A large part of Uruguay is covered by vast grasslands that turn into wetlands along the Atlantic coast. The rest of the landscape is shaped by narrow, elongated hill ranges, which in the east end at the renowned Punta del Este. The country’s main river is the Uruguay, which together with the Paraná forms the vast Rio de la Plata estuary.
The climate in Uruguay is temperate and humid. The prairies are home to a wide range of native flowers, including a small, vibrant purple blossom so widespread that Uruguay is often dubbed the “Land of Purple.” Along the coast, pine and eucalyptus trees are planted to prevent sand from encroaching.
Wildlife is limited, with mammals such as deer, otter, wild boar, fox, wild cat, armadillo, and various rodents being more common. Uruguay is particularly rich in birdlife: waterfowl like swans, cranes, storks, egrets, and ducks abound alongside land birds such as vultures, owls, wild turkeys, quail, partridges, and hummingbirds. Among reptiles, alligators can be found along riverbanks.
Uruguay at a Glance
- Country: Eastern Republic of Uruguay
- Area: 176,215 km²
- Capital: Montevideo
- Population: 3,415,920 inhabitants
- Language: Spanish
- Religion: Mostly Catholic
- Government: Presidential republic
- Main cities: Montevideo, Punta del Este, Rivera, Salto, San Jose
Useful Information for Visiting Uruguay
- Currency: Uruguayan Peso (1 euro = 29 UYU)
- International dialing code: +598
- International plate: ROU
- Driving side: Right
- Entry documents: Passport
- Required vaccinations: None
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz
- Measurement system: Metric
- Time zone: UTC -4 compared to Italy
- Fixed public holidays: January 1: New Year’s Day; March-April: Good Friday; March-April: Easter Sunday; March-April: Easter Monday; May 1: Labour Day; May 8: Anniversary of the Battle of Las Piedras; July 18: Constitution Day; August 25: Independence Day; October 12: Columbus Day; December 25: Christmas; December 26: St. Stephen’s Day
- Climate: Temperate, with warm but not sultry (though humid) summers, which coincide with winter in Europe, and mild winters. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year.
- Average temperatures: The yearly average temperature is 17.5°C. January is the hottest month (average 32°C); June is the coldest (average 6°C).
- Transport: National airline: Pluna. Other airlines serving Uruguay: Iberia (direct flights), and Alitalia, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, and others via Buenos Aires.
- Airports: Montevideo International
