About Uruguay

Located in the southern part of South America and bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay has often been misregarded as a minor nation due to its condition as the second smallest country in South America. Yet, this conception does not do justice to a country that contains one of the most interesting capitals, Montevideo, charming colonial towns, Colonia de Sacramento, and exclusive renowned beach resorts, Punta del Este.

Uruguay was originally settled by the Spanish in the 1620s and the Portuguese in the 1680s. Though there are records of previous indigeneous inhabitants, these gradually died out as Spanish and Portuguese colonialism firmly settled down in the country. Therefore, Uruguay acquired its distinguising idiosyncracy from both Empires. The official creation of the Uruguayan state took place in 1828. Throughout much of the 19th century Uruguay had to cope with ongoing fights between the British, Spanish, Portuguese and colonial forces for dominance in the region. During the 20th century, Uruguay started its quest towards peace and stabilty, whose fruits are reflected today not only in the development of its society, but also in the stability of its political system and the steady growth of its economy.

Uruguayan culture shares some of the same characteristics found in Argentina. Both countries are strongly European, notably Spanish and Italian, in their background and orientation, and unlike many Latin American countries, Uruguay is minimally influenced by indigenous culture. The tradition of the "gaucho" (cowboy, usually a mestizo) has been an important element in the shaping of its art and folklore. On the intellectual level, Uruguay has given birth to some of the most remarkable Latin Americans writers. The country also shares its taste for tango, though Candombe is the folk dance, mainly of African ancestry.