Country Profile: Uruguay

Uruguay, located in Southern South America between Argentina and Brazil, is characterized by its fertile landscape, predominantly rolling plains and low hills. With a population of approximately 3.4 million, the country boasts one of the largest middle classes in South America and is known for its low socioeconomic inequality. The economy is export-oriented, focusing on key agricultural products like milk, beef, and rice. Uruguay operates as a presidential republic, with a history of Progressive governance and a constitutional foundation established after years of military rule.

Geography

Uruguay occupies an area of 176,215 square kilometers and is bordered by Argentina to the west and Brazil to the north. The country has a warm temperate climate with minimal freezing temperatures and a terrain mostly comprised of grasslands ideal for livestock. About 80% of the population resides in urban areas, primarily concentrated in the southern part of the country around the capital, Montevideo.

80.9% of land is used for agriculture (2022 est.)
660 km of coastline along the South Atlantic Ocean
514 m highest point is Cerro Catedral
1,591 km of land boundaries with Argentina and Brazil
12.1% of agricultural land is arable (2022 est.)

People and Society

The total population of Uruguay is approximately 3,425,330 (2024 est.), with a notable urbanization rate of 95.8%. The majority of residents are of European descent, primarily Spanish and Italian, while Spanish is the official language. The society is characterized by its cultural diversity and a predominance of the Roman Catholic faith, despite a significant percentage identifying as agnostic or atheist.

87.7% of the population identifies as White (2011 est.)
99% literacy rate (2022 est.)
0.26% population growth rate (2024 est.)
78.9 years life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)
15.7% of the population is aged 65 and over (2024 est.)

Economy

Uruguay has a high-income, export-driven economy, and it ranks as South America's largest middle class. Key sectors include agriculture, industry, and services. The economy remained resilient despite regional challenges, with a projected GDP of $108.502 billion (2024 est.) and a GDP per capita of $32,000.

2.1% of GDP allocated to military expenditures (2024 est.)
0.26% of the labor force unemployed (2024 est.)
10.1% of the population lives below the national poverty line (2023 est.)
4.8% inflation rate (2024 est.)
22.5% of GDP from exports of goods and services (2015 est.)

Government

Uruguay functions as a presidential republic with a bicameral legislature. The capital city is Montevideo. The country has a history of social and political reforms, and civil rights are largely respected. The current governmental structure includes a president elected for a five-year term, with the most recent election occurring in 2024.

President since 1 March 2025: Yamandú ORSI Martínez
19 administrative departments
18 years is the minimum voting age; suffrage is universal and compulsory
Constitution reinstated in 1985 after military rule

Military and Security

The Uruguayan military includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force, totaling around 23,000 active-duty personnel. The country maintains its military capabilities through a mix of domestic resources and international agreements, focusing largely on defense cooperation and peacekeeping missions.

2.1% of GDP spent on military in 2024
600 military personnel deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2024)
Enlistment is voluntary, with the age range being 18-30 for men and women
The military assists in border security and combating drug trafficking

Energy

Uruguay has achieved 100% electrification across its population and is noted for a diversified energy generation portfolio that emphasizes renewable sources. Wind power constitutes a significant part of the energy mix, supplemented by hydroelectric and biomass energy.

5.682 million kW of installed generating capacity (2023 est.)
9.826 billion kWh of electricity consumed (2023 est.)
2 billion kWh exported (2023 est.)
37% of total installed capacity from wind energy (2023 est.)

Environment

Environmental challenges in Uruguay include water pollution from various industries, deforestation, and waste management issues. The country participates in multiple international environmental agreements aimed at promoting sustainability and protecting natural resources.

80.9% of land used for agriculture (2022 est.)
172.2 billion cubic meters of total renewable water resources (2020 est.)
The country signed agreements related to biodiversity and climate change among others

Transportation

Uruguay's transportation system includes extensive road infrastructure and a network of railways, alongside a robust air travel system. The primary international airport is located in the capital, Montevideo, which serves as a major hub for both domestic and international flights.

65 airports (2025)
1,673 km of operational railways (2016)
58 vessels in the merchant marine (2023)
The country has 8 major ports (2024)

Communications

Uruguay features a well-developed communications sector, with high mobile cellular and internet penetration rates. The broadcasting landscape includes a mix of state-owned and private media outlets, providing a wide array of content.

90% of the population are internet users (2023 est.)
4.8 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 est.)
1.205 million fixed-line subscriptions (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	3,425,330 (2024 est.)
Area	176,215 sq km
GDP	$108.502 billion (2024 est.)
Energy consumption per capita	45.755 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Birth rate	12.6 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	8.5% (2024 est.)
Life expectancy	78.9 years (2024 est.)