South America's most progressive and cultured nation — Montevideo's art deco Ciudad Vieja, Punta del Este's beach glamour, Colonia del Sacramento's cobblestone colonial streets, and mate consumed with near-religious devotion.
- Capital
- Montevideo
- Population
- 3,499,451
- Area
- 176,220 km²
- Languages
- Spanish
- Currency
- Peso Uruguayo (UYU)
- GDP
- $79,731M
Good to know
Driving side
Right
National dish
Asado, Chivito
Annual visitors
3,480,000 (2019)
Safety
Elevated (11.25/100k)
Big Mac
$8.76
Avg temp
18.0°C
Religion
Christianity
Coast
Coastal
☎ Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999
Travel guide
Uruguay is the second-smallest country in South America, wedged between two of the world's largest countries ― Argentina and Brazil. Known for its colonial-era historic districts in Colonia and Montevideo, amazing beaches on the Atlantic Coast, its socially progressive society, and beef production, Uruguay is a true gem among South American nations, as it boasts a level of stability that few countries on the continent can match.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore Uruguay
Best time to visit
December–March is summer — beach season in Punta del Este and Colonia. The rest of the year is mild. Carnival in Uruguay (February) is the longest in the world. October–November (spring) is lovely in Montevideo.
Visa
Citizens of US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and most Western countries receive 90 days visa-free in Uruguay.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (3)
Book your trip to Uruguay
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Major cities
Montevideo
South America's most livable city — the Ciudad Vieja old port, the Mercado del Puerto for asado, and a long rambla promenade.
Punta del Este
South America's St. Tropez — where Argentine millionaires summer, with Casapueblo, Jose Ignacio, and world-class beach clubs.
Colonia del Sacramento
A UNESCO town of Portuguese-Spanish colonial heritage, just an hour by ferry from Buenos Aires.