The Oriental Republic of Uruguay is a coastal country that is cozily tucked in between Brazil to the north and Argentina to the south. With it being the only Latin American country to be outside the tropics, it has a beautiful temperate climate without any weather extremes. Most of the country is made up of luscious grasslands which provide a home to many species of plants and wildlife as well as cattle. Uruguay is a major exporter of beef and its cattle population outnumber people by three to one. That being said, Uruguayans love their beef, and barbecued sausages and steaks can be found at street stands and in cafes and restaurants all around the country.

The capital Montevideo is the preferred metropolis where nearly half of all Uruguayan citizens choose to live. The city is reminiscent of another time and place as it charmingly blends a mix of colonial architecture and historic monuments, with tall office towers and modern shopping centers. This mix of past and present is set in a laid-back atmosphere with open-air markets and friendly greetings on the street.

An unknown ancient past

Like the entire American continent, indigenous tribes inhabited the area before European settlers came. However, not much is known about the indigenous tribes that inhabited Uruguay. The little that is known refers to the Charrua Indians who were a dominant and nomadic tribe. There isn’t much information available regarding the Charrua as they were completely eradicated at an early date.

An independent country

Spanish sailor Juan Díaz de Solis in 1516 is documented as the first European to visit the country. Thereafter, mixes of Portuguese and Spanish settlements were established in various parts of Uruguay from 1680 until 1811. After which, Uruguay gained their independence from Spain, however the Portuguese took another stronghold onto the country and included it as an extra province of Brazil. Consequently, Uruguay revolted against Brazil in 1825 which led to the country being officially recognized as a sole and independent one in 1828.

Mediterranean culture in Latin America

Unlike other Latin American countries, Uruguