Uruguay

Uruguay is a small country in southeastern South America. It sits between Brazil and Argentina. Uruguay is one of the safest and most peaceful countries in South America. It has beautiful beaches and rolling green hills.

Land and People

About 3.5 million people live in Uruguay. The capital is Montevideo, where about half the people live. The land is mostly gentle hills and grasslands. Cattle and sheep roam on big ranches.

A tall stone monument standing proudly in Uruguay.
A tall stone monument standing proudly in Uruguay. (Maximasu / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

Uruguayans love soccer and won the very first World Cup in 1930. They drink a lot of mate tea. Beef is a big part of the diet. Candombe is a drum-based music style with African roots that fills the streets during festivals.

Fun Facts

  • Uruguay hosted and won the very first FIFA World Cup in 1930.
  • Uruguay was one of the first countries to give women the right to vote in South America.
  • There are about four cows for every person in Uruguay.

Did You Know?

Uruguay gets almost all of its electricity from renewable sources like wind and water. It is one of the greenest countries in the world. The country worked hard to stop using fossil fuels for its power.