Where is Uruguay: a brief geographical overview. Montevideo as the capital of the richest country in South America (Uruguay) Language and communication

Australia: 9,376
France France: 5 970
Canada Canada: 5 500
New Zealand New Zealand: 1,000 Language Religion Racial type Included in Related peoples

Population growth is one of the lowest in Latin America at about 0.19% per year. This is due to low birth rates and migration. Currently, there is a downward trend in population growth. Most of the departments are already experiencing population decline, the greatest in the departments of Artigas (-0.85%), Lavalleja (-0.49%), Durasno (-0.42%). The largest increases were in the departments of Maldonado (2.19%), Canelones (0.96%), and San José (0.68%).

The traditional occupation of the local population is animal husbandry. As in Argentina, the main figure here was the gaucho, that is, the shepherd. Almost the entire territory of the country is occupied by the pampa, that is, the steppe, and the natural conditions are most favorable for raising livestock. 90% of the country's territory is occupied by agricultural land, of which 80% is meadows and pastures, 10% is arable land. Currently, the country's agriculture fully satisfies the needs of the population.

About 94% of the population lives above the poverty level. Income is distributed more evenly than in other Latin American countries. About 40 percent of citizens have secondary education, 14 percent have special education, and 13 percent of the economically active population have higher education. Uruguay has the highest level of education and the largest number of students compared to the rest of Latin America.

Culture

In terms of culture and everyday traditions, Uruguayans are close to Argentines. The home of the villagers is a ranch - a house with earthen walls and a thatched roof. The estate is called an estancia. For large landowners, estancias are fenced with stone blocks, have a patio (inner courtyard), and roofs are thatched or tiled. The cities are dominated by the Spanish type layout - a rectangular grid of streets, which is typical for Latin America in general.

The culture of gauchos, steppe inhabitants and livestock breeders, is characterized by a large number of things made of leather, not only clothes, but also utensils. In clothing, the most typical elements are striped ponchos and capes. European clothing is now common in cities.

see also

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Links

Literature

  • Dridzo A.D. Uruguayans // Peoples and religions of the world. / Ch. ed. V. A. Tishkov, M., 1998.
  • Latin America, encyclopedic reference book. Ch. ed. V.V. Volsky, volume 2, M., 1982.
  • from TSB

