2017 Edition

Background

Montevideo, founded by the Spanish in 1726 as a military stronghold, soon took advantage of its natural harbor to become an important commercial center. Claimed by Argentina but annexed by Brazil in 1821, Uruguay declared its independence four years later and secured its freedom in 1828 after a three-year struggle. The administrations of President Jose BATLLE in the early 20th century launched widespread political, social, and economic reforms that established a statist tradition. A violent Marxist urban guerrilla movement named the Tupamaros, launched in the late 1960s, led Uruguay's president to cede control of the government to the military in 1973. By yearend, the rebels had been crushed, but the military continued to expand its hold over the government. Civilian rule was restored in 1985. In 2004, the left-of-center Frente Amplio Coalition won national elections that effectively ended 170 years of political control previously held by the Colorado and National (Blanco) parties. Uruguay's political and labor conditions are among the freest on the continent.

Area

176,215 sq km 175,015 sq km 1,200 sq km

land

175,015 sq km

total

176,215 sq km

water

1,200 sq km

Area - comparative

about the size of Virginia and West Virginia combined; slightly smaller than the state of Washington

Climate

warm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknown

Coastline

660 km

Elevation

109 m lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Cerro Catedral 514 m

elevation extremes

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

highest point

Cerro Catedral 514 m

mean elevation

109 m

Environment - current issues

water pollution from meat packing/tannery industry; inadequate solid/hazardous waste disposal

Environment - international agreements

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation

party to

Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands

signed, but not ratified

Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation

Geographic coordinates

33 00 S, 56 00 W

Geography - note

second-smallest South American country (after Suriname); most of the low-lying landscape (three-quarters of the country) is grassland, ideal for cattle and sheep raising

Irrigated land

2,380 sq km (2012)

Land boundaries

1,591 km Argentina 541 km, Brazil 1,050 km

border countries (2)

Argentina 541 km, Brazil 1,050 km

total

1,591 km

Land use

87.2% arable land 10.1%; permanent crops 0.2%; permanent pasture 76.9% 10.2% 2.6% (2011 est.)

agricultural land

87.2%

forest

10.2%

other

2.6% (2011 est.)

Location

Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Argentina and Brazil

Map references

South America

Maritime claims

12 nm 24 nm 200 nm 200 nm or the edge of continental margin

contiguous zone

24 nm

continental shelf

200 nm or the edge of continental margin

exclusive economic zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

seasonally high winds (the pampero is a chilly and occasional violent wind that blows north from the Argentine pampas), droughts, floods; because of the absence of mountains, which act as weather barriers, all locations are particularly vulnerable to rapid changes from weather fronts

Natural resources

arable land, hydropower, minor minerals, fish

Population - distribution

most of the country's population resides in the southern half of the country; approximately 80% of the populace is urban, living in towns or cities; nearly half of the population lives in and around the capital of Montevideo

Terrain

mostly rolling plains and low hills; fertile coastal lowland

Age structure

20.17% (male 344,810/female 332,791) 15.69% (male 267,000/female 260,135) 39.34% (male 654,036/female 667,780) 10.56% (male 167,002/female 187,865) 14.25% (male 191,597/female 287,132) (2017 est.)

0-14 years

20.17% (male 344,810/female 332,791)

15-24 years

15.69% (male 267,000/female 260,135)

25-54 years

39.34% (male 654,036/female 667,780)

55-64 years

10.56% (male 167,002/female 187,865)

65 years and over

14.25% (male 191,597/female 287,132) (2017 est.)

Birth rate

13 births/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

4% (2011)

Death rate

9.4 deaths/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Demographic profile

Uruguay rates high for most development indicators and is known for its secularism, liberal social laws, and well-developed social security, health, and educational systems. It is one of the few countries in Latin America and the Caribbean where the entire population has access to clean water. Uruguay's provision of free primary through university education has contributed to the country's high levels of literacy and educational attainment. However, the emigration of human capital has diminished the state's return on its investment in education. Remittances from the roughly 18% of Uruguayans abroad amount to less than 1 percent of national GDP. The emigration of young adults and a low birth rate are causing Uruguay's population to age rapidly. In the 1960s, Uruguayans for the first time emigrated en masse - primarily to Argentina and Brazil - because of economic decline and the onset of more than a decade of military dictatorship. Economic crises in the early 1980s and 2002 also triggered waves of emigration, but since 2002 more than 70% of Uruguayan emigrants have selected the US and Spain as destinations because of better job prospects. Uruguay had a tiny population upon its independence in 1828 and welcomed thousands of predominantly Italian and Spanish immigrants, but the country has not experienced large influxes of new arrivals since the aftermath of World War II. More recent immigrants include Peruvians and Arabs.

