — || {{formatnum:175016}} || {{formatnum:3356584}} |
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|} |
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*¹<small>[http://www.ine.gub.uy/mapas/definiciones%20para%20web.pdf Sin incluir la suma de los lagos artificiales del Río Negro (1.199 km²).]</small> |
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*<small>[http://www.ine.gub.uy/socio-demograficos/demograficos2008.aspf Fuente: I.N.E. Uruguay]</small> |
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==Geography== |
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{{Main|Geography of Uruguay}} |
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{{see also|Geology of Uruguay}} |
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[[File:Uruguay T2.png|thumb|upright|Satellite image of Uruguay.]] |
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At {{convert|176214|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on|lk=on}} of continental land {{convert|142199|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on|lk=on}} of jurisdictional water and small river islands,<ref name=encifras>{{cite web |format=PDF |language=Spanish |publisher=National Institute of Statistics |title=Uruguay in Numbers |url=http://www.ine.gub.uy/biblioteca/uruguayencifras2006/Territorio%20y%20medio%20ambiente.pdf }}</ref> Uruguay is the second smallest sovereign nation in South America (after [[Suriname]]) and the third smallest territory ([[French Guiana]] is the smallest). The landscape features mostly rolling plains and low hill ranges (''cuchillas'') with a fertile coastal lowland. The country lies on the Equator. |
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A dense fluvial network covers the country, consisting of four river basins or deltas; the Río de la Plata, the Uruguay River, the [[Lagoa Mirim|Laguna Merín]] and the Río Negro. The major internal river is the [[Río Negro (Uruguay)|Río Negro]] ('black river'). Several [[lagoon]]s are found along the Atlantic coast. |
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The highest point in the country is the [[Cerro Catedral (Uruguay)|Cerro Catedral]] at {{convert|514|m|ft|0}} in the ''Sierra Carapé'' hill range. To the southwest is the Río de Plata, the estuary of the Uruguay River, which forms the western border, and the [[Paraná River]]. |
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A longstanding border dispute with Brazil involving territory in the north of Uruguay has not harmed close diplomatic relations with Brazil in years. |
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Montevideo is the southernmost capital city in the Americas, and the third most southerly in the world (only [[Canberra]] and [[Wellington]] are further south). |
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===Climate=== |
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{{Main|Climate of Uruguay}} |
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[[File:Maldonado desde la Barra.jpg|thumb|[[Maldonado Department|Maldonado]] bay]] |
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Located entirely within the temperate zone, Uruguay has a climate that is fairly uniform nationwide.<ref name="loc-27">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/uruguay/27.htm |title=Climate — Uruguay |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Library of Congress Country Studies |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> Seasonal variations are pronounced, but extremes in temperature are rare.<ref name="loc-27"/> As would be expected by its abundance of water, high humidity and fog are common.<ref name="loc-27"/> The absence of mountains, which act as weather barriers, makes all locations vulnerable to high winds and rapid changes in weather as fronts or storms sweep across the country.<ref name="loc-27"/> Frost is almost unknown along the coast.<ref name="britannica"/> Both summer and winter weather may vary from day to day with the passing of storm fronts; a hot northerly wind may occasionally be followed by a cold wind ([[Pampero Winds|pampero]]) from the Argentine [[Pampas]].<ref name="britannica"/> |
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Uruguay has neither a decidedly dry nor a [[rainy season]]: rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, and annual amounts increase from southeast to northwest.<ref name="loc-27"/><ref name="britannica"/> The heaviest precipitation occurs during the autumn months, although more frequent rains occur in winter.<ref name="britannica"/> The mean annual precipitation is generally greater than 40 inches (1,000 mm), decreasing with distance from the sea coast, and is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year.<ref name="britannica"/> |
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The average temperature for the midwinter month of July varies from {{convert|12|C|F}} at [[Salto, Uruguay|Salto]] in the northern interior to {{convert|10|C|F}} at Montevideo in the south.<ref name="britannica"/> The midsummer month of January varies from a warm average of {{convert|26|C|F}} at Salto to {{convert|22|C|F}} at Montevideo.<ref name="britannica"/> National extreme temperatures at sea level are, Paysandú city 44.0°C (01-20-1943) and [[Melo]] city −11.0°C (06-14-1967).<ref>[http://www.rau.edu.uy/uruguay/geografia/records.txt RECORDS METEOROLOGICOS EN EL URUGUAY — Boletín Meteorológico Mensual - Dirección Nacional de Meteorología]</ref> |