An excerpt characterizing the Population of Uruguay

To the left below, in the fog, gunfire could be heard between invisible troops. There, it seemed to Prince Andrei, the battle would be concentrated, there an obstacle would be encountered, and “there I will be sent,” he thought, “with a brigade or division, and there, with a banner in my hand, I will go forward and break everything that comes before me.” .
Prince Andrei could not look with indifference at the banners of the passing battalions. Looking at the banner, he kept thinking: maybe this is the same banner with which I will have to go ahead of the troops.
By morning, the night fog had left only frost on the heights, turning into dew, while in the hollows the fog still spread out like a milky white sea. Nothing was visible in the ravine to the left where our troops descended and from where the sounds of shooting came. Above the heights there was a dark, clear sky, and to the right a huge ball of the sun. Ahead, far away, on the other side of the foggy sea, protruding wooded hills were visible, on which the enemy army should have been, and something was visible. To the right the guards entered the area of ​​fog, sounding with stomping and wheels and occasionally flashing bayonets; to the left, behind the village, similar masses of cavalry approached and disappeared into the sea of ​​fog. Infantry moved in front and behind. The commander-in-chief stood at the exit of the village, allowing troops to pass by. Kutuzov seemed exhausted and irritable that morning. The infantry marching past him stopped without orders, apparently because something ahead delayed them.
“Finally, tell them to form into battalion columns and go around the village,” Kutuzov angrily said to the general who drove up. “How can you not understand, Your Excellency, dear sir, that it is impossible to stretch out along this defile of the village streets when we are going against the enemy?”
“I intended to line up outside the village, Your Excellency,” answered the general.
Kutuzov laughed biliously.
- You will be good, deploying the front in sight of the enemy, very good.
- The enemy is still far away, Your Excellency. By disposition...
- Disposition! - Kutuzov cried out biliously, - who told you this?... If you please, do as you are ordered.
- I’m listening s.
“Mon cher,” Nesvitsky said in a whisper to Prince Andrei, “le vieux est d”une humeur de chien. [My dear, our old man is very out of sorts.]
An Austrian officer with a green plume on his hat and a white uniform galloped up to Kutuzov and asked on behalf of the emperor: has the fourth column set out?
Kutuzov, without answering him, turned away, and his gaze accidentally fell on Prince Andrey, who was standing next to him. Seeing Bolkonsky, Kutuzov softened the angry and caustic expression of his gaze, as if realizing that his adjutant was not to blame for what was happening. And, without answering the Austrian adjutant, he turned to Bolkonsky:
– Allez voir, mon cher, si la troisieme division a depasse le village. Dites lui de s"arreter et d"attendre mes ordres. [Go, my dear, see if the third division has passed through the village. Tell her to stop and wait for my order.]
As soon as Prince Andrei drove away, he stopped him.
“Et demandez lui, si les tirailleurs sont postes,” he added. – Ce qu"ils font, ce qu"ils font! [And ask if the arrows are posted. “What are they doing, what are they doing!],” he said to himself, still without answering the Austrian.
Prince Andrei galloped off to carry out the order.
Having overtaken all the battalions in front, he stopped the 3rd Division and became convinced that, indeed, there was no rifle chain ahead of our columns. The regimental commander of the regiment in front was very surprised by the order given to him from the commander-in-chief to scatter the riflemen. The regimental commander stood here in full confidence that there were still troops ahead of him, and that the enemy could not be closer than 10 miles. Indeed, nothing was visible ahead except a deserted area, sloping forward and covered with thick fog. Having ordered on behalf of the commander-in-chief to fulfill what had been missed, Prince Andrei galloped back. Kutuzov stood still in the same place and, senilely slumped in the saddle with his corpulent body, yawned heavily, closing his eyes. The troops no longer moved, but stood at gunpoint.
“Okay, okay,” he said to Prince Andrei and turned to the general, who, with a watch in his hands, said that it was time to move, since all the columns from the left flank had already descended.
“We’ll still have time, Your Excellency,” Kutuzov said through a yawn. - We'll make it! - he repeated.
At this time, behind Kutuzov, the sounds of regiments greeting each other were heard in the distance, and these voices began to quickly approach along the entire length of the stretched line of advancing Russian columns. It was clear that the one they were greeting was traveling quickly. When the soldiers of the regiment in front of which Kutuzov stood shouted, he drove a little to the side and looked back with a wince. On the road from Pratzen, a squadron of multi-colored horsemen galloped along. Two of them galloped side by side ahead of the others. One was in a black uniform with a white plume on a red anglicized horse, the other in a white uniform on a black horse. These were two emperors with their retinue. Kutuzov, with the affectation of a soldier at the front, commanded the troops standing at attention and, saluting, drove up to the emperor. His whole figure and manner suddenly changed. He took on the appearance of a commanding, unreasoning person. With an affectation of respect that obviously struck Emperor Alexander unpleasantly, he rode up and saluted him.
An unpleasant impression, just like the remnants of fog in a clear sky, ran across the emperor’s young and happy face and disappeared. He was, after ill health, somewhat thinner that day than on the Olmut field, where Bolkonsky saw him for the first time abroad; but the same charming combination of majesty and meekness was in his beautiful, gray eyes, and on his thin lips, the same possibility of varied expressions and the prevailing expression of complacent, innocent youth.
At the Olmut show he was more majestic, here he was more cheerful and energetic. He became somewhat flushed after galloping these three miles, and, stopping his horse, sighed with repose and looked back at the faces of his retinue, just as young and as animated as his. Chartorizhsky and Novosiltsev, and Prince Bolkonsky, and Stroganov, and others, all richly dressed, cheerful, young people, on beautiful, well-groomed, fresh, horses that had just slightly sweated, stopped behind the sovereign, talking and smiling. Emperor Franz, a ruddy, long-faced young man, sat extremely straight on a beautiful black stallion and looked around him with concern and leisurely. He called one of his white adjutants and asked something. “That’s right, what time did they leave,” thought Prince Andrei, observing his old acquaintance, with a smile that he could not contain, remembering his audience. In the retinue of the emperors there were selected young orderlies, Russian and Austrian, guards and army regiments. Between them, beautiful spare royal horses were led by riders in embroidered blankets.

The official name is the Eastern Republic of Uruguay (Republica Oriental dee Uruguay).

Uruguay is the smallest country in South America, located in its southeastern part. It is 4 times larger than Switzerland and almost 2 times larger than Portugal. Area 176.215 thousand km2. Population 3.39 million people. (2002). The official language is Spanish. The capital is Montevideo (1.4 million people, 2002). Public holiday - Independence Day (from Brazil) on August 25 (since 1825). The currency is the peso.

Member of the UN, OAS, LNPP, LAAI, MERCOSUR.

Sights of Uruguay

Geography of Uruguay

Located between 56° west longitude and 33° south latitude. In the south and southeast it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. The coastline is slightly indented, there are small open bays; the best natural harbor is Montevideo. It borders on Argentina in the west, and Brazil in the north and northeast.