Dependency ratios

55.9 33.4 22.5 4.4 (2015 est.)

elderly dependency ratio

22.5

potential support ratio

4.4 (2015 est.)

total dependency ratio

55.9

youth dependency ratio

33.4

Drinking water source

urban: 100% of population rural: 93.9% of population total: 99.7% of population urban: 0% of population rural: 6.1% of population total: 0.3% of population (2015 est.)

rural

6.1% of population

total

0.3% of population (2015 est.)

urban

0% of population

Education expenditures

4.4% of GDP (2011)

Ethnic groups

white 88%, mestizo 8%, black 4%, Amerindian (practically nonexistent)

Health expenditures

8.6% of GDP (2014)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

0.6% (2016 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

12,000 (2016 est.)

Hospital bed density

2.5 beds/1,000 population (2012)

Infant mortality rate

8.3 deaths/1,000 live births 9.3 deaths/1,000 live births 7.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

female

7.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2017 est.)

male

9.3 deaths/1,000 live births

total

8.3 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

Spanish (official), Portunol, Brazilero (Portuguese-Spanish mix on the Brazilian frontier)

Life expectancy at birth

77.4 years 74.2 years 80.6 years (2017 est.)

female

80.6 years (2017 est.)

male

74.2 years

total population

77.4 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 98.5% 98.1% 98.9% (2015 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

98.9% (2015 est.)

male

98.1%

total population

98.5%

Major urban areas - population

MONTEVIDEO (capital) 1.707 million (2015)

Maternal mortality rate

15 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)

Median age

35 years 33.1 years 36.7 years (2017 est.)

female

36.7 years (2017 est.)

male

33.1 years

total

35 years

Nationality

Uruguayan(s) Uruguayan

adjective

Uruguayan

noun

Uruguayan(s)

Net migration rate

-0.9 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2017 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

27.9% (2016)

Physicians density

3.94 physicians/1,000 population (2008)

Population

3,360,148 (July 2017 est.)

Population distribution

most of the country's population resides in the southern half of the country; approximately 80% of the populace is urban, living in towns or cities; nearly half of the population lives in and around the capital of Montevideo

Population growth rate

0.27% (2017 est.)

Religions

Roman Catholic 47.1%, non-Catholic Christians 11.1%, nondenominational 23.2%, Jewish 0.3%, atheist or agnostic 17.2%, other 1.1% (2006 est.)

Sanitation facility access

urban: 96.6% of population rural: 92.6% of population total: 96.4% of population urban: 3.4% of population rural: 7.4% of population total: 3.6% of population (2015 est.)

rural

7.4% of population

total

3.6% of population (2015 est.)

urban

3.4% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

16 years 14 years 17 years (2010)

female

17 years (2010)

male

14 years

total

16 years

Sex ratio

1.04 male(s)/female 1.04 male(s)/female 1.03 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female 0.89 male(s)/female 0.66 male(s)/female 0.94 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

0-14 years

1.04 male(s)/female

15-24 years

1.03 male(s)/female

25-54 years

0.98 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.89 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.66 male(s)/female

at birth

1.04 male(s)/female

total population

0.94 male(s)/female (2016 est.)

Total fertility rate

1.8 children born/woman (2017 est.)

Unemployment, youth ages 15-24

22.5% 19.9% 26.2% (2015 est.)

female

26.2% (2015 est.)

male

19.9%

total

22.5%

Urbanization

95.6% of total population (2017) 0.44% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

rate of urbanization

0.44% annual rate of change (2015-20 est.)

urban population

95.6% of total population (2017)

Administrative divisions

19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Artigas, Canelones, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida, Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysandu, Rio Negro, Rivera, Rocha, Salto, San Jose, Soriano, Tacuarembo, Treinta y Tres

Capital

Montevideo 34 51 S, 56 10 W UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

34 51 S, 56 10 W

name

Montevideo

time difference

UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Citizenship

yes yes yes 3-5 years

citizenship by birth

yes

citizenship by descent

yes

dual citizenship recognized

yes

residency requirement for naturalization

3-5 years

Constitution

several previous; latest approved by plebiscite 27 November 1966, effective 15 February 1967; amended several times, last in 2004 (2016)

Country name

Oriental Republic of Uruguay Uruguay Republica Oriental del Uruguay Uruguay Banda Oriental, Cisplatine Province name derives from the Spanish pronunciation of the Guarani Indian designation of the Uruguay River, which makes up the western border of the country and whose name later came to be applied to the entire country

conventional long form

Oriental Republic of Uruguay

conventional short form

Uruguay

etymology

name derives from the Spanish pronunciation of the Guarani Indian designation of the Uruguay River, which makes up the western border of the country and whose name later came to be applied to the entire country

former

Banda Oriental, Cisplatine Province

local long form

Republica Oriental del Uruguay

local short form

Uruguay

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador Kelly Ann KEIDERLING-FRANZ (since 23 June 2016) Lauro Muller 1776, Montevideo 11200 APO AA 34035 [598] (2) 1770-2000 [598] (2) 1770-2128

chief of mission

Ambassador Kelly Ann KEIDERLING-FRANZ (since 23 June 2016)

embassy

Lauro Muller 1776, Montevideo 11200

FAX

[598] (2) 1770-2128

mailing address

APO AA 34035

telephone

[598] (2) 1770-2000

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador Carlos Alberto GIANELLI Derois (since 3 August 2015) 1913 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20006 [1] (202) 331-1313 [1] (202) 331-8142 Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York

chancery

1913 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20006

chief of mission

Ambassador Carlos Alberto GIANELLI Derois (since 3 August 2015)

consulate(s) general

Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York

FAX

[1] (202) 331-8142

telephone

[1] (202) 331-1313

Executive branch

President Tabare VAZQUEZ (since 1 March 2015); Vice President Lucia TOPOLANSKY (since 13 September 2017); note - note - Vice President Raul Fernando SENDIC Rodriguez (since 1 March 2015) stepped down on 9 September amid accusations of misuse of public funds; the president is both chief of state and head of government President Tabare VAZQUEZ (since 1 March 2015); Vice President Lucia TOPOLANSKY (since 13 September 2017); note - Vice President Raul Fernando SENDIC Rodriguez (since 1 March 2015) stepped down on 9 September amid accusations of misuse of public funds Council of Ministers appointed by the president with approval of the General Assembly president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for nonconsecutive terms); election last held on 26 October 2014, with a runoff election on 30 November 2014 (next to be held on 27 October 2019, and a runoff if needed on 24 November 2019) Tabare VAZQUEZ elected president in a runoff election; percent of vote - Tabare VAZQUEZ (Socialist Party) 56.5%, Luis Alberto LACALLE Pou (Blanco) 43.4%

cabinet

Council of Ministers appointed by the president with approval of the General Assembly

chief of state

President Tabare VAZQUEZ (since 1 March 2015); Vice President Lucia TOPOLANSKY (since 13 September 2017); note - note - Vice President Raul Fernando SENDIC Rodriguez (since 1 March 2015) stepped down on 9 September amid accusations of misuse of public funds; the president is both chief of state and head of government

election results

Tabare VAZQUEZ elected president in a runoff election; percent of vote - Tabare VAZQUEZ (Socialist Party) 56.5%, Luis Alberto LACALLE Pou (Blanco) 43.4%

elections/appointments

president and vice president directly elected on the same ballot by absolute majority vote in 2 rounds if needed for a 5-year term (eligible for nonconsecutive terms); election last held on 26 October 2014, with a runoff election on 30 November 2014 (next to be held on 27 October 2019, and a runoff if needed on 24 November 2019)

head of government

President Tabare VAZQUEZ (since 1 March 2015); Vice President Lucia TOPOLANSKY (since 13 September 2017); note - Vice President Raul Fernando SENDIC Rodriguez (since 1 March 2015) stepped down on 9 September amid accusations of misuse of public funds

Flag description

nine equal horizontal stripes of white (top and bottom) alternating with blue; a white square in the upper hoist-side corner with a yellow sun bearing a human face (delineated in black) known as the Sun of May with 16 rays that alternate between triangular and wavy; the stripes represent the nine original departments of Uruguay; the sun symbol evokes the legend of the sun breaking through the clouds on 25 May 1810 as independence was first declared from Spain (Uruguay subsequently won its independence from Brazil); the sun features are said to represent those of Inti, the Inca god of the sun the banner was inspired by the national colors of Argentina and by the design of the US flag

note

the banner was inspired by the national colors of Argentina and by the design of the US flag

Government type

presidential republic

Independence

25 August 1825 (from Brazil)

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

CAN (associate), CD, CELAC, FAO, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MIGA, MINUSTAH, MONUSCO, NAM (observer), OAS, OIF (observer), OPANAL, OPCW, Pacific Alliance (observer), PCA, SICA (observer), UN, UN Security Council (temporary), UNASUR, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMOGIP, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court of Justice (consists of 5 judges) judges nominated by the president and appointed in joint conference of the General Assembly; judges appointed for 10-year terms, with reelection after a lapse of 5 years following the previous term Courts of Appeal; District Courts (Juzgados Letrados); Peace Courts (Juzgados de Paz); Rural Courts (Juzgados Rurales)

highest court(s)

Supreme Court of Justice (consists of 5 judges)

judge selection and term of office

judges nominated by the president and appointed in joint conference of the General Assembly; judges appointed for 10-year terms, with reelection after a lapse of 5 years following the previous term

subordinate courts

Courts of Appeal; District Courts (Juzgados Letrados); Peace Courts (Juzgados de Paz); Rural Courts (Juzgados Rurales)

Legal system

civil law system based on the Spanish civil code

Legislative branch

bicameral General Assembly or Asamblea General consists of the Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (31 seats; members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote; the vice-president serves as the presiding ex-officio member; elected members serve 5-year terms) and the Chamber of Representatives or Camara de Representantes (99 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms) Chamber of Senators - last held on 26 October 2014 (next to be held in October 2019); Chamber of Representatives - last held on 26 October 2014 (next to be held in October 2019) Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by coalition/party - Frente Amplio 49.5%, National Party 31.9%, Colorado Party 13.3%, Independent Party 3.2%, other 2.1%; seats by coalition/party - Frente Amplio 15, National Party 10, Colorado Party 4, Independent Party 1 Chamber of Representatives - percent of vote by coalition/party - Frente Amplio 49.5%, National Party 31.9%, Colorado Party 13.3%, Independent Party 3.2%, AP 1.2%, other 0.9%; seats by coalition/party - Frente Amplio 50, National Party 32, Colorado Party 13, Independent Party 3, AP 1

description

bicameral General Assembly or Asamblea General consists of the Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (31 seats; members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation vote; the vice-president serves as the presiding ex-officio member; elected members serve 5-year terms) and the Chamber of Representatives or Camara de Representantes (99 seats; members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms)

election results

Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by coalition/party - Frente Amplio 49.5%, National Party 31.9%, Colorado Party 13.3%, Independent Party 3.2%, other 2.1%; seats by coalition/party - Frente Amplio 15, National Party 10, Colorado Party 4, Independent Party 1

elections

Chamber of Senators - last held on 26 October 2014 (next to be held in October 2019); Chamber of Representatives - last held on 26 October 2014 (next to be held in October 2019)

National anthem

"Himno Nacional" (National Anthem of Uruguay) Francisco Esteban ACUNA de Figueroa/Francisco Jose DEBALI adopted 1848; the anthem is also known as "Orientales, la Patria o la tumba!" ("Uruguayans, the Fatherland or Death!"); it is the world's longest national anthem in terms of music (105 bars; almost five minutes); generally only the first verse and chorus are sung

lyrics/music

Francisco Esteban ACUNA de Figueroa/Francisco Jose DEBALI

name

"Himno Nacional" (National Anthem of Uruguay)

note

adopted 1848; the anthem is also known as "Orientales, la Patria o la tumba!" ("Uruguayans, the Fatherland or Death!"); it is the world's longest national anthem in terms of music (105 bars; almost five minutes); generally only the first verse and chorus are sung