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==Economy== |
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{{Main|Economy of Uruguay}} |
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[[File:Wtcmdeo.jpg|thumb|[[World Trade Center Montevideo]]]] |
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Uruguay experienced a major economic and financial crisis between 1999 and 2002, principally a spillover effects of the [[Argentine economic crisis (1999–2002)|economic problems of Argentina]].<ref name="cong-r"/> The economy contracted by 11% and unemployment climbed to 21%.<ref name="cong-r"/> Despite the severity of the trade shocks, Uruguay's financial indicators remained more stable than those of its neighbours, a reflection of its solid reputation among investors and its [[investment-grade]] [[sovereign bond]] rating, one of only two in South America.<ref>[http://gosouthamerica.about.com/library/blUrurfactpage.htm About.com: Go South America], based on information from the [[CIA World Factbook]].</ref> |
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In 2004 the Vázquez government signed a three-year, $1.1 billion stand-by arrangement with the [[International Monetary Fund]], committing the country to a substantial primary fiscal surplus, low inflation, considerable reductions in external debt, and several structural reforms designed to improve competitiveness and attract foreign investment.<ref name="cong-r"/> Uruguay terminated the agreement in 2006 following the early repayment of its debt, but maintained a number of the policy commitments.<ref name="cong-r"/> |
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Vázquez also created a ministry of Social Development and sought to reduce the country’s poverty rate with a $240 million National Plan to Address the Social Emergency (PANES), that provided a monthly [[conditional cash transfer]] of approximately $75 to over 100,000 households in extreme poverty. In exchange, those receiving the benefits were required to participate in community work and ensure that their children attended school daily and had regular health checkups.<ref name="cong-r"/> |
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In 2005 Uruguay was the first exporter of software in South America.<ref>Diego Stewart, [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BEK/is_5_13/ai_n13699159 Building out: Uruguay exports architectural services to India and Latin America]," in ''Latin Trade'', May 2005. Retrieved August 11, 2007.</ref> The [[Broad Front (Uruguay)|Frente Amplio]] government, while continuing payments on Uruguay's external debt,<ref>Michael Fox, [http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?ItemID=13102 Uruguay's Frente Amplio: From Revolution to Dilution], June 19, 2007. Retrieved August 11, 2007.</ref> also undertook an emergency plan to attack the widespread problems of poverty and unemployment.<ref name="BBC-profile">{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/country_profiles/1229360.stm |title=Uruguay Country Profile |author= |date= |work= |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> |
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Between the years 2007 and 2009, Uruguay was the only country in the Americas which did not technically experience a recession (two consecutive quarters of retraction).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://business.globaltimes.cn/world/2009-09/468924.html |title=Global Times – Uruguay to tide over crisis with no recession |publisher=Business.globaltimes.cn |date=2009-09-17 |accessdate=2010-12-02}}</ref> In October 2010, the unemployment rate was down to 6.2%,<ref>[http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20101203-711610.html Uruguay October Unemployment Edges Down To 6.2% – WSJ.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> causing a rise in inflationary pressures.<ref name="mp-imf-2010"/> Uruguay's GDP expanded by 10.4% for the first half of 2010.<ref>{{cite web|last=Faries |first=Bill |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-15/uruguay-s-gdp-rose-10-4-in-second-quarter-from-year-before-on-transport.html |title=Uruguay's GDP Rose 10.4% in Second Quarter From Year Before on Transport |publisher=Bloomberg |date=2010-09-15 |accessdate=2010-12-02}}</ref> According to IMF estimates, Uruguay is likely to achieve growth in real GDP between 8% and 8.5% in 2010, followed by 5% growth in 2011 and 4% in subsequent years.<ref name="mp-imf-2010">{{cite web |url=http://en.mercopress.com/2010/12/17/imf-anticipates-soft-landing-of-uruguay-s-economy-in-next-two-years |title=IMF anticipates ‘soft-landing’ of Uruguay’s economy in next two years |author= |date=December 17th 2010 |work= |publisher= |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> The gross [[public sector debt]] contracted in the second quarter of 2010 after five consecutive periods of sustained increase, reaching 21.885 billion US dollars, equivalent to 59.5% of the GDP.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.mercopress.com/2010/10/04/uruguay-s-debt-gdp-ratio-down-after-five-quarters-running-increases |title=Uruguay’s debt/GDP ratio down after five quarters running increases |author= |date= |work= |publisher=MercoPress |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> |
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===Agriculture=== |