Occupies the southeastern part of the Brazilian Plateau. The relief is flat-ridge. Ridges - Kuchily. The highest ridge is Cuchilla de Aedo (height up to 473 m). In the extreme east of the country there is a coastal lowland of the Atlantic Ocean with lagoon lakes, incl. the largest is Lagoa Mirin. The highest point in the country is Pan de Azucar (height 501 m). The river network is quite dense. The deepest rivers are the Uruguay and Rio Negro. The soil cover is dominated by reddish-black soils of savannas and pampas, in the southwest - chernozem-like reddish soils. The vegetation is dominated by a grassy savannah with grassy forbs (grasses, aristids, bluegrass, feather grass, shrubs: acacia, chinus, doctonea), which are green all year round. The heights of Cuchilla Grande and Cuchilla de Aedo are covered with moderately humid forests (mainly Araucariaceae), and the lower reaches of the Rio Negro are covered with subtropical forests (from the Myrtaceae, Mimosa, and Laurel families). Forests occupy no more than 5% of the country's territory. The fauna has been greatly exterminated. There are armadillos, gray opossum, small deer, skunk, rhea, or American ostrich. There are a lot of waterfowl, and in coastal waters - fish (anchovy, mackerel, dorado, etc.). There are no significant mineral deposits. There are known gold deposits (La Floresta, Solis, Bella Vista), placer deposits of titanium, zircon, and monocyte on the eastern coast of the Atlantic Ocean; deposits of iron and manganese ores in the northeast (Cerro Mulero); There are brown coal deposits. The climate is subtropical with uniform precipitation throughout the year. Winter is mild. Average temperatures in July are + 10-12°C, in January +22-24°C. Annual precipitation ranges from 1000 mm in the south and inland to 1200 mm in the north and at higher elevations.

Population of Uruguay

Population density 19 people. per 1 km2. Annual population growth is 0.7%, birth rate is 17.28%, mortality is 9%, infant mortality is 14.25 people. per 1000 newborns (2002). Average life expectancy is 75.66 years. Age structure: 0-14 years - 24.4%, 15-64 years - 62.6%, 65 years and older - 13% (2002). The most unfavorable age structure of the population in the region has developed - for every 2 workers there is 1 pensioner. Since 1996, the retirement age has been raised: for women to 57 years, for men to 65 years. The educational level of the population is high. 97% of the adult population is literate. OK. 40% of the economically active population have secondary education, 14% have special education, 13% have higher education. A high educational level allows you to study and apply new technologies in various industries. The predominant part are Uruguayans, descendants of Spanish colonists of the 16th-18th centuries. and later settlers from Western Europe (Spaniards, Italians, French). The indigenous population of Uruguay as a result of the anti-Indian wars of the 19th century. was completely exterminated, one of the “whitest” countries in Latin America. 88% of the population is white, 8% is mestizos and 4% is black. Language - Spanish. Religion: 66% of the population are Catholics, 2% are Protestants, 1% of the population are Jews, etc.

History of Uruguay

The colonial period began in Uruguay in the 16th century. after the penetration of the Spaniards (first in 1515). The War of Independence against the colonial rule of the Spaniards was led by H.H. Artigas (victory in 1811 over Spanish troops at Las Piedras). After liberation from the Spanish, and in 1815 from the Argentine troops, Uruguay (the country received this name in 1815, before that - the East Coast) was occupied by Portugal (1817). In 1821 it was annexed to Brazil under the name Sisplatin Province. In 1825, Uruguayan patriots declared independence from Brazil, but only in 1828 did Argentina and Brazil recognize their independence. On July 18, 1830, the 1st Constitution of the independent Eastern Republic was adopted.

In the 2nd half. 19th century The penetration of British capital into Uruguay increased, which contributed to the development of capitalist relations. Immigrants poured into the country, mainly from Italy and Spain, who began to fill the middle class of artisans and merchants. In 1926, Uruguay was the first in South America to establish diplomatic relations with the USSR, which were severed in 1935 during the dictatorship of G. Terra (1933-38). During World War II, the Uruguayan government broke off diplomatic relations with the Axis powers (1942), and in February 1945 declared war on Nazi Germany and Japan. In 1943, diplomatic relations with the USSR were restored.

In the new post-war world, British imperialism is losing its position in Uruguay, and American capital is filling this vacuum. The country is experiencing a noticeable development of industry and strengthening of the public sector. Unable to cope with economic difficulties, the ruling bourgeois parties that succeeded each other in power increasingly resorted to repression against democratic forces. Largely under the influence of the international situation against the backdrop of the Cold War, the activities of the terrorist left-wing extremist organization Tupamaros (founded in the mid-1960s by student Raul Sendik) developed. This organization had nothing in common with the communists and was based on representatives of the middle class. President Bordaberry, who took office in 1972, declared a state of emergency in the country under the pretext of combating terrorist attacks by the Tupamaros. In 1973, the influence of the armed forces in political life increased significantly. In June 1973, President Bordaberry carried out a coup d'etat, parliament was dissolved, political activity was banned, and the Constitution was abolished.

