Uruguay - Useful information for your trip

Uruguay is a country in South America, its capital city is Montevideo. It is washed by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and is situated on a vast lowland in the transition area between Argentinian pampas and Brazilians hills. In the western part, Uruguay river, which gives its name to the country, often causes floods in the sorrounding swamps. Finally, the coastal area is flat and punctuated by lagoons.

The highest point in Uruguay is located on Cerro Catedral, but on the whole the land is mainly flat.The northern part is subject to subtropical weather, becoming more temperate in the south and quite similar to climate conditions in Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Spain. Rain is frequent all year round, especially in March.

Unlike other countries in Latin America, Uruguay doesn't exhibt a rich flora and most animal species live in woods and prairies. Uruguay fauna has considerably reduced and now only small-sized animals can be found, including wildcats, armadillos and foxes. 

The economic system is quite developed if compared to those of other countries in the same area. Nevertheless, unemployment rates still remain high and poverty is still increasing. The main sector is agriculture, primarily based on cereals cultivation, in particular rice, corn, barley, wheat and sorghum. An important role is played by livestock, especially sheep and cattle, generally bred by large companies called "estancias".

Industries are almost exclusively located in Montevideo and mainly specialize in the processing of agricultural and fish products. 70% of the working population operates in the service sector. In particular, tourism is continually growing. Uruguay unfortunately boasts a sad record: it appears in the "grey list" of world tax havens according to 2010 OECD report.

Montevideo is absolutely worth a visit: the capital city is different from all the other South-American big cities thanks to its characteristically European atmosphere, resulted from massive immigration in the past. The most fascinating spots are the port, the old town center and the markets.

Colonia del Sacramento is worth a visit as well: it was declared Unesco World heritage since its old town center is surprisingly well preserved. And then again, Punte del Este, with its breath-taking beaches and several springs of natural waters located near Uruguay river, which contributed to the proliferation of spas, auch as Arapey, Salto Grande, Dayman, San Nicanor and Almiron.