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{{Main|Agriculture in Uruguay}} |
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In 2010, Uruguay's export-oriented agricultural sector contributed to 9.3% of the GDP, and employed a similar share of the workforce.<ref name="cia"/> Official statistics from Uruguay's Agriculture and Livestock ministry indicate that meat and sheep farming is Uruguay occupy 59.6% of the land; the percentage further increases to 82.4% when cattle breeding are linked to other farm activities such as dairies, forage and rotation with crops such as rice.<ref name="mp-aigri">{{cite web |url=http://en.mercopress.com/2007/07/30/uruguay-has-3-8-cattle-per-capita-highest-in-the-world |title=Uruguay has 3.8 cattle per capita, highest in the world |author= |date=July 30th 2007 |work= |publisher= |accessdate=24 February 2011}}</ref> |
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Most farms are family managed (25,500 out of 39,120), beef and wool represents the main activity and the main source of income for 65% of them, followed by vegetable farming, 12%; dairy farming 11%; hogs 2% and poultry 2%.<ref name="mp-aigri"/> Beef is the main export commodity of the country, totalling over a billion US dollars in 2006.<ref name="mp-aigri"/> |
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In 2007 Uruguay had a cattle herd of 12 million head, making it the country with the highest number of cattle per capita, 3.8.<ref name="mp-aigri"/> However 54% of the total number of cattle is in the hands of 11% of farmers who have a minimum of 500 head; on the other extreme, 38% of farmers, exploit small lots and have on average cattle herds below a hundred head.<ref name="mp-aigri"/> |
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===Transportation=== |
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{{Main|Transport in Uruguay}} |
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[[File:Uruguay vehicle registration plate.jpg|thumb|The current [[Vehicle registration plates of Uruguay|Uruguayan vehicle registration plate]] design was introduced in the 2000s. The departments previously issued their own plates, each with a unique design.]] |
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Paved roads connect Montevideo to other urban centers in the country, the main highways leading to the border and neighboring cities. Numerous unpaved roads connect farms and small towns. Overland trade has increased markedly since [[Mercosur]] (Southern Common Market) was formed in the 1990s. Most of the country’s domestic freight and passenger service is by road rather than rail. |
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The basic [[Rail transport in Uruguay|railroad network]], purchased from the British after [[World War I]], is outdated and no longer in use except for a small line that runs from Montevideo to San José passing through the cities of Las Piedras and Canelones (as of February 2009). |
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Oceangoing ships call mainly at Montevideo. Vessels of various sizes navigate the inland waters, and a hydrofoil service connects Buenos Aires and both Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento across the Río de la Plata. |
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A modern international airport lies near the Carrasco beach resort some {{convert|11|mi|km|abbr=off}} from downtown Montevideo. There are direct flights to Spain (Iberia to Madrid) and the USA (American Airlines to Miami). Many other airlines from South America are opening (or re-opening) routes to Montevideo following privatisation and substantial investment in the airport. This now has a longer runway allowing intercontinental flights and an award winning new terminal building). The partly government-owned airline, Primeras Líneas Uruguayas de Navegación Aérea ([[PLUNA]]), has a modern fleet and links Montevideo with a number of cities in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Paraguay. |
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===Telecommunications=== |
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{{Main|Communications in Uruguay}} |
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Telecommunications in Uruguay are more developed than in most other Latin American countries, being the first country in the Americas to achieve complete digital telephony coverage in 1997. The telephone system is completely digitized and has very good coverage of all the country. The system is government-owned, and since the 1990s there have been controversial proposals to privatize it, or at least to sell some of its shares, which have been voted against by the people, the exception being the mobile phone market, shared by the state owned company [[Ancel]], and two private companies, [[Movistar]] and [[Claro (mobile phone network)|Claro]]. |
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==Demographics== |
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{{See|Uruguayan people|Demographics of Uruguay}} |
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<div style="font-size: 90%"> |
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{| class="wikitable" style="border:1px black; float:right; margin-left:1em;" |
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|- |