The period from June 27, 1973 to March 1, 1985 is known as the period of dictatorship, or civil-military regime. The inability of the military to overcome difficult economic problems and general dissatisfaction with the regime forced general elections to be held in 1984. The decrees of the military regime restricting the freedom of the press and the activities of political parties were repealed.

In the general elections in November 1989, the candidate of the Blanco party, L.A., was elected president. Lacalle. The share of traditional parties is decreasing due to the growth of left-wing parties, whose share in the elections amounted to 30.2% of the votes. The 1994 elections showed that the country's political system began to be clearly divided into three parts. The Colorado Party received 32.3% of the vote, the National Party 31.2% and the Broad Front 30.6%.

An important result of the work of the coalition of the “Colorado” and “Blanco” parties was the election in 1999 to the post of president of the country from the “Colorado” party of J. Batlle (52.5%), who, with the support of the “Blanco” electorate, defeated the representative of the PVSF (Progressive Choice - Broad front) T. Vazquez (44.5%).

Government structure and political system of Uruguay

Uruguay is a constitutional republic. On November 27, 1966, a Constitution was adopted, which came into force in February 1967, repealed on June 27, 1973. The new Constitution was not passed by referendum on November 30, 1980, two constitutional reforms were adopted by plebiscite on November 26, 1989 and January 7, 1997. Administratively, it is divided into 19 departments: Artigas, Duracio, Canelones, Colonia, Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysando, Rivera, Rio Negro, Rocha, Salto, San Jose, Cero Largo, Soriano, Tacuarembo, Treinta y Tres, Flores, Florida. The largest cities: Montevideo, Canelones, Colonia del Sacramento, Salto.

The highest legislative body is the General Assembly, consisting of two chambers: the Senate (30 senators) and the House of Representatives (99 deputies), elected by the population for 5 years. Suffrage is universal and compulsory, granted to all citizens over 18 years of age. The highest body of executive power is the Council of Ministers, appointed by the president and approved by parliament. The head of state is the president, elected by the population through direct universal suffrage. The president is also the head of government. The head of government is also the vice president. The electoral system is based on the Spanish civil legislative system. Since March 2000, the president is Jorge Batlle Ibáñez, the vice-president is Luis Hierro.

One of the outstanding presidents of Uruguay was Jorge Batlle, who was elected to this post twice (1903-07, 1911-15), a representative of the Colorado Party, and carried out socio-economic and political reforms that changed the country. His name is associated with the battleism movement, which recognizes the leading role of the state and the public sector in the economic life of the country and the primary development of industry. Batlism became the way of existence and life of the Uruguayans, and it is associated with modern Uruguay. Louis Batlle - president (1947-51), Colorado Party, nephew of H. Batlle, supporter of battleism, advocated the development of industry focused on import substitution. HM. Sanguinetti, Colorado Party, twice elected president (1985-89, 1995-99), battlelist. During his first term, he considered the main task of his reign to be the restoration of peace in Uruguayan society after 12 years of military rule. In the 2nd period he revived the policy of battleism. At the same time, it reduced the regulatory role of the state. Jorge Batlle Ibáñez - President (2000-04), Colorado Party, son and great-nephew of the presidents of Uruguay, continues the line on the development of battleism.

Leading political parties. The Colorado Party, or Batlista (after the name of the founder of the most important faction - H. Batlle), was founded in 1836. It relies on the bourgeois strata, civil servants, and the military. The National Party, or Blanco, was founded in the 1830s. Unites large landowners, trade, financial and industrial bourgeoisie associated with foreign capital. The Christian Democratic Party (CDP) was created in the beginning. 20th century under the name "Civil Union", since 1962 - Christian Democratic Party. Expresses the interests of the national petty bourgeoisie. The Socialist Party of Uruguay (SPU) took shape organizationally in 1911. In the 1960s. In the politics of the SPU there was a shift to the left, the party left the Socialist International. The Communist Party (CPU) was founded in 1920 on the basis of the left majority of the SPU. In 1973-84 it operated underground, legalized in 1985. A broad front took shape organizationally in February 1971. In addition to the Communist Party, it included FIDEL, the Christian Democratic Party, the SPU and other parties and organizations.

The largest trade union association, the Inter-Trade Union Plenum of Workers - National Convention of Workers (MPT - CNT), officially took shape in 1966. In 1973-84, the MPT - CNT was banned and operated underground. Unites 200 trade unions, 40 workers' federations - 230 thousand members (90% of organized workers).

The highest court is the Supreme Court (judges are nominated by the president and elected for 10 years by the General Assembly).

Leading business organization - Export and Investment Promotion Organization.

