Thread: Interesting profile on Uruguay

Very European in nature, the República Oriental del Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America, and is located on the continent’s southeastern coast between Brazil and Argentina. Their standard of living compares to that of Western Europe and it is a peaceful stable country, both politically and economically. And Americans are quite welcome!

The population growth is one of the lowest in Latin America: 0.6 percent per annum, similar to the majority of the developed countries.

Regarding human resources, the economically active population totals 1.5 million people. There are 62,000 university students with 20% enrolled in technology-related majors. Two-thirds of workers in private companies are highly qualified with technical or professional studies. Approximately 10,000 students graduate each year in foreign universities in languages such as English, German, French and Italian.

Spanish is official language. The teaching of French and English has traditionally been emphasized, and English is the foreign language most used by the business community. Currently, learning Portuguese is also widespread as a result of the MERCOSUR integration scheme.

Centuries old, Uruguay has architecture and customs dating back to colonial times. The interior rolling grasslands still contain the domains of the gaucho, and the coastline boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The major cities pride themselves on having the latest technological advancements and comforts, while much of the country’s shore and interior remains unspoiled.

The overwhelming majority of Uruguayans are of European decent; a large number of them are second and third generation Spanish and Italian. Uruguay is a cosmopolitan society as a result of these many successive European migrations. Uruguay has one of the highest literacy rates in the world, and their citizens are the most educated in South America. It is an open society, promoting tolerance and non-discrimination towards foreigners whether of different race, religion or political ideologies. Uruguayans are a very attractive people with warm hearts and an inherent sense of sharing. And they LOVE to party.

Life in Uruguay may pass in a safe, peaceful and pleasant manner. The country offers better security than most locations in Latin America and Central America . There are no racial, religious or other conflicts and public meetings are generally peaceful.

Spanish is official language. The teaching of French and English has traditionally been emphasized, and English is the foreign language most used by the business community. Currently, learning Portuguese is also widespread as a result of the MERCOSUR integration scheme.

Vehicle circulation is relatively fluid even in urban centers. Commuting time to working sites is short. Cities have spacious green areas and because of the continuity of the winds and the lack of pollutant industries, there is hardly any environmental pollution.

Uruguay ranks 6th in the world in the Environmental Sustainability Index, elaborated by the World Economic Forum together with the Universities of Yale and Columbia.

A mild climate, the lack of environmental pollution, the extent of the sanitation, potable water and medical care networks afford a healthy environment for the population.

Being a small country, distances to leisure locations such as parks, forests, countryside and sea, river or lakeshores beaches, are quite short. The national sport is soccer, which captures the interest of the majority of the population at all social levels. There are numerous private clubs with excellent sport fields, particularly remarkable golf courses. Montevideo and other main cities offer important cultural activities comprising a range of theater, movies and musical shows.

The Uruguayan market offers consumer goods from many origins and high quality, at international prices...

The government of Uruguay has a tradition of great commitment to education going back to the 19th century, when politicians realized that an educated population was necessary for economic development and the overall well-being of the nation.

Education in Uruguay is free and compulsory for nine years. Primary school lasts for six years. The first three years of secondary school are known as "basic secondary." At the age of 15 or 16, students may continue in "diversified secondary" school and work towards the bachillerato (baccalaureat), leading to university. Another option is to enter the "technical secondary" stream and work towards a bachillerato tecnico (technical baccalaureat).

School customs are more formal than those in US. In many schools, when a teacher enters a classroom, all students are expected to stand up. Both students and teachers in elementary schools wear white smocks over their clothes. Testing is often done by oral questioning of each student in front of the rest of the class.

There are three universities in Uruguay: the Universidad de la Republica (State), the Universidad Catolica del Uruguay Damaso A. Larranaga, and a private university called the Universidad ORT Uruguay. There is also a postsecondary technical school called the Universidad del Trabajo and two other postsecondary institutes that specialize in Information Sciences and Health and Development.


University students in Uruguay tend to be more aware of political issues than students in US. They value their right to free speech and follow current events. During the military regime of the 1970s and 1980s, many students were arrested because of their involvement in politics or because of their parents' involvement in politics or union activities. These problems have diminished, but the sense among students that the future of their country depends on their affirming their human and civic rights is still very strong.

Facts about Uruguay:
1st World Cup Champion-Soccer
People from that country are not requiered to have a visa to travel to the US, so many stay here ilegally
Most countries in latin America have exactly the same system, but corruption has diluted it.
Punta del Este, is a nice place to go to the beach, lots of gorgeous women in skimpy bikinis, Pamela Anderson went there and almost got raped, she did not bring enough security.
there are a lot of drugs there.
People there are very polite and well educated.

Coincidentally I recently read an article regarding Uruguay/US relations. Apparently, Uruguay is putting out strong signals that it desires a closer relationship with the US. The article pointed out the advantages to the US in cultivating a stronger relationship with Uruguay and certain other South American countries. It asked the question whether our government would let this very important opportunity pass by.

My personal opinion is that this adminstration is so insensitive and tone deaf that it probably will. In my opinion, we expend too much time and energy trying to "win hearts and minds" of societies and people who are a lost cause, and ignore the ones who could be good allies.