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! style="background:#f99;" colspan="2"|Colour/Race (self-reported, 2008)<ref name="ine-anc"/> |
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|- |
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| White || 95.4% |
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|- |
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| [[Afro-Uruguayan|Black/African]] || 3.4% |
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|- |
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| [[Indigenous peoples in South America|Indigenous]] || 1.1% |
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|- |
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| [[Asian Latin American|Asian/Amarillo]] ||0.1% |
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|} |
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</div> |
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Uruguayans are of predominantly European origin: an estimated 88% of the population is of [[European ethnic groups|European descent]].<ref name="cia"/> A 2008 survey by the [[Instituto Nacional de Estadística]] of Uruguay requesting the respondent to self-report their predominant ancestry (only one choice was allowed) found that 95.4% reported a predominant [[white people|white]] ancestry, 3.4% Black or African, 1.1% Indigenous and 0.1% Asian or Amarillo ("yellow").<ref name="ine-anc">{{cite web|url=http://www.ine.gub.uy/anda/ddibrowser/?id=11§ion=variable&varid=V432 |title=Encuesta Continua de Hogares 2008 — Ascendencia principal declarada |format= |date= |publisher=Instituto Nacional de Estadística |accessdate=2010-12-02}}</ref> |
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Most Uruguayans of European ancestry are descendants of 19th- and 20th-century immigrants from Spain and Italy (about one-quarter of the population is of Italian origin)<ref name="dept-state"/> and, to a much lesser degree, from France and Britain.<ref name="britannica"/> Earlier settlers had migrated from Argentina and Paraguay.<ref name="britannica"/> Few direct descendants of Uruguay’s indigenous peoples remain, and [[mestizos]] account for less than one-tenth of the population.<ref name="britannica"/> Blacks and [[mulattoes]] make up an even smaller proportion of the total.<ref name="britannica"/> |
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The rates of birth and population growth in Uruguay are much lower than in other Latin American countries.<ref name="britannica"/> As a result of the low birth rate, high life expectancy, and relatively high rate of emigration of younger people, Uruguay's population is quite mature,<ref name="dept-state"/> with about one-fourth of the population being less than 15 years old, and about one-sixth aged 60 and older.<ref name="britannica"/> |
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From 1963 to 1985, an estimated 320,000 Uruguayans emigrated.<ref name="loc-30">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/uruguay/30.htm |title=Population — Uruguay |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Library of Congress Country Studies |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> By far the most popular destination for Uruguayan emigrants was Argentina, followed by the United States, Australia, Spain, Brazil, and Venezuela.<ref name="loc-30"/> In 2009, for the first time in 44 years, the country saw a positive migration influx. 3,825 residence permits were awarded in 2009, compared with 1,216 in 2005.<ref name="bbc-secret"/> 50% of new legal residents come from Argentina and Brazil. A migration law passed in 2008 gives immigrants the same rights and opportunities that nationals have, with the requisite of proving a monthly income of $650.<ref name="bbc-secret">{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11397130 |title=Uruguay: South America's best-kept secret? |author= |date=3 October 2010 |work= |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=24 February 2011}}</ref> |
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Metropolitan Montevideo, with about 1.3 million inhabitants, is the only large city; the rest of the urban population lives in about 20 towns.<ref name="dept-state"/> Uruguay is less densely populated than Argentina and Brazil; however, the neighbouring regions of southern Brazil and northeastern Argentina have roughly comparable population densities.<ref name="britannica"/> |
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===Religion=== |
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{{Main|Religion in Uruguay}} |
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{{bar box |
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|title=Religion in Uruguay (2008)<ref name="ine-rel"/> |
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|titlebar=#ddd |
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|left1='''Religion''' |
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|right1='''Percent''' |
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|float=right |
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|bars= |
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{{bar percent|[[Roman Catholic]]|lightblue|45.7}} |
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{{bar percent|Non-Catholic [[Christian]]|darkblue|9.0}} |
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{{bar percent|[[Nonsectarian]] believers|orange|30.1}} |