In domestic politics, the strategic task is the idea of ​​national reconciliation put forward by H. Batlle, the final settlement of the problems of the victims of the period of military dictatorship (1973-85). The movement, formed by family members of victims of the dictatorship, demands an official investigation into every case of disappearance and death and the punishment of those responsible. The issue of victims of the military dictatorship for a long time continued to be a subject of polarization in Uruguayan society, acquired a national character and began to be used by the left as a lever of pressure on the authorities. Taking into account this circumstance, as well as taking into account the successes of the left opposition in the last national elections, H. Batlle, having come to power, set as a priority of presidential policy the strategic task of finally “closing” this issue.

Foreign policy is based on the doctrine of “concentrating circles”. Uruguayan diplomacy efforts focus on the MERCOSUR near abroad zone, followed in order of importance by other Latin American countries, the United States, Western Europe and the rest of the world. Uruguay is a member of the most important continental and regional organizations, a participant in major multilateral agreements, incl. The Treaty of Tlatelolco, which created a nuclear-free zone more than 30 years ago. The main objects of Uruguay's activity are issues of strengthening democratic traditions on the Latin American continent, issues of economic integration and globalization, and combating drug trafficking and organized crime. In relation to the United States, Uruguay has a traditionally independent position. The strategic goal of President H. Batlle to diversify political and economic ties in the world finds its practical embodiment in the search for ways of rapprochement with the United States, mainly in the direction of “high technology” (informatics, computer production).

The armed forces consist of the Ground Forces, Navy (including sea-based aviation, coast guard, marine corps), Air Force, and police. The total number of armed forces, including civilian personnel, is 58 thousand people, incl. in the Ground Forces - 17 thousand people, the Air Force - 3 thousand and the Navy - 4.5 thousand people. (2002). The Armed Forces are recruited for hire. The traditional suppliers of military equipment in Uruguay are Western European countries (Great Britain, Spain, Italy, the Czech Republic and Poland).

Uruguay has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR in 1926).

Economy of Uruguay

Uruguay has an export-oriented agricultural sector and a highly qualified workforce. Located between the “big neighbors” - Brazil and Argentina - Uruguay depends on their economic conditions, since 45% of Uruguayan exports are sold in the markets of these countries. Since the devaluation of the Brazilian real in 1999, Uruguay has been in recession. Outbreaks of the foot-and-mouth disease epidemic in 2001 and the crisis in Argentina in 2002 cause a crisis in Uruguay.

The decline in GDP compared to the previous year was: in 1999 - 3.4%, in 2000 - 1.9%, in 2001 - 3.4%, in 2002 - 10.5%. As a result, GDP per capita decreased from $6,016 in 1999 to $5,657 in 2001 (in 1995 uniform prices), although it remains one of the highest in Latin America. The labor force is 1.235 million people. (2000). Unemployment in the country, where previously it consistently did not exceed 10% of the economically active population, reached due to the decline in production by the end. 2002 18%.

Decrease in inflation rate, which began in the 1st half. 1990s, was violated in 2002 (1990 - 129.0%, 1995 - 24.3%, 2000 - 5.1%, 2001 - 3.6%, 2002 - 25%). The financial stabilization program carried out since 1991 was based on controlling inflation by establishing a framework for the devaluation of the Uruguayan peso. In the context of the financial and economic crisis, Uruguay, from July 20, 2002, switched to a free market quotation of its national currency. If in December 2001 1 dollar corresponded to 14,768 pesos, then in December 2002 - 27,200 pesos. As a result, Uruguayan goods have become much more expensive than Argentine or Brazilian ones and cannot compete with them. The devaluation of the Uruguayan peso against the dollar led to an increase in consumer prices (an increase in 2002 compared to 2001 was 24.7%).

In 2001, the share of agriculture was 6% of GDP, industry - 29%, services and trade - 65%, and in employment - 14, 16 and 70%, respectively. Industry is represented mainly by the light and food industries for processing agricultural raw materials, as well as mechanical engineering, oil refining, and the chemical industry. Agro-industrial complex products bring the country 65% ​​of foreign exchange earnings. The main role belongs to the food industry, which accounts for 43% of industrial production (2000), followed by leather and clothing (9%), chemical industry (8%), mechanical engineering (8%), oil refining (2%). The main branch in the food industry is meat-packing. The textile industry focuses on the processing of wool for export and the production of synthetic fabrics and threads. In 2001, industrial production decreased by 2.4% compared to 2000, and in 2002 a number of industries, such as manufacturing, decreased production by 10%. Electricity production 7.527 billion kWh (2000). 93% of electricity is generated by hydroelectric power plants, 7% by thermal power plants. Electricity consumption is 7.35 billion kWh (2000), with 950 million kWh exported and 1.3 billion kWh imported.

