Country Profile: Uruguay

Uruguay is located in southern South America, bordered by Argentina and Brazil, with a coastline along the South Atlantic Ocean. The country has a population of around 3.4 million, predominantly urban, with a significant concentration in the capital city, Montevideo. Uruguay's economy is characterized as high-income and export-oriented, relying heavily on agriculture and livestock products. Governed as a presidential republic, Uruguay boasts a stable political environment with a legacy of social reforms and civil liberties.

Geography

Uruguay covers an area of approximately 176,215 square kilometers, making it the second-smallest country in South America. The country's terrain consists primarily of rolling plains and low hills, with fertile coastal lowland that supports extensive agriculture. Its climate is warm temperate, and natural resources include arable land, hydropower, and minerals.

• 81.4% of land is used for agriculture (2023 est.).
• The highest point, Cerro Catedral, reaches 514 meters above sea level.
• The coastline measures 660 kilometers.

People and Society

With an estimated total population of 3,449,444 in 2025, Uruguay has an urbanization rate of 95.8%. The predominant ethnic group is White (87.7%), and the official language is Spanish. The society is marked by a high literacy rate of 98.9% and a median age of 37.4 years.

• 36.5% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic (2023 est.).
• The birth rate is 9.05 births per 1,000 population (2025 est.).
• Life expectancy is 78.9 years (2024 est.).

Economy

Uruguay has a high-income economy that is heavily export-oriented, with key exports including milk, beef, rice, and wool. The GDP, based on purchasing power parity, is projected to reach approximately $108.5 billion in 2024. The economy has a strong service sector, contributing 65.3% to the GDP, while agriculture and industry account for 6.4% and 16.8%, respectively.

• The unemployment rate is estimated at 8.5% (2024).
• Uruguay's exports to China are approximately 21% of total exports (2023).
• Public debt stood at 62.4% of GDP in 2023.

Government

Uruguay operates under a presidential republic system, with a bicameral legislature known as the General Assembly. The current president, Yamandú Orsi Martínez, took office on March 1, 2025. The constitution that governs Uruguay was reinstated in 1985 after a period of military rule.

• The voting age is 18 years with universal suffrage.
• The capital city is Montevideo.
• The country is divided into 19 departments.

Military and Security

Uruguay maintains a professional military force comprising around 23,000 active-duty personnel, with deployments for UN peacekeeping missions. Military spending represents about 2.1% of GDP. The armed forces are responsible for national defense and assisting in domestic security operations.

• The military includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• There are approximately 630 troops deployed in peacekeeping missions as of 2025.
• The age for voluntary military service is between 18 and 30.

Energy

Uruguay has achieved 100% electrification of its population and relies on a diverse mix of energy sources, including wind (37%) and hydroelectric power (27.3%). The country has been investing in renewable energy, greatly reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

• Total electricity consumption was about 9.826 billion kWh in 2023.
• Renewable energy sources account for over 90% of installed capacity.
• The installed generating capacity is 5.682 million kW (2023).

Environment

Uruguay faces environmental challenges such as water pollution from industrial activities and deforestation. Nonetheless, the country is a participant in various international environmental agreements focused on biodiversity and climate change.

• Urbanization rate stands at 95.8% (2023).
• Annual municipal solid waste generated is estimated at 1.26 million tons (2024).
• Approximately 24.8% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2022).

Transportation

Uruguay has an established transportation infrastructure, including 65 airports and a railway network of 1,673 kilometers. The country has several key ports that facilitate trade, including Montevideo and Fray Bentos.

• The civil aircraft registration code is CX.
• The merchant marine consists of 58 vessels (2023).
• There are 8 ports in total.

Communications

The communication sector in Uruguay is well developed, with high mobile and internet penetration. Approximately 90% of the population are internet users, and the mobile cellular subscription rate is 146 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants.

• There are 4.93 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2024).
• Fixed-line subscriptions total 1.205 million (2023).
• Broadband subscriptions stand at about 1.1 million (2023).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	3,449,444	2025 estimate
Area	176,215 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$108.502 billion	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	8.5%	2024 estimate
Birth Rate	9.05 births/1,000	2025 estimate
Life Expectancy	78.9 years	2024 estimate
Literacy Rate	98.9%	2024 estimate
Energy Consumption per Capita	45.755 million Btu	2023 estimate
Military Expenditures	2.1% of GDP	2024 estimate
Urban Population	95.8%	2023 estimate