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{{bar percent|[[Atheist]] or [[Agnostic]]|yellow|14.0}} |
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{{bar percent|Other|black|1.2}} |
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}} |
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Uruguay has no official religion and church and state are officially separated;<ref name="dept-state"/> [[religious freedom]] is guaranteed. A 2008 survey by the [[Instituto Nacional de Estadística]] of Uruguay had Catholicism as the main religion, with 45.7% of the population, 9.0% are non-Catholic Christians, 0.6% are [[Animists]] or [[Umbanda|Umbandists]] (an [[Afro-Brazilian]] religion) and 0.4% Jewish. 30.1% reported believing in a God, but not belonging to any religion, while 14% were [[Atheist]] or [[Agnostic]].<ref name="ine-rel">{{cite web|url=http://www.ine.gub.uy/anda/ddibrowser/?id=11§ion=variable&varid=V157 |title=Encuesta Continua de Hogares 2008 — Religion |format= |date= |publisher=Instituto Nacional de Estadística |accessdate=2010-12-02}}</ref> Among the sizeable [[Armenians|Armenian]] community in Montevideo, the dominant religion is Christianity, specifically, [[Armenian Apostolic]].<ref>{{cite web|author=1/0 Technology Corp. – Paul R. Williams,John BUDDAY Running |url=http://www.agbu.org/publications/article.asp?A_ID=533 |title=Armenian General Benevolent Union – Publications |publisher=Agbu.org |date= |accessdate=2010-12-02}}</ref> |
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Since the majority of Uruguayans do not actively practice a religion, political observers consider Uruguay the most secular country in the Americas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.morris.umn.edu/academic/laas/Uruguay.html |title=UMM | Latin American Area Studies – Countries |publisher=Morris.umn.edu |date=2009-08-27 |accessdate=2010-06-26}}</ref> Uruguay's secularization began with the relatively minor role of the church in the colonial era, compared with other parts of the [[Spanish Empire]]. The small numbers of Uruguay's Indians, and their fierce resistance to proselytization, reduced the influence of the ecclesiastical authorities.<ref name="rel-cs"/> |
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After independence, anticlerical ideas spread to Uruguay, particularly from France, further eroding the influence of the church. In 1837 civil marriage was recognized, and in 1861 the state took over public cemeteries. In 1907 divorce was legalized, and in 1909 all religious instruction was banned from state schools.<ref name="rel-cs"/> Under the influence of the radical [[Colorado Party (Uruguay)|Colorado]] reformer [[José Batlle y Ordóñez]] (1903-07, 1911-15), complete separation of church and state was introduced with the new [[Constitution of Uruguay|constitution of 1917]].<ref name="rel-cs">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/uruguay/43.htm |title=Religion — Uruguay |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Library of Congress Country Studies |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> |
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===Language=== |
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{{Main|Rioplatense Spanish}} |
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Uruguayan Spanish has some modifications due to the considerable number of [[Italian settlement in Uruguay|Italian immigrants]]. As is the case with neighboring Argentina, Uruguay employs both [[voseo]] and [[yeismo]] (with {{IPA|[ʃ]}} or {{IPA|[ʒ]}}). [[English language|English]] is common in the [[business]] world, and its study has risen significantly in recent years, especially among the youth. However, it is still a minority language, as are [[French language|French]] and [[Italian language|Italian]]. Other languages include [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] and [[Riverense Portuñol language|Portuñol]], a mixture of Spanish and Portuguese. Both are spoken in the northern regions near the Brazilian border.<ref>[http://www.espacoacademico.com.br/073/73esp_juddpt.htm O dialeto fronteiriço do Uruguai: origens, investigações e oportunidades] ''Espaço acadêmico'', accessed on December 17, 2010</ref><ref>[http://www.bahiaemfoco.com/noticia/330/governo-uruguaio-torna-obrigatorio-ensino-do-portugues Governo uruguaio torna obrigatório ensino do português]</ref> As the country's inhabitants consist of only few native peoples, no indigenous languages are thought to remain in Uruguay.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ethnologue.org/show_country.asp?name=UY |title=Ethnologue report for Uruguay |publisher=Ethnologue.org |date= |accessdate=2010-12-02}}</ref> |
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==Culture== |
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{{Main|Culture of Uruguay}} |
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Uruguayan culture is strongly European in its orientation, influences from [[southern Europe]] are particularly important.<ref name="britannica"/> Unlike most Latin American countries, influences from the [[indigenous peoples of South America|indigenous cultures]] are minimal. The tradition of the [[gaucho]] has been an important element in the art and folklore of both Uruguay and Argentina.<ref name="britannica"/> |
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===Visual arts=== |
