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Uruguay is one of the smallest of the South American republics. The landscape is made up of hilly meadows broken by streams and rivers. There is a string of beaches along the coast. Most of the country is grazing land for sheep and cattle. About 90% of the land is suitable for agriculture, although only 12% is used in this way. Uruguay is known as the 'Oriental Republic' because it stands on the eastern bank of the Rio de la Plata.
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| GEOGRAPHY |
| Uruguay is one of the smallest of the South American republics. It is bounded to the north by Brazil, to the southeast by the Atlantic, and is separated from Argentina in the west and south by the River Uruguay, which widens out into the Rio de la Plata estuary. The landscape is made up of hilly meadows broken by streams and rivers. There is a string of beaches along the coast. Most of the country is grazing land for sheep and cattle. Montevideo, the most southern point of the nation, accommodates more than half of the population. About 90% of the land is suitable for agriculture, although only 12% is used in this way. Uruguay is known as the 'Oriental Republic' because it stands on the eastern bank of the Rio de la Plata.
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| MONEY EXCHANGE |
| Uruguay's Currency is the Uruguayan peso (UYU) |
| PEOPLE |
Population: 3,334,074 (July 2000 est.)
Age structure:
0-14 years: 24% (male 417,288; female 397,12
15-64 years: 63% (male 1,030,201; female 1,057,968) 65 years and over: 13% (male 178,393; female 253,099) (2000 est.)
Population Density: 18.1 per sq km.
Language: Spanish. Some English is spoken in tourist resorts.
Religions: Roman Catholic 66% (less than one-half of the adult population attends church regularly), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, nonprofessing or other 30%
Languages: Spanish, Portunol, or Brazilero (Portuguese-Spanish mix on the Brazilian frontier)
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| SHOPPING |
HANDICRAFTS
Since Colonial times there has been a tradition for handicrafts, passed on from generation to generation, using materials linked to the local criolla culture: wool, silver, horn, leather, pumpkins, bone and natural fibers. Worth noting are handicrafts linked to the "mate" tradition, textile handicrafts, and work using the country's typical semi-precious stones, such as agates. Leather is processed artistically in a wide variety of goods.
ANTIQUES
Uruguay has a considerable reserve of antiques that are a great attraction to tourists. The Tristan Narvaja Market is famous for its antiques, in addition to the market stands where fascinating and curious items may be found there are large antique shops lining the street. There are also many antique shops in the Old Town, along the lovely streets of Bartolome Mitre, Sarandi, Bacacay, etc.
SHOPPING
All the world famous brands can be found in Uruguay, where a large quantity of articles is imported. Punta del Este's main street, Gorlero and Avenue 18 de Julio in Montevideo are concentration points for many shops where you can find absolutely anything you want. In addition, Montevideo has four large Shopping Centers: Montevideo Shopping (Pocitos), Punta Carretas Shopping, and Shopping Portones (Carrasco), and Shopping Tres Cruces (at the Tres Cruces coach terminal).
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| TAX |
Departure tax:
US$12 is levied on international departures (US$6 to Buenos Aires).
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| HOLIDAYS & FESTIVITIES |
| Jan |
1 |
New Year's Day |
| 6 |
Epiphany |
| Apr |
19 |
Landing of the 33 Patriots |
| May |
1 |
Labour Day |
| 18 |
Battle of Las Piedras |
| Jun |
19 |
Birth of General Artiga |
| Jul |
8 |
Constitution Day |
| Aug |
25 |
National Independence Day |
| Oct |
12 |
Discovery of America |
| Nov |
2 |
All Saint' Day |
| Dec |
8 |
Blessing of the Waters |
| 25 |
Christmas |
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| COUNTRY ORIENTATION |
No tourist visa required for U.S. citizens. Enter the country with only a valid passport for a period up to 90 days. |
| WEATHER |
| Uruguay has an exceptionally fine temperate climate, with mild summers and winters. Summer is from December to March and is the most pleasant time; the climate during other seasons offers bright, sunny days and cool nights.
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