Uruguay, officially known as the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, is a country located in the southeastern region of South America. It is bordered by Brazil to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and Argentina to the west. With a population of approximately 3.5 million people, Uruguay is known for its high standard of living, robust social security systems, and liberal social laws.
The climate in Uruguay is temperate, with mild winters and warm summers. The country is primarily made up of rolling plains and low hill ranges, with a fertile coastal strip. It has a well-developed agricultural sector, with the main exports being beef, soybeans, cellulose, rice, wheat, and dairy products. The Uruguayan economy is characterized by an export-oriented agricultural sector, a well-educated workforce, and high levels of social spending.
Uruguayan culture is strongly influenced by European customs, particularly from Spain and Italy. The country is renowned for its rich literary tradition, vibrant music and dance forms like tango and candombe, and a passion for football. Uruguay is also recognized for its progressive policies in terms of civil liberties and social inclusion, including being the first in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage and the cultivation of cannabis for personal use.