National holiday

Independence Day, 25 August (1825)

National symbol(s)

Sun of May (a sun-with-face symbol); national colors: blue, white, yellow

Sun of May (a sun-with-face symbol); national colors

blue, white, yellow

Political parties and leaders

Broad Front or FA (Frente Amplio) - (a broad governing coalition that includes Uruguay Assembly [Danilo ASTORI], Progressive Alliance [Rodolfo NIN NOVOA], New Space [Rafael MICHELINI], Socialist Party [Monica XAVIER], Vertiente Artiguista [Enrique RUBIO], Christian Democratic Party [Juan Andres ROBALLO], For the People’s Victory [Luis PUIG], Popular Participation Movement (MPP) [Jose MUJICA], Broad Front Commitment [Raul SENDIC], Big House [Constanza MOREIRA], Communist Party [Marcos CARAMBULA], The Federal League [Dario PEREZ] Colorado Party (including Vamos Uruguay (or Let's Go Uruguay) [Pedro BORDABERRY], Open Space [Tabare VIERA], and Open Batllism [Ope PASQUET]) Independent Party [Pablo MIERES] National Party or Blanco (including All Forward [Luis LACALLE POU] and National Alliance [Jorge LARRANAGA]) Popular Assembly [Gonzalo ABELLA]

Political pressure groups and leaders

B'nai B'rith Catholic Church Chamber of Commerce and Export of Agriproducts Chamber of Industries (manufacturers' association) Exporters Union of Uruguay National Chamber of Commerce and Services PIT/CNT (powerful federation of Uruguayan Unions - umbrella labor organization) Rural Association of Uruguay (ranchers' association) Uruguayan Network of Political Women students

other

students

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Agriculture - products

Cellulose, beef, soybeans, rice, wheat; dairy products; fish; lumber, tobacco, wine

Budget

$15.35 billion $17.47 billion (2016 est.)

expenditures

$17.47 billion (2016 est.)

revenues

$15.35 billion

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-3.9% of GDP (2016 est.)

Central bank discount rate

9% (31 December 2012) 8.75% (31 December 2011) Uruguay's central bank uses the benchmark interest rate, rather than the discount rate, to conduct monetary policy; the rates shown here are the benchmark rates

note

Uruguay's central bank uses the benchmark interest rate, rather than the discount rate, to conduct monetary policy; the rates shown here are the benchmark rates

Commercial bank prime lending rate

16.17% (31 December 2016 est.) 15.84% (31 December 2015 est.)

Current account balance

$-36 million (2016 est.) $-1.14 billion (2015 est.)

Debt - external

$27.9 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $27.32 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

41.6 (2014) 41.9 (2013)

Economy - overview

Uruguay has a free market economy characterized by an export-oriented agricultural sector, a well-educated workforce, and high levels of social spending. Uruguay has sought to expand trade within the Common Market of the South (Mercosur) and with non-Mercosur members, and President VAZQUEZ has maintained his predecessor’s mix of pro-market policies and a strong social safety net. Following financial difficulties in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Uruguay's economic growth averaged 8% annually during the period 2004-08. The 2008-09 global financial crisis put a brake on Uruguay's vigorous growth, which decelerated to 2.6% in 2009. Nevertheless, the country managed to avoid a recession and keep positive growth rates, mainly through higher public expenditure and investment; GDP growth reached 8.9% in 2010 but slowed markedly in the period 2012-16 as a result of a renewed slowdown in the global economy and in Uruguay's main trade partners and Mercosur counterparts, Argentina and Brazil. Reforms in those countries should give Uruguay an economic boost.

Exchange rates

Uruguayan pesos (UYU) per US dollar - 30.163 (2016 est.) 30.163 (2015 est.) 27.52 (2014 est.) 23.246 (2013 est.) 20.31 (2012 est.)

Exports

$8.387 billion (2016 est.) $9.091 billion (2015 est.)