Agriculture provides the country with basic food products and is the main source of exports. Each resident has 5 hectares of fertile land, which is 6 times higher than even the world level. 85% of the land is used for pasture. Ideal climatic conditions make it possible to obtain rich harvests in agriculture and develop livestock farming. In 1999-2001, production in the industry decreased (by 7.5% in 1999, by 3.5% in 2000, by 5.1% in 2001 compared to the previous year). Reasons: decreased competitiveness of Uruguayan agricultural products, lower world prices for agricultural products, the crisis in Brazil and Argentina, foot-and-mouth disease in cattle, they led to a deep decline in the industry. In 2002, unlike other sectors of the economy, production in the industry managed to increase by 7%, mainly due to the growth in meat (beef) production. Livestock farming is the main branch of agriculture. The cattle herd is estimated at 10.6 million head (2001). In connection with the crisis state of the global wool market, the increasing demand for milk and dairy products from the MERCOSUR member countries in recent years, the tendency to strengthen the meat and dairy sector has become more and more clearly evident in Uruguay. The sheep population in 2000 was 16.5 million heads. Here, following a decline in world prices for wool, the industry is being reoriented from wool to meat. Arable land in crop production accounts for 7.4% of agricultural land (2000). Main grains (thousand tons, 2000): rice (1300), wheat (559.2) and barley (196).

Situated between two Latin American giants, Uruguay is the geographical center of the most densely populated Mercosur zone, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. The network of roads and expressways is the densest in Latin America. The length of roads is 8983 km, incl. 90% with hard surface (2000). 3/4 of cargo transportation is carried out by road. The length of the railways is 3003 km, leading from the interior to the ports, mainly to Montevideo. Uruguay is the natural gateway to the Parana-Paraguay water system, serving 40 million people. and leading to Paraguay, Bolivia, connecting Argentina and Brazil. The total length of navigable rivers is 1600 km. The largest foreign trade port is Montevideo. Communication with other countries of the world is carried out through the international airport in Montevideo, where there are approx. 10 international lines and one domestic. 559 thousand passengers are transported per year (2001).

Uruguay is one of the few countries in the world with 100% coverage of the territory by a digital communications network, has the highest density of landline telephone lines in Latin America (28 telephones per 100 inhabitants), 921 thousand telephone subscribers, 350 thousand mobile users (2001). Among Latin American countries, it occupies a leading position in the number of Internet users (400 thousand people in 2002) and personal computers. Radio is used by 1.97 million people.

Almost 2 million foreigners visit Uruguay every year, not only for business purposes, but also for leisure. The country has become an international tourist center due to its natural conditions and high level of service. In terms of the ratio of the number of tourists to the population, Uruguay (0.69) is 6 times larger than Mexico (0.11).

During the years of the reign of President J. Batlle (since 2000), the promised structural reforms were not carried out. The President pays special attention to saving the financial system, undermined by the crises in Brazil and Argentina, and reduces government spending. Due to the fear of an intensifying social crisis, privatization of the telephone communications sector and demonopolization of the oil refining sector, which is in the hands of the state, are not being carried out. Budgetary difficulties influence the reduction of social spending.

In 2002, the basis of the credit system was three state banks (the central bank, the Bank of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay - BROU, the Mortgage Bank - IB), 21 commercial banks, 8 financial institutions, 12 offshore banks. The main state institution that determines the norms and principles of operation of the entire banking system of the country is the central bank. All banks are required to keep a security deposit in it. It is characterized by a high degree of dollarization (88% of all bank deposits were denominated in dollars). Until 2002, the credit system was highly stable and the country was called the “Switzerland of Latin America.” The crisis in Argentina led to capital flight and a reduction in bank reserves from $3 billion (end 2001) to $769 million (end 2002), and deposits by 50% (for 2002 alone). Timely loans from the IMF ($769 million and $1.5 billion) and the US Treasury ($4 billion) in 2002 helped Uruguay survive financial difficulties.

In 1999, amid declining business activity and rising government spending, the public finance deficit exceeded 4% of GDP. In 2002, loans from the IMF and the US Treasury, as well as cuts in wages and pensions, allowed the budget deficit to be reduced to 3.4% of GDP. The crisis was reflected in the growth of external debt. If in 1990 it was $4,415 million, then in 2001 it was $9,706 million (long-term debt—3,114 million and 6,634 million, respectively). As of 2003, the external debt of the public sector amounted to $11,426 million, which will require, according to official data, principal and interest payments of $1,884 million.

In 2002, a wage freeze and rising inflation led to the fact that real wages decreased by 18% compared to 2001, and incomes by 23% and amounted to $4,236 per person, i.e. fell below the 1990 level. Until the crisis period, Uruguay, unlike other Latin American countries, experienced a decline in poverty levels. Proportion of families living below the poverty line, estimated at $120 per month, for the 1990s. decreased from 11.8 to 5.6%, and those living in poverty - from 2 to 0.9%. Income is distributed more evenly than in any other Latin American country.

