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|  | URUGUAY COUNTRY SNAPSHOT AND INTERESTING FACTS | Uruguay is one of the smallest of the South American republics. It is bounded to the north by Brazil, to the southeast by the Atlantic, and is separated from Argentina in the west and south by the River Uruguay. The landscape is made up of hilly meadows broken by streams and rivers. There is a string of beaches along the coast. The country enjoys 500km (300 miles) of fine sandy beaches on the Atlantic and the Rio de la Plata, woods, mountains, hot springs, hotels, casinos, art festivals and numerous opportunities for sport and entertainment. Montevideo, the capital, is the country's natural trading centre. There are nine major bathing beaches, the best of which are Playas and Miramar. The Atlantic coast resorts are popular from December to April, and have fine beaches. Local dishes include asado (barbecued beef) and bife de chorrizo (rump steak). Theatre, ballet and symphonic concerts are staged in Montevideo from March to January. Montevideo, founded by the Spanish in 1726 as a military stronghold, soon took advantage of its natural harbor to became an important commercial center. Annexed by Brazil as a separate province in 1821, Uruguay declared its independence four years later and secured its freedom in 1828 after a three-year struggle. The administrations of President BATLLE in the early 20th century established widespread political, social, and economic reforms. A violent Marxist urban guerrilla movement, the Tupamaros, launched in the late 1960s, led Uruguay's president to agree to military control of his administration in 1973. By yearend, the rebels had been crushed, but the military continued to expand its hold throughout the government. Civilian rule was not restored until 1985. Uruguay's political and labor conditions are among the freest on the continent. 19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Artigas, Canelones, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida, Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysandu, Rio Negro, Rivera, Rocha, Salto, San Jose, Soriano, Tacuarembo, Treinta y Tres. Uruguay's well-to-do economy is characterized by an export-oriented agricultural sector, a well-educated workforce, and high levels of social spending. After averaging growth of 5% annually during 1996-98, in 1999-2002 the economy suffered a major downturn, stemming largely from the spillover effects of the economic problems of its large neighbors, Argentina and Brazil. For instance, in 2001-02 massive withdrawals by Argentina of dollars deposited in Uruguayan banks led to a plunge in the Uruguyan peso and a massive rise in unemployment. Total GDP in these four years dropped by nearly 20%, with 2002 the worst year due to the serious banking crisis. Unemployment rose to nearly 20% in 2002, inflation surged, and the burden of external debt doubled. Cooperation with the IMF limited the damage. The debt swap with private creditors carried out in 2003, which extended the maturity dates on nearly half of Uruguay's $11.3 billion in public debt, substantially alleviated the country's amortization burden in the coming years and restored public confidence. The economy grew about 10% in 2004 as a result of high commodity prices for Uruguayan exports, the weakness of the dollar against the euro, growth in the region, low international interest rates, and greater export competitiveness. | Open here a detailed map in a new window. Map Server Travel-Island.com. | 
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| RESORTS AND EXCURSIONS | Uruguay is increasingly drawing more visitors each year, and for good reason. The country enjoys 500km (300 miles) of fine sandy beaches on the Atlantic and the Río de la Plata, woods, hills, hot springs, hotels, casinos, art festivals and numerous opportunities for sport and entertainment.
Montevideo
The capital contains more than half of Uruguay's population and is the country's natural trading centre. There are nine major bathing beaches, the best of which are Malvin, Pocitos, Carrasco and Miramar. The suburbs have restaurants, nightclubs and hotels. Montevideo's architecture combines colonial, European and modern influences. The old inner city, known as the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town), is a small peninsula surrounded by the sea near the metropolitan port. The Cabildo (the old town council hall), the Cathedral, the Plaza Matriz, the Plaza Zabala and the Port Market are fine examples of Uruguay's colonial past. The Old Town, also a centre for antique shops, contrasts dramatically with the rising number of modern buildings and office blocks surrounding the area. The most interesting entrance to the city is via the Puerta de la Ciudadela (Door to the Citadel), part of the old wall that still surrounds Montevideo leading on, via the Plaza Independencia, to the popular and lively city centre.
Elsewhere
To the west of Montevideo is Colonia Suiza ('The Swiss Colony'), reached by hydrofoil from the capital. It has a delightful old quarter. Other beach resorts along the Uruguayan coast include Atlántida, Piriápolis and the fishing port of Paloma. Carmelo on the River Uruguay and Mercedes on the Río Negro (a tributary) are amongst the many picturesque river ports; further up the Uruguay is Salto, one of the country's largest cities. Fray Bentos, near Mercedes, gave its name to the famous processed meat company. The journey north through Florida and Durazno to Tacuarembó on the Brazilian border takes one through the heart of the country's agricultural lands. The beautiful hills surrounding the town of Minas are well worth a visit, as is Colonia del Sacramento, which has been rebuilt in its original 18th-century style.
Resorts
The Atlantic coast resorts are popular from December to April, and have fine beaches. Most fashionable of these is Punta del Este, 145km (90 miles) from Montevideo. It has two main beaches and offers water-skiing, fishing, surfing and yachting; there is also a golf course. Villas and chalets can be rented in the wooded area on the edge of town. Two nearby islands, Gorniti and Lobos, are worth a visit. | PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATION Furthermore, in order to get into many countries on the stay abroad you will require a visa of some type, even if you are just visiting. This is usually an insert, stamp or sticker which is placed in your passport and the duration of its validity varies from place to place. If you do intend to work or study in the country to which you are traveling, however, you should organize your visa even further in advance as this can take longer to process.
As well as your passport you should ensure that you have at least one other form of identification with you. This may be a driver’s license, birth certificate or any other form of ID which is acceptable worldwide. As with passports, bring at least two copies of all forms of identification in case of loss or theft.
Help to Passport and Visa Application Forms. How to find the right one(s)?
A passport is issued to you by your home country as proof of citizenship. Visas are stamped into your passport to allow you entry into other countries. Although there are exceptions, you are usually required to display your passport when entering or leaving a country. Once you arrive at your destination, carry a photocopy of your passport and keep the original in a safe place.
A visa is an endorsement or stamp entered into your passport by a foreign government. It allows you to enter that country for a specific reason and period of time. Start applying for visas as soon as your passport is available so that all your documentation is completed well before your departure date. To receive a visa you need to send your passport to an embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit. Most countries have embassies and consulates worldwide, and travel agents can usually tell you where the nearest ones are located. Keep in mind that your passport may be tied up for days or weeks until the paperwork is done, so plan accordingly. In addition, some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before they will issue you a visa. The amount of time spent mailing your passport to the various agencies involved can really add up if you are visiting several countries. Plan ahead if possible. If you only have a few weeks to prepare, a commercial visa service can often speed up the process. |
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