Exports - commodities

beef, soybeans, cellulose, rice, wheat, wood, dairy products, wool

Exports - partners

Brazil 16.4%, China 12.2%, US 6.2%, Argentina 5% (2016)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

65.7% 14.5% 18.9% -0.2% 21.4% -20.2% (2016 est.)

exports of goods and services

21.4%

government consumption

14.5%

household consumption

65.7%

imports of goods and services

-20.2% (2016 est.)

investment in fixed capital

18.9%

investment in inventories

-0.2%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

6.8% 27.4% 65.9% (2016 est.)

agriculture

6.8%

industry

27.4%

services

65.9% (2016 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$21,400 (2016 est.) $21,200 (2015 est.) $21,200 (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars

note

data are in 2016 dollars

GDP - real growth rate

1.5% (2016 est.) 0.4% (2015 est.) 3.2% (2014 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$52.42 billion (2016 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$74.46 billion (2016 est.) $72.47 billion (2015 est.) $71.43 billion (2014 est.) data are in 2016 dollars

note

data are in 2016 dollars

Gross national saving

18.6% of GDP (2016 est.) 17.6% of GDP (2015 est.) 16.7% of GDP (2014 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

1.9% 30.8% (2014 est.)

highest 10%

30.8% (2014 est.)

lowest 10%

1.9%

Imports

$8.037 billion (2016 est.) $9.334 billion (2015 est.)

Imports - commodities

refined oil, crude oil, passenger and other transportation vehicles, vehicle parts, cellular phones

Imports - partners

China 18.8%, Brazil 17.9%, Argentina 13.3%, US 6.9%, Germany 4.7% (2016)

Industrial production growth rate

1% (2016 est.)

Industries

food processing, electrical machinery, transportation equipment, petroleum products, textiles, chemicals, beverages

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

9.6% (2016 est.) 8.7% (2015 est.)

Labor force

1.736 million (2016 est.)

Labor force - by occupation

13% 14% 73% (2010 est.)

agriculture

13%

industry

14%

services

73% (2010 est.)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$175.4 million (31 December 2012 est.) $174.6 million (31 December 2011 est.) $156.9 million (31 December 2010 est.)

Population below poverty line

9.7% (2015 est.)

Public debt

62.7% of GDP (2016 est.) 64.2% of GDP (2015 est.) data cover general government debt, and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions.

note

data cover general government debt, and include debt instruments issued (or owned) by government entities other than the treasury; the data include treasury debt held by foreign entities; the data include debt issued by subnational entities, as well as intra-governmental debt; intra-governmental debt consists of treasury borrowings from surpluses in the social funds, such as for retirement, medical care, and unemployment; debt instruments for the social funds are not sold at public auctions.

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$13.47 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $15.63 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of broad money

$8.781 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $7.43 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - abroad

$136.1 million (31 December 2016 est.) $136.9 million (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of direct foreign investment - at home

$22.81 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $21.81 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$19.61 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $17.8 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$4.582 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $4.162 billion (31 December 2015 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

28.1% of GDP (2016 est.)

Unemployment rate

7.9% (2016 est.) 7.9% (2015 est.)

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

7.4 million Mt (2013 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Crude oil - imports

37,900 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2016 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2017 es)

Electricity - consumption

9.42 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - exports

1.321 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

34.7% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

34.9% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

39% of total installed capacity (2015 est.)

Electricity - imports

2 million kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

4.408 million kW (2015 est.)

Electricity - production

12.23 billion kWh (2015 est.)

Electricity access

20,106 99.4% 99.7% 93.8% (2012)

electrification - rural areas

93.8% (2012)

electrification - total population

99.4%

electrification - urban areas

99.7%

population without electricity

20,106

Natural gas - consumption

378 million cu m (2015 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2013 est.)

Natural gas - imports

40 million cu m (2015 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2013 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2014 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

54,000 bbl/day (2015 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

537.5 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

10,870 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

42,440 bbl/day (2014 est.)