Trade policy since the 1990s. concentrates on MERCOSUR member countries. With a general upward trend in foreign trade turnover in 1991-2000, the share of MERCOSUR countries in the volume of Uruguayan exports increased from 36 to 46%, and imports, respectively, from 41 to 44%. Uruguay's trade volume with Mercosur members doubled during the period under review. Since 2000, there has been a downward trend in the volume of exports and imports of goods and services of Uruguay (in 2000, exports of goods and services - 3659 million US dollars, in 2002 - 2859 million, and imports - 4193 million, 2672 million, respectively). Main trading partners: Brazil, Argentina, EU, USA. Export structure (2000,%): livestock products 30.5, crop products 11.2, textiles 11.7, leather products (excluding shoes) 11.5. The main import items are mechanical engineering and equipment, oil and oil products, food.

Science and culture of Uruguay

Uruguay has the highest educational level and the largest relative number of students compared to all other Latin American countries. In 2001, there were 345.6 thousand students in primary schools, 188.055 thousand in secondary schools, 59.964 thousand in technical schools, and 60.926 thousand students in universities. Since 1975, compulsory 9-year education has been introduced for children from 6 years of age. There are 14 universities: University of the Republic, Catholic University of Uruguay. Damaso Antonio Larrañaga, University of Montevideo, etc. Published ca. 300 daily newspapers (the largest circulation does not exceed 35 thousand copies).

Science is financed by the state (90%) and foreign foundations. Among the state scientific institutions are the institutes of endocrinology and oncology, the oceanographic service, etc. Scientific work is also carried out at universities. The world's educated public is familiar with the work of famous cultural figures, such as writers Juan Carlos Onetti, Mario Benedetti, Miguel Angel Campodonico, painters Pedro Figari and J. Torres Garcia, sculptors A. Peni, J.L. Zorrilla de San Martino, José Belloni. The peak of the Uruguayans' impact on popular culture in the 20th century. was their participation in the development of the song and dance genre of tango, which originated in Buenos Aires. The author of one of the two most popular melodies of this style in the world, “Cumparsita,” was the Uruguayan Gerardo Matos Rodriguez in 1917.

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Surely not everyone knows that Uruguay is on the list of the most prosperous countries in the world. It is for this reason that it is comfortable to both relax and live here. In addition, this country has a very low crime rate, so it is safe here.

If you are looking for a place where you can fully enjoy a beach holiday, then choose Uruguay. This country is famous for its beach resorts. By choosing Uruguay as your holiday destination, you can not only soak up the warm rays of the sun and swim in the ocean, but also go fishing, do water sports, learn what a calabash is, take part in a carnival and much more.

Origin of the state and its name

After Christopher Columbus discovered the American continent, he decided to go to its southern outskirts. But when in 1516 the Spanish ships reached the Atlantic Gulf, the landing was unsuccessful, as the local Indian tribes met the sailors very aggressively, namely, they threw stones at them from the shore. But this is how Uruguay was discovered. At that time, different tribes lived on its territory.

The second attempt to land on this area was made by the famous navigator Ferdinand Magellan. When his ship was close to these lands, one of the crew members shouted: “Monte vide eu!”, which meant: “I see land!” Years later, everyone has already forgotten these words, but the capital of Uruguay to this day bears the name Montevideo.

Well, the name of the country came into use relatively recently. Before this, only the river was called that way (the word “Uruguay” means “River of Variegated Birds” or “River of Snails”).

Geographical location

Uruguay is located in southeastern South America. It borders on Argentina to the west, Brazil to the north, and is washed by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and east.

Climate

Uruguay has a temperate subtropical climate. A distinctive feature of the weather conditions of this region is short, mild winters with rare frosts and warm summers. In winter, the temperature drops to a maximum of +10 degrees. In summer, the thermometer rises to 22-27 degrees Celsius. In terms of precipitation, Uruguay rains evenly throughout the year.

Interestingly, January is the hottest month in Uruguay, and in July it is winter. If you want your vacation to be a great success and not to be spoiled by weather conditions, you should come here between December and March.

Population

According to the 2010 census, the population of Uruguay is 3.5 million.

State-political structure

By its form of government, Uruguay is a republic. The head of state and government here is the president, who is re-elected by the local population every 5 years.

Currency

The national currency of Uruguay is the Uruguayan peso (the international name of the currency is UYI). Money can be safely exchanged at a bank, exchange office, hotel or airport. By the way, local ATMs do not accept European or North American credit cards.

Religion, culture and customs

Uruguay has no official religion. According to the country's Constitution, freedom of religion is proclaimed here. So on the territory of Uruguay there are Catholics (47.1%), other Christians (11.1%), believers who are undecided (23.2%), Jews (0.3%), other religions (1.1%) , atheists and agnostics (17.2%).