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[[File:Casapueblo.jpg|thumb|A "livable sculpture," [[Carlos Páez Vilaró]]'s [[Casapueblo]] is his home, hotel and museum.]] |
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A prominent exponent of [[Afro-Uruguayan]] art is abstract painter and sculptor [[Carlos Páez Vilaró]]. He drew from both [[Timbuktu]] and [[Mykonos]] to create his best-known work: [[Casapueblo]]. His home, hotel and atelier near [[Punta del Este]], Casapueblo is a "livable sculpture," and draws thousands of visitors from around the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.carlospaezvilaro.com/casapueblo.swf |title=Carlos Páez Vilaró |date= |accessdate=2010-06-26}}</ref> The 19th-century painter [[Juan Manuel Blanes]], whose works depict historical events, was the first Uruguayan artist to gain widespread recognition.<ref name="britannica"/> The [[Post-Impressionist]] painter [[Pedro Figari]] achieved international renown for his pastel studies of subjects in Montevideo and the countryside. Blending elements of art and nature, the work of the landscape architect [[Leandro Silva Delgado]] has also earned international prominence.<ref name="britannica"/> |
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Uruguay has a small but growing film industry, and movies such as [[Whisky (film)|Whisky]] by [[Juan Pablo Rebella]] and [[Pablo Stoll]] (2004), [[Marcelo Bertalmío]]’s Los días con Ana (2000: Days with Ana) and [[Ana Diez]]'s [[Paisito]] (2008), about the 1973 military coup have earned international honours.<ref name="britannica"/> |
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===Music=== |
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{{Main|Music of Uruguay}} |
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The folk and popular music of Uruguay shares not only its [[gaucho]] roots but also the [[tango (music)|tango]] with [[Argentina]].<ref name="britannica"/> One of the most famous tangos, [[La Cumparsita]] (1917), was written by the Uruguayan composer [[Gerardo Matos Rodríguez]].<ref name="britannica"/> The [[candombe]] is a folk dance performed at [[Carnival]] mainly by Uruguayans of African ancestry.<ref name="britannica"/> The guitar is the preferred musical instrument; and, in a popular traditional contest called the payada, two singers, each with a guitar, take turns improvising verses to the same tune.<ref name="britannica"/> Numerous radio stations and musical events reflect the popularity of rock music and [[Caribbean]] genres known as música tropical (“tropical music”).<ref name="britannica"/> Early classical music in Uruguay showed heavy Spanish and Italian influence, but since the 20th century a number of composers of classical music, including [[Eduardo Fabini]], [[Vicente Ascone]] and [[Héctor Tosar]], have made use of Latin American musical idioms.<ref name="britannica"/> |
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===Literature=== |
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{{Main|Uruguayan literature}} |
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[[File:José Enrique Rodó.jpg|thumb|[[José Enrique Rodó]]]] |
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[[José Enrique Rodó]] (1871–1917), a modernist, is considered Uruguay’s most significant literary figure.<ref name="britannica"/> His book Ariel (1900) deals with the need to maintain [[spirituality|spiritual]] values while pursuing material and technical progress.<ref name="britannica"/> Besides stressing the importance of upholding spiritual over materialistic values, it also stresses resisting cultural dominance by Europe and the United States.<ref name="britannica"/> The book continues to influence young writers.<ref name="britannica"/> Outstanding among Latin American playwrights is [[Florencio Sánchez]] (1875–1910), who wrote [[Play (theatre)|plays]] about contemporary social problems that are still performed today.<ref name="britannica"/> |
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From about the same period and somewhat later came the romantic poetry of [[Juan Zorrilla de San Martín]] (1855–1931), who wrote epic [[poem]]s about [[History of Uruguay|Uruguayan history]], [[Juana de Ibarbourou]] (1895–1979), [[Delmira Agustini]] (1866–1914), [[Idea Vilariño]] (1920–2009) and the short stories of [[Horacio Quiroga]].<ref name="britannica"/> The psychological stories of [[Juan Carlos Onetti]] (such as No Man's Land and The Shipyard) have earned widespread critical praise, as have the writings of [[Mario Benedetti]].<ref name="britannica"/> |
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Uruguay’s best-known contemporary writer is [[Eduardo Galeano]], author of Las venas abiertas de América Latina (1971; "[[Open Veins of Latin America]]") and the trilogy Memoria del fuego (1982–87; "Memory of Fire").<ref name="britannica"/> Other modern Uruguayan writers include Mario Levrero, Sylvia Lago, [[Jorge Majfud]] and [[Jesús Moraes]].<ref name="britannica"/> Uruguayans of many classes and backgrounds enjoy reading historietas, comic books that often blend humour and fantasy with thinly veiled social criticism.<ref name="britannica"/> |
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===Media=== |
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The [[Reporters Without Borders]] worldwide press freedom index has ranked Uruguay as 43rd of 173 reported countries in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rsf.org/article.php3?id_article=29031 |title=Reporters Without Borders Worldwide Press Freedom Index 2008 |publisher=Rsf.org |date=2010-03-26 |accessdate=2010-06-26}}</ref> Freedom of speech and media are guaranteed by the constitution, with qualifications for inciting violence or "insulting the nation".<ref name="BBC-profile"/> Uruguayans have access to more than 100 private daily and weekly newspapers, more than 100 radio stations and some 20 television channels; cable TV is widely available.<ref name="BBC-profile"/> |
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Uruguay's long tradition of freedom of the press was severely curtailed during the years of military dictatorship. On his first day in office in March 1985, Sanguinetti re-established complete freedom of the press.<ref name="loc-80">{{cite web |url=http://countrystudies.us/uruguay/80.htm |title=The Media — Uruguay |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Library of Congress Country Studies |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> Consequently, Montevideo's newspapers (which account for all of Uruguay's principal daily newspapers) greatly expanded their circulations.<ref name="loc-80"/> |
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State-run radio and TV are operated by the official broadcasting service, [[SODRE]].<ref name="BBC-profile"/> Some newspapers are owned by, or linked to, the main political parties.<ref name="BBC-profile"/> [[El Día (Uruguay)|El Día]] was the nation’s most prestigious paper until its demise in the early 1990s; it was founded in 1886 by the Colorado leader and (later) president José Batlle y Ordóñez. [[El País]], the paper of the rival Blanco Party, has the largest circulation.<ref name="britannica"/> [[Búsqueda]] is Uruguay's most important weekly news magazine, and serves as an important forum for political and economic analysis.<ref name="loc-80"/> Although it sells only about 16,000 copies a week, its estimated readership exceeds 50,000.<ref name="loc-80"/> [[MercoPress]], an independent news agency focusing on news related to [[Mercosur]], is based in Montevideo.<ref name="about-mp">{{cite web |url=http://en.mercopress.com/about-mercopress |title=About MercoPress |author= |date= |work= |publisher=MercoPress |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> |
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===Cuisine=== |
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{{Main|Cuisine of Uruguay}} |
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Uruguay, while not especially well known for any distinct dishes of its own, fully embraces the traditions of others, combining Mediterranean foods with those of Italy, Spain and France.<ref name="food-n">{{cite web |url=http://www.foodnetwork.co.uk/article/uruguayan-food.html |title=Uruguayan food |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Food Network |accessdate=24 February 2011}}</ref> Beef is fundamental to Uruguayan cuisine, and the country is one of the world’s top consumers of red meat per capita.<ref name="britannica"/> Popular foods include beef platters, steak sandwiches ([[Chivito (sandwich)|chivito]]), barbecued kidneys and sausages, and pastas.<ref name="britannica"/> |
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Locally produced soft drinks, beer, and wine are commonly served, as is [[clericó]], a mixture of fruit juice and wine.<ref name="britannica"/> Uruguay and Argentina share a national drink: [[mate (beverage)|mate]].<ref name="britannica"/> [[Grappamiel]], made with alcohol and honey, is greatly enjoyed as an accompaniment, and is often served in winter to keep locals warm.<ref name="food-n"/> Sweet treats, including flans with [[dulce de leche]] and [[alfajores]] (shortbread cookies), are favourites for desserts or afternoon snacks.<ref name="food-n"/> |
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Other Uruguayan dishes include ''morcilla dulce'', a type of blood sausage cooked with ground orange fruit, orange peel and walnuts, and ''milanesa'', a breaded veal cutlet similar to the Italian [[Cotoletta]], which originated from [[Milan]]. Snacks include ''olímpicos'' (club sandwiches), ''húngaras'' (spicy sausage in a hot dog roll), and ''masas surtidas'' (bite-sized pastries). |
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===Sport=== |
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[[File:Estadio centenario 2.JPG|thumb|Centenario Stadium]] |
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{{main|Sport in Uruguay}} |
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[[Association football|Football]] is the most popular Sport in Uruguay. In [[Football at the 1924 Summer Olympics|1924]], Uruguay sent its [[Uruguay national football team|national team]] to the Olympics in Paris, the first South American nation to compete in Europe.{{Citation needed|date=February 2011}} They won gold at the competition, as well as at the next Olympics in Amsterdam in [[Football at the 1928 Summer Olympics|1928]]. |
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The [[Uruguay national football team]] has won the [[FIFA World Cup]] on two occasions, winning the [[1930 FIFA World Cup|inaugural tournament]] on home soil in 1930 and again in [[1950 FIFA World Cup|1950]], [[Uruguay v Brazil (World Cup 1950)|famously defeating]] favourites [[Brazil national football team|Brazil]] in the final.<ref name="givefb"/> Uruguay is by far the smallest country, population wise, to win a World Cup.<ref name="givefb">{{cite web |url=http://www.givemefootball.com/world-cup/uruguay-10-fascinating-facts |title=The smallest country to win the World Cup have big ambitions again |author= |date= |work= |publisher= Give Me Football |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> Despite their early success, they have only qualified for two of the last five World Cups.<ref name="givefb"/> Uruguay performed very credibly in the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]], having reached the semi-final after 40 years. [[Diego Forlán]] was presented with the [[FIFA World Cup awards#Golden Ball|Golden Ball]] award as the best player of the 2010 tournament.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8804708.stm |title=World Cup 2010: Diego Forlan collects Golden Ball award |author= |date= |work= |publisher=BBC Sport |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> |
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Uruguay sent overseas 1,414 football players during the 2000s, almost as many players as Brazil and Argentina, among which stars such as [[Luis Alberto Suárez|Luis Suarez]], who became the striker of [[AFC Ajax]].<ref name="pl-exp">{{cite web |url=http://en.mercopress.com/2011/01/06/uruguay-exported-1.414-football-players-in-the-last-decade |title=Uruguay “exported” 1.414 football players in the last decade |author= |date=January 6th 2011 |work= |publisher=MercoPress |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> The Uruguayan government enacted measures intended to retain players in the country.<ref name="pl-exp"/> |
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==Education== |
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{{main|Education in Uruguay}} |
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Education is compulsory for a total of nine years, beginning at the primary level, and is free from the pre-primary through the university level.<ref name=ilab>[http://www.dol.gov/ilab/media/reports/iclp/tda2001/uruguay.htm "Uruguay"]. ''Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor (2001)''. [[Bureau of International Labor Affairs]], [[U.S. Department of Labor]] (2002). ''This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the [[public domain]].</ref> In 1996, the gross primary enrollment rate was 111.7 percent, and the net primary enrollment rate was 92.9 percent.<ref name=ilab/> Uruguay is part of the [[One Laptop Per Child]] scheme, and in 2009 became the first country in the world to provide a laptop for every primary school student,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/18/uruguay-becomes-first-nation-to-provide-a-laptop-for-every-prima/ |title=Uruguay becomes first nation to provide a laptop for every primary school student |publisher=Engadget |date= |accessdate=2010-12-02}}</ref> as part of the [[Plan Ceibal]].<ref name="olpc-bbc">{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8309583.stm |title=Laptop for every pupil in Uruguay |author= |date= |work= |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=23 February 2011}}</ref> Over the 2007-2009 period 362,000 pupils and 18,000 teachers were involved in the scheme; around 70% of the laptops were given to children who did not have computers at home.<ref name="olpc-bbc"/> The OLPC programme represents less than 5% of the country's education budget.<ref name="olpc-bbc"/> |
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==See also== |
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{{Portal|Uruguay}} |
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{{Main|List of Uruguay-related topics}} |
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* [[Outline of Uruguay]] |
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* [[Index of Uruguay-related articles]] |
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* [[International rankings of Uruguay]] |
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<!--Please place links to all topics directly related to Uruguay in the List Uruguay-related topics--> |
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==References== |
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==External links== |
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{{Sister project links|Uruguay}} |
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*{{Official website|http://www.presidencia.gub.uy}} |
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*{{CIA World Factbook link|uy|Uruguay}} |
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*{{Dmoz|Regional/South_America/Uruguay}} |
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*{{Wikiatlas|Uruguay}} |
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*{{Wikitravel}} |
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*[http://www.uruguaynow.com/ Travel guide to Uruguay in English] |
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*[http://www.uruguayscene.info/ Photographic Travel Essay Through Uruguay] |
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{{Uruguay topics}} |
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{{Countries of South America}} |
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Revision as of 19:00, 24 February 2011
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