Broadcast media

mixture of privately owned and state-run broadcast media; more than 100 commercial radio stations and about 20 TV channels; cable TV is available; many community radio and TV stations; adopted the hybrid Japanese/Brazilian HDTV standard (ISDB-T) in December 2010 (2010)

Internet country code

.uy

Internet users

2,225,075 66.4% (July 2016 est.)

percent of population

66.4% (July 2016 est.)

total

2,225,075

Telephone system

fully digitalized most modern facilities concentrated in Montevideo; nationwide microwave radio relay network; overall fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity over 185 telephones per 100 persons country code - 598; the UNISOR submarine cable system provides direct connectivity to Brazil and Argentina; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2016)

domestic

most modern facilities concentrated in Montevideo; nationwide microwave radio relay network; overall fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity over 185 telephones per 100 persons

general assessment

fully digitalized

international

country code - 598; the UNISOR submarine cable system provides direct connectivity to Brazil and Argentina; satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2016)

Telephones - fixed lines

1,113,566 33 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

33 (July 2016 est.)

total subscriptions

1,113,566

Telephones - mobile cellular

5,116,736 153 (July 2016 est.)

subscriptions per 100 inhabitants

153 (July 2016 est.)

total

5,116,736

Airports

133 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

2 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

4

914 to 1,523 m

4

over 3,047 m

1

total

11

under 914 m

2 (2013)

Airports - with unpaved runways

79 (2013)

1,524 to 2,437 m

3

914 to 1,523 m

40

total

122

under 914 m

79 (2013)

Civil aircraft registration country code prefix

CX (2016)

Merchant marine

bulk carrier 1, cargo 2, chemical tanker 3, passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 3, roll on/roll off 1 8 (Argentina 1, Denmark 1, Greece 1, Spain 5) 1 (Liberia 1) (2010)

by type

bulk carrier 1, cargo 2, chemical tanker 3, passenger/cargo 6, petroleum tanker 3, roll on/roll off 1

foreign-owned

8 (Argentina 1, Denmark 1, Greece 1, Spain 5)

registered in other countries

1 (Liberia 1) (2010)

total

16

National air transport system

3 (2015)

inventory of registered aircraft operated by air carriers

3 (2015)

number of registered air carriers

2

Pipelines

gas 257 km; oil 160 km (2013)

Ports and terminals

Montevideo

major seaport(s)

Montevideo

Railways

1,673 km (operational; government claims overall length is 2,961 km) 1,673 km 1.435-m gauge (2016)

standard gauge

1,673 km 1.435-m gauge (2016)

total

1,673 km (operational; government claims overall length is 2,961 km)

Roadways

77,732 km 7,743 km 69,989 km (2010)

paved

7,743 km

total

77,732 km

unpaved

69,989 km (2010)

Waterways

1,600 km (2011)

Military branches

Uruguayan Armed Forces: Uruguayan National Army (Ejercito Nacional Uruguaya, ENU), Uruguayan National Navy (Armada Nacional del Uruguay, includes naval air arm, Naval Rifle Corps (Cuerpo de Fusileros Navales, Fusna), Maritime Prefecture in wartime), Uruguayan Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Uruguaya, FAU) (2012)

Uruguayan Armed Forces

Uruguayan National Army (Ejercito Nacional Uruguaya, ENU), Uruguayan National Navy (Armada Nacional del Uruguay, includes naval air arm, Naval Rifle Corps (Cuerpo de Fusileros Navales, Fusna), Maritime Prefecture in wartime), Uruguayan Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Uruguaya, FAU) (2012)

Military expenditures

1.85% of GDP (2016) 1.82% of GDP (2015) 1.81% of GDP (2014) 1.82% of GDP (2013) 1.8% of GDP (2012)

Military service age and obligation

18-30 years of age (18-22 years of age for navy) for male or female voluntary military service; up to 40 years of age for specialists; enlistment is voluntary in peacetime, but the government has the authority to conscript in emergencies; minimum 6-year education (2013)

Disputes - international

in 2010, the ICJ ruled in favor of Uruguay's operation of two paper mills on the Uruguay River, which forms the border with Argentina; the two countries formed a joint pollution monitoring regime; uncontested boundary dispute between Brazil and Uruguay over Braziliera/Brasiliera Island in the Quarai/Cuareim River leaves the tripoint with Argentina in question; smuggling of firearms and narcotics continues to be an issue along the Uruguay-Brazil border

Illicit drugs

small-scale transit country for drugs mainly bound for Europe, often through sea-borne containers; law enforcement corruption; money laundering because of strict banking secrecy laws; weak border control along Brazilian frontier; increasing consumption of cocaine base and synthetic drugs