Uruguay
Uruguay is a highly developed presidential republic situated in South America, bordered by Argentina, Brazil, and the Atlantic Ocean. Current estimates show a population of approximately 3.4 million people with a projected GDP per capita of $25,416. The nation is defined by its social stability and high level of urbanization, with more than 95% of its residents living in urban centers.
Where is Uruguay?
Uruguay
- Continent
- Americas
- Country
- Uruguay
- Coordinates
- -33.00°, -56.00°
Population Details
- Population
- 3.4M
- Area
- 181,034 km²
- Density per km²
- 19 / km²
- Growth rate
- -0.04%
- Annual growth
- -1.5K people
- Daily growth
- -4.09 people
- World population share
- 0.04%
Population & Social Snapshot
Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Uruguay
Age Distribution
Urbanization
Health & Education Benchmarks
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Montevideo
- Region
- Americas
- Area
- 181,034 km²
- Languages
- Spanish
- Currency
- Uruguayan peso ($)
- Timezones
- UTC-03:00
- UN Member
- Yes
Economy
Recent data shows a GDP per capita of $23,907, which ranks Uruguay 2nd of 12 in South America and 64th globally. The economy is currently experiencing an annual growth rate of 3.1%, driven by robust exports in sectors like agriculture, forestry, and a burgeoning technology industry. The unemployment rate stands at 7.5%, placing the country 59th of 186 nations globally for employment levels. Overall, the nation ranks 82nd globally and 17th in the Americas for total GDP.
Society
Uruguay maintains exceptional social indicators, with an adult literacy rate of 98.9% that ranks 30th of 170 countries worldwide. Life expectancy at birth is 78.3 years, the 64th highest global ranking, supported by a comprehensive public health system. Digital inclusion is high, as 92% of the population are internet users, a connectivity rate that ranks 49th globally. These figures reflect a long-standing national commitment to education and social welfare.
Climate & Environment
The country features a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters, moderated by the Atlantic Ocean across its 181,034 km² (69,898 sq mi) of territory. The landscape is mostly composed of rolling plains and low hills, with the highest point reaching 514 m (1,686 ft) at Cerro Catedral. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, which sustains the vast grasslands used for cattle and sheep ranching.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- Presidential republic
- Independence
- 1825-08-25 (Brazil)
Uruguay is a presidential republic characterized by its robust democratic traditions and high level of transparency. The executive branch is led by a president who serves as both head of state and head of government, currently Luis Lacalle Pou. Legislative power is vested in the General Assembly, a bicameral body consisting of a 30-seat Chamber of Senators and a 99-seat Chamber of Representatives. Members are elected every five years through a system of proportional representation, and voting is mandatory for all citizens. The judiciary operates independently, with the Supreme Court at its apex. The political landscape is historically defined by high levels of civic engagement and stable political parties. Uruguay is frequently cited as the most stable democracy in the Americas, benefiting from a strong social contract and secular governance.
History
Long before European arrival, the region was inhabited by indigenous groups, most notably the Charrúa. During the colonial era, the territory known as the Banda Oriental became a strategic buffer zone between Spanish and Portuguese interests, leading to the founding of Colonia del Sacramento and later Montevideo. The struggle for autonomy was led by national hero José Gervasio Artigas in the early 19th century. Uruguay officially declared independence on 25 August 1825 and achieved full sovereignty from Brazil in 1828 following British mediation. The late 19th and early 20th centuries were marked by the Batllismo era, which established a pioneer welfare state and secularized the nation. This period of prosperity earned the country the nickname Switzerland of the Americas. However, economic stagnation in the mid-20th century led to social unrest and a period of military dictatorship between 1973 and 1985. Since the restoration of democracy, Uruguay has consistently focused on social equity and institutional stability. Modern development has been defined by progressive social legislation and a shift toward high-tech services and renewable energy. Recent data indicates an official population of 3,386,588, with an estimated 2026 population of 3,383,603.
Notable Facts
- Uruguay is one of the most urbanized nations in the world, with approximately 95.6% of its population living in cities according to the latest estimates.
- The country is a global leader in renewable energy, often generating over 95% of its electricity from wind, solar, and hydropower sources.
- Education is a national priority; the literacy rate is 98.9100036621094%, and Uruguay was the first country in the world to implement a nationwide program providing laptops to every primary school student.
- Geographically, it is the only South American country located entirely outside the tropics, featuring a coastline of 660 km (410 mi) along the Atlantic Ocean and Río de la Plata.
