Uruguay — Country and Tourist Information
Country Facts
- Location
- South America.
- Language
- Spanish. Some English is spoken in tourist resorts.
- Area
- 176,215 sq km (68,037 sq miles).
- Time Zone
- GMT - 3 (GMT - 2 from the second Sunday in October to the second Sunday in March).
- Electricity
- 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Continental flat three-pin or round two-pin plugs.
- Population
- 3.7 million (2009).
- Population Density
- 21 per sq km.
- Capital City
- Montevideo. Population: 1.35 million (2007).
- Government
- Republic since 1830.
- Head of State
- President José Mujica, since 2010.
- Religion
- Roman Catholic is the predominant religion.
Recent History
Tabare Vazquez, from the leftist Frente Amplio coalition, was elected as president in 2005, becoming Uruguay's first third-party Head of State. The Frente Amplio had further success in the mayoral elections of May 2005. Noteworthy developments under leftist rule have included the paying off of Uruguay's debt to the IMF, restoration of diplomatic ties with Cuba, the banning of smoking in public places, and the sanctioning of same-sex civil unions. The Uruguayan government controversially granted leases to foreign multinationals to build paper factories on the Rio. Uruguay has strained relations with neighboring Argentina, resulting in protests and bridge closures.
Communications
Telephone
Country Code: +598. The local telephone service Antel, which is operated by the government, is good and operates call centers in all major towns. There are also numerous locutorios (privately run call centers). Public phone boxes require a prepaid card, available in denominations of $U25 to $U400 from Antel call centers and newspaper kiosks. Skype calls can be made from most internet cafés and are generally the cheapest way to call home.
Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone operators. Visitors should check with their service provider before traveling. Mobile phones and SIM cards can also be easily obtained locally and are usually a less expensive option, especially for longer stays. Coverage is good in urban areas and patchy elsewhere.
Internet
There are internet cafés in main urban areas. Connections are good and prices reasonable (around US$1 per hour).
Media
The Uruguayan constitution guarantees a free press and freedom of speech. There are dozens of private newspapers, radio stations and TV channels. Leading Uruguayan TV broadcasters include Canal 10, Montecarlo and Teledoce. State-run radio and television broadcasts are operated by SODRE. International cable channels are also available, especially at better hotels in Montevideo. Domestic English-language news sources are limited to the internet, but UK and other international papers can be purchased at some Montevideo newsstands.
Post
Airmail to Europe takes three to five days.0800-1800 (main post office in the old city, Montevideo: 0900-1900).
Press
All newspapers are in Spanish. The most popular dailies include El Observador, El País, La República and Ultimas Noticias.
Radio
Stations include AM Libre, state-owned Radiodifusion Nacional SODRE and Radio El Espectador.
Public Holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2011-December 2012 period.
2010
25 Dec Christmas Day
2011
1 Jan New Year’s Day
6 Jan Epiphany
7 Mar - 8 Mar Carnival
19 Apr Landing of the 33 Patriots
21 Apr Maundy Thursday
22 Apr Good Friday
1 May Labor Day
18 May Battle of Las Piedras
19 Jun Birth of General Artigas (Día del Nunca Más)
18 Jul Constitution Day
25 Aug National Independence Day
10 Oct Día de la Raza
2 Nov All Souls’ Day
25 Dec Christmas Day
2012
1 Jan New Year’s Day
6 Jan Epiphany
20 Feb - 21 Feb Carnival
5 Apr Maundy Thursday
6 Apr Good Friday
19 Apr Landing of the 33 Patriots
1 May Labor Day
18 May Battle of Las Piedras
19 Jun Birth of General Artigas (Día del Nunca Más)
18 Jul Constitution Day
25 Aug National Independence Day
8 Oct Día de la Raza
2 Nov All Souls’ Day
25 Dec Christmas Day
Many businesses close during Carnival Week and during Tourist Week (Easter).
Contact Information
Ministerio de Turismo del Uruguay (Ministry of Tourism)
Rambla 25 de Agosto de 1825 esq, Yacaré, S/N (plano), Montevideo, Uruguay
Tel: (2) 188 5100.
Website: www.turismo.gub.uy
Embassy of Uruguay in the UK
1st Floor, 125 High Street Kensington, London W8 5SF, UK
Tel: (020) 7937 4170.
E-Mail: emburuguay@emburuguay.org.uk; Visa section: consulate@emburuguay.org.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700; Visa section: Mon-Fri 1000-1600 (appointment only).
Embassy of Uruguay in the USA
1913 I Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006, USA
Tel: (202) 331 1313 or 4219 (consular section).
Website: www.uruwashi.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700; Visa section: Mon-Fri 0900-1300 and 1400-1600.
