Uruguay
Where is Uruguay located? Uruguay belongs to the continent of South America. It is positioned in southern South America, on the coastline of the South Atlantic Ocean and the names of its border countries are Argentina and Brazil.
Uruguay population and size Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America. The approximate area size is 181,034 km sq. It is predicted that the country has a population of around 3,480,200 inhabitants with the most populated area being the capital city of Montevideo.
The capital of Uruguay The capital city of Uruguay is Montevideo which is situated in the south of the country. Montevideo is the most inhabited city in Uruguay and has an estimated population of 1,707,000 people. The area is known for its high living standards. There are numerous unusual landmarks in the capital city including the World Trade Centre Montevideo, Telecommunication Tower (highest skyscraper in Uruguay), Palacio Legislativo, Solis Theatre, La Mano de Punta del Este (sculpture), Juan Manuel Blanes Museum, Metropolitan Cathedral, Torres Garcia Museum, Palacio Taranco, Museum of Visual Arts, and Punta Brava Lighthouse. The capital city of Montevideo is located on the south coast of Uruguay along the Rio de la Plata (river). The standard of living in this city is very high and is considered among the highest in South America. Montevideo is home to one of the continent's most important ports which is crucial to Uruguay's economy. Montevideo is a central hub for businesses, financial services and education. The city caters well for its tourists and boasts numerous hotels, shopping centres, travel links, cruises, beaches and points of interest.
Uruguay major cities There are a number of major cities in Uruguay, the names of the largest and most important cities and towns include the country’s capital Montevideo, Salto and Ciudad de la Costa. The second most populous city is called Salto. Located in northwest Uruguay on the border with Argentina, Salto has a hydroelectric dam known as the Salto Grande Dam, and a Grande Bridge that connects the two countries via the Uruguay River.
Facts for Kids 1: Although some design features have been modified, the first National Flag of Uruguay was introduced in 1828. This version of the flag consisted of a white upper canton and 17 white and blue horizontal stripes. A canton can be described as a square charge smaller than a quarter and situated in the upper corner of a shield. The upper canton features an image of the Sun of May; an important emblem that symbolizes this country's history and battle for independence.
Facts for Kids 2: The current National Flag of Uruguay has nine horizontal stripes which alternate from white to blue. The nine stripes are representative of the nine original departments of Uruguay. The ‘Sun of May’ emblem dominates the corner of the upper hoist. The flag of Uruguay was designed by Joaquín Suárez, the first head of state of Uruguay, in 1828. Joaquín Suárez was the President of Uruguay from 1843 until 1852.
Facts for Kids 3: One of the unique features of the flag of Uruguay is that unlike most other nations, its design features multiple white stripes as a divider between another color. The flag of the United States incorporates a similar style
Facts for Kids 4: The Sun of May is the national emblem of two countries of South America; Uruguay and Argentine. The Sun of May can be described as a bright yellow symbol of the sun, featuring a human smiling face and sixteen rays which alternate between straight and wavy designs. In the upper canton, an image of the Sun of May represents a new nation to the world.
Facts for Kids 5: The Sun of May emblem was inspired by the May Revolution that occurred from May 18 to May 25, 1820 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Spanish colony incorporated parts of Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia. The May Revolution is considered the first successful revolution in South America’s struggle for independence.
Map of Uruguay
Geography
The geography of Uruguay comprises mostly of grasslands, low hills, plains and coastal regions. The landscape features mainly low elevations and lacks high elevations and mountainous areas.
Climate
The climate of Uruguay can be described as temperate with mild winters and warm summers. The landscape lacks mountainous regions which means that much of Uruguay is open to the elements and prone to changeable weather conditions which can result in droughts and floods. High winds are known to occur seasonally.
Famous landmarks
There are many important landmarks, monuments and buildings in Uruguay including the Salto Grande Bridge, Salto Grande Dam, World Trade Centre Montevideo, Telecommunication Tower (highest skyscraper in Uruguay), Palacio Salvo, Palacio Legislativo, Solis Theatre, La Mano de Punta del Este (sculpture), Juan Manuel Blanes Museum, Metropolitan Cathedral, Torres Garcia Museum, Palacio Taranco, Museum of Visual Arts, and Punta Brava Lighthouse.
Uruguay is famous for its high standard of living, a strong economy and for being a leading promoter of peace and democracy in South America. Despite being the second smallest country on the continent, Uruguay is considered one of the world's most progressive and socially developed nations. The country managed to reduce its carbon footprint significantly by introducing wind farms and other means that has allowed almost 95 percent of its electricity to come from renewable energy sources. The population is well educated and respectful of personal rights.
Culture
The official language of Uruguay is Spanish, however, other languages are also spoken in this South American country including Portunol and Brazilero; a mixture of Spanish and Portuguese languages, and Cocoliche which comprises a mixture of Spanish and Italian.
The culture of Uruguay is rich and reflects European influences. Most people enjoy a high standard of living with many being interested in a variety of activities including music, art, literature, cuisine, education and sport. The most popular sport in this South American country is football with the Uruguay national football team boasting some of the best players in the world. The national symbol of Uruguay and Argentina is the gaucho. A gaucho can be described as a skilled horseman of the Uruguayan and Argentine Pampas grasslands. A brave and prominent legendary figure from the 18th and 19th centuries. The guacho is an important part of the Uruguayan culture and heritage.
Although Uruguayans share a Spanish cultural background, a large number of people are of Italian heritage. Most of the population are Christian, although Uruguay has no official religion. Most people in this part of South American do not actively practice a religion. The church and state are officially separated and religious freedom is guaranteed in this country.
Economy
This South American country has a high literacy rate, large urban middle class, and relatively even income distribution. The standard of living compares favorably with most other Latin American countries. Montevideo is the only large city. During the past twenty years, an estimated 500,000 Uruguayans have emigrated, principally to Argentina and Spain. As a result of the low birth rate, high life expectancy, and a relatively high rate of emigration of younger people, Uruguay's population is quite mature. Tourism forms a very important part of the country's economy as does agriculture. Uruguay is a leading global producer of numerous products including beeswax, quinces, wool, soybeans and horse meat, beef and milk.
The flag
The national flag of Uruguay was designed by Joaquin Suarez and adopted in 1828, the same year as the country gained independence and freedom. The flag is unusual because its design composes multiple white and blue horizontal stripes. The Uruguayan flag can be identified by the Sun of May symbol positioned on its upper hoist. The Sun of May is an important emblem that represents Uruguay's fight for independence and portrays a new nation to the world. The Sun of May can be described as a bright yellow symbol of the sun, featuring 16 rays and a human smiley face. The emblem was inspired by the May Revolution (18-25 May, 1820) that occurred in Buenos Aires, Argentina and became the first successful revolution in South America's battle for independence.