Geography
- Highest Point
- Cerro Catedral (514 m)
- Lowest Point
- Atlantic Ocean (0 m)
- Coastline
- 660 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in UruguayExplore weather and climate data for cities in Uruguay
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Montevideo
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January best | 28°C / 19°C | 30°C / 19°C | 6days (62 mm) Good | 12.4h Excellent | 69% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| February best | 27°C / 19°C | 29°C / 19°C | 9days (96 mm) Wet | 11.2h Excellent | 72% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| March best | 26°C / 18°C | 27°C / 18°C | 10days (98 mm) Wet | 10.1h Excellent | 75% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| April | 22°C / 14°C | 21°C / 13°C | 8days (79 mm) Wet | 8.9h Good | 77% Humid | Good | View Details |
| May | 18°C / 10°C | 16°C / 8°C | 6days (65 mm) Good | 7.9h Good | 79% Humid | Good | View Details |
| June | 15°C / 8°C | 12°C / 5°C | 6days (44 mm) Good | 7.4h Good | 82% Humid | Good | View Details |
| July | 14°C / 7°C | 12°C / 4°C | 7days (45 mm) Good | 7.8h Good | 81% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| August | 16°C / 8°C | 14°C / 5°C | 7days (61 mm) Good | 8.3h Good | 78% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| September | 18°C / 10°C | 16°C / 7°C | 6days (59 mm) Good | 9h Good | 78% Humid | Good | View Details |
| October | 21°C / 12°C | 20°C / 10°C | 7days (64 mm) Good | 10.6h Excellent | 73% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| November best | 24°C / 15°C | 24°C / 13°C | 7days (72 mm) Good | 11.5h Excellent | 71% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| December best | 26°C / 17°C | 27°C / 16°C | 7days (69 mm) Good | 12.4h Excellent | 68% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 28°C / 19°C . Feb: 27°C / 19°C . Mar: 26°C / 18°C . Apr: 22°C / 14°C . May: 18°C / 10°C . Jun: 15°C / 8°C . Jul: 14°C / 7°C . Aug: 16°C / 8°C . Sep: 18°C / 10°C . Oct: 21°C / 12°C . Nov: 24°C / 15°C . Dec: 26°C / 17°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 62 mm. Feb: 96 mm. Mar: 98 mm. Apr: 79 mm. May: 65 mm. Jun: 44 mm. Jul: 45 mm. Aug: 61 mm. Sep: 59 mm. Oct: 64 mm. Nov: 72 mm. Dec: 69 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The population of Uruguay is approximately 3.4M (2024).
The capital of Uruguay is Montevideo.
Uruguay's GDP per capita is $25.4K (2024).
Life expectancy in Uruguay is 78.29 years (2024).
Uruguay covers 181,034 km² (69,898 sq mi).
Uruguay is sparsely populated, averaging 19 people per km², below the global average of 60.
Uruguay's population is roughly stable, changing by less than 0.1% per year.
Yes — based on GDP per capita, Uruguay falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $25.4K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.
Uruguay's intentional homicide rate is 11.2 per 100,000 people, above the global average.
The official language of Uruguay is Spanish.
Uruguay uses the Uruguayan peso ($) as its sole official currency.
The best months to visit Uruguay are January, February, March, November, December, based on climate data for the capital.
Current estimates show that Uruguay has a population of approximately 3.4 million people. This figure ranks the nation 133rd globally and 10th out of 12 countries in South America. The population remains highly concentrated in urban areas, particularly in and around the capital city of Montevideo, which serves as the primary economic hub.
Uruguay has a strong economy with a GDP per capita of $23,907, the 2nd highest out of 12 countries in South America. It currently ranks 64th globally in GDP per capita and 82nd for total nominal GDP. Recent data indicates an annual GDP growth rate of 3.1%, supported by its exports of meat, soybeans, and cellulose.
The adult literacy rate in Uruguay is 98.9%, which ranks the country 30th out of 170 nations according to the latest global data. This high level of education is a result of a long history of state-funded, secular schooling. The nation continues to invest heavily in its human capital to maintain its competitive edge in the region.
Approximately 92% of the population in Uruguay are internet users, ranking the country 49th globally for digital connectivity. This high percentage is driven by government initiatives that promote digital literacy and infrastructure development. The nation is a regional leader in software exports and technological adoption, reflecting its modern and connected social fabric.
Uruguay currently has an unemployment rate of 7.5%, ranking 59th out of 186 countries globally when ordered from lowest to highest. While the labor market is relatively healthy, the government remains focused on professional training to adapt the workforce to the needs of the growing services and technology sectors. The rate reflects a stable and maturing labor market.
Uruguay currently holds a global population rank of 133 out of 215 countries and territories. Within its own region, it is the 22nd most populous out of 46 countries in the Americas and the 10th largest out of 12 nations in South America, according to recent rankings.
The population density in Uruguay is approximately 19.3 people per km² (50.0 per sq mi). This is considered relatively low on a global scale, where it ranks 187th out of 215. Most of the population is concentrated in urban centers, particularly in and around the capital, Montevideo.
Recent data indicates that the population of Uruguay is decreasing at a marginal annual rate of -0.04%. This decline is driven by a natural decrease, as daily deaths (92) now slightly exceed daily births (91), alongside a low net migration rate that results in an overall daily loss.
The fertility rate in Uruguay is currently 1.4 births per woman, which is below the 2.1 required for a stable population without immigration. This ranks Uruguay 177th globally for fertility, reflecting a demographic trend toward smaller families and an aging population similar to many European nations.
Uruguay is exceptionally urbanized, with 95.6% of its population living in cities. This places the country 17th globally for urbanization. The vast majority of citizens reside in the capital, Montevideo, which serves as the primary hub for the nation's economic, political, and cultural life.
All Indicators
Explore Uruguay's data across 50+ indicators
Demographics
Economy
Health
Education
Environment
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Infrastructure
Geography
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