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Uruguay
Summary: Uruguay is to the south of the middle of South America between Argentina and Brazil and is one of the smallest countries on the continent, after Suriname and French Guiana, with a terrain that is mostly rolling plains with some low hills and fertile lowlands by the coast. It is these coastlines that have helped Uruguay have a strong agricultural sector, with social spending and public education and some of the freest political and labor systems in South America, after civilian rule was restored in 1985 following 25 years of the Tupamaros, a local guerrilla movement.
Capital: Montevideo
Time Zone: UTC-3
Population: 3,477,778
Languages: Spanish, Portunol, and Brazilero
Power: 220 V, 50 Hz
Currency: Uruguayan Peso
- Currently 1 UYU = 0.0480 USD $
Climate: Uruguay has a warm temperate climate where snow is almost an unknown.
- Currently 66º, Partly Cloudy
Recent Headlines:
Judge says Lehman can sell units to Barclays - AP via Yahoo! News - Sep 20 7:12 PM
Uruguay's new minister promises continuity of economic policy - People's Daily - Sep 18 11:24 PM
Uruguay lawmakers seek airline execs' resignation - INO News - Sep 18 3:32 AM
Forbes Medi-Tech Announces Reducol(TM) Expansion in South America with New Yogurt Drink Launched in Uruguay - Marketwire via Yahoo! Finance - Sep 18 4:45 AM
Fuel oil spills from ships near Uruguay - KRON 4 Bay Area - Jun 04 2:54 PM
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 Montevideo: Montevideo reflects its cultural diversity clearly in its architecture – Art Deco, colonial Spanish and Italian stiles are the norm. Welcome yourself to the sandy beaches where many Argentines retreat on vacation, or start off in Ciudad Vieja, the old colonial core of the city, where you can see the fort Cerro de Montevideo across the harbor, or the Plaza Independencia with it’s statue to José Gervasio Artigas, the national liberator and hero, and its noon-time changing of the guard. |
 Punta del Este: Punta del Este is the largest of the Uruagayan Riviera resorts about 75 miles east of Montevideo, and offers everything from golf, fishing and sailing, to casinos, swimming and sunbathing, as well as a great stroll along the Rambla General Artigas, the picturesque waterfront promenade. Nearby, you can climb the 1617 foot Cerro Pan de Azúcar, or visit the small islands of Isla de Lobos, with one of the world's largest sea lion reserves, and Isla Gorriti, with beaches and La Campana, an 18th century fortress. |
 Colonia del Sacramento: Colonia is a colonial city on the Rio de la Plata about 100 miles west of Montevideo with white buildings and cobbled streets settled by the Portuguese in 1680. It’s old quarter, the Barrío Historico, is a UNESCO heritage site and like other areas of the city, packs houses next to shops, restaurants and bars with palm-tree lined parks, and go and see the 1699 Iglesia Matriz del Santisimo Sacramento. Across the Rio de la Plata is Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital, making this town a common gateway between the two countries. |
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Safe Area: Uruguay has little crime, and the occasional pick pocketing incident is the most likely concern.
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Friendly: Although smoking is prohibited on buses and in movie theaters, however, locals are very friendly and eager to help tourists find their way and be comfortable.
Afternoon Banking: As credit cards and traveller’s checks are difficult to use outside the capital, keep an eye on your local bank – they are open only in the afternoon, from around 1:30pm to around 5pm.
When To Visit: December to February are the high summer months which coincide with the busier months on the beaches and the busier tourist season.
Food: Parrilladas, the outdoor beef grills, are one of the most popular local foods, along with a green tea made from yerba mate, leaves from a cousin of the holly.
Phrases: Yes = si, no = no, hello = hola, please = por favor, thank you = gracias, do you speak English = usted habla inglés?
Tipping: Check your bill and follow standard tipping practices for an additional 10% for restaurants and taxi drivers if a service charge has not been included already.
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