The customs and traditions of Uruguay were based on a symbiosis of Spanish and European cultures. Particular attention is paid here to folk music.

Once in the capital of Uruguay, you will not encounter the “pressure” of local color, as is felt, for example, in neighboring countries. In this sense, it is very easy to relax in Uruguay. This may also be due to the fact that it is not a religious country. Therefore, as far as religious holidays are concerned, Christmas or Easter mostly pass unnoticed. But such a holiday as the New Year is celebrated here on a grand scale.

If you are vacationing in Uruguay at the beginning of the new year, then do not be surprised if on the first of January you see all the streets white, not because of the snow, but because of the calendar sheets. The fact is that the locals have a tradition of throwing last year’s calendars out of the window.

Uruguay has traditions related to cuisine, such as the locals eating large quantities of meat. Uruguayans can easily go out and have a barbecue party on any day, holiday or not. That is, people simply rejoice and enjoy every day they live.

National cuisine

The national cuisine of Uruguay is a mixture of traditions coming from Europe and South America. In any restaurant you can easily find dishes such as pasta, pizza or paella on the menu. However, traditional local dishes will also appeal to most tourists.

The basis of Uruguayan cuisine consists of beef and pork dishes cooked on the grill. Be sure to try a dish called parilladu, which is beef on a plate, and milanesas, chops that are coated in breadcrumbs and egg and deep fried. Well, true gourmets simply cannot pass up a marbled steak. For this dish, the meat is pre-soaked in a marinade of soy sauce, garlic, vinegar and salt, and then stuffed with slices of ham and cheese.

Fast food lovers should try the chivito - a sandwich with pork or veal chop with slices of tomato, cheese and lettuce.

And only in Uruguay you can taste real mate. This tea is drunk everywhere here. You can often meet locals with thermoses, and there is a high probability that this drink from Paraguayan holly leaves will be poured there.

Vladimir Dergachev

The former president of Uruguay abandoned his official residence and lived and still lives on his old farm in the suburbs of the capital. Jose Mujica is often called in foreign media the poorest head of state in the world, with which he does not agree. Can a person who has everything for a normal life be poor?

José "Pepe" Mujica was a member of the revolutionary underground in his youth, raiding banks and spending many years in prisons of the military junta. Having come to power, he demonstrated respect for basic democratic institutions, such as freedom of speech, a multi-party system, free elections, as well as a market economy and private property. This provided the conditions for economic growth and social justice.

During his presidency, Jose Mujica created the image of Uruguay as a stable, free and reliable country. The economy grew, public debt fell, conditions were favorable for the influx of foreign investment, and poverty levels fell. The country began to export not only agricultural products, but also electricity to neighboring countries. At the same time, the president legalized marijuana, abortion and same-sex marriage. These radical measures were taken by a left-wing socialist politician.

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Uruguay has a favorable environmental situation in the absence of harmful industries, many forests and thermal springs, and instead of croaking crows there are noble green parrots. Not only locals, but also Argentines relax on the sandy beaches of the South Atlantic. Uruguayans love to watch the sun set, and in winter (June and July) watch the whales swim to the coast.

The resort town of Piriapolis (8 thousand inhabitants) is located 97 km from Montevideo. Uruguay, like Argentina, is a country of Freemasons. The town was founded by a Mason and according to Masonic rites.


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Monument "Fingers"(Los Dedos) is located on the beach of Punta del Este, installed in 1982. The monument is one of the most famous symbols of the country. The Uruguayan sculptor dedicated this monument to the Drowned. Five fingers burst out from under the sand. This monument is meant to remember those who died on the Atlantic coast.


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In 2016, the authorities of Montevideo, in the presence of the Russian delegation, erected a modest monument to the Russian navigator Thaddeus Bellingshausen. In the Uruguayan capital, the Russian diaspora often gathers in a small club named after Maxim Gorky. In November 2016, the celebration of National Unity Day took place here. The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Eastern Republic of Uruguay addressed his compatriots and handed over a congratulatory letter from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to diaspora activists.


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In the recent past, in the city of Salto - the administrative center of the department of the same name in Uruguay - the grand opening of Russia Day took place, which was held as part of the traditional Immigrant Week. The event, organized by the Slavic Cultural Center of Salto, was attended by the Russian Ambassador to Uruguay, representatives of regional authorities, and numerous compatriots. A presentation of the book “Russians in Uruguay: History and Modernity” published in Spanish took place. Representatives of the Russian Old Believers communities living here took part in the Day of Russia for the first time - they offered the guests handicrafts, as well as dishes of Russian national cuisine. The week of immigrants ended with a solemn procession along the central street of the city of representatives of local communities, dressed in national costumes, they performed their folk songs and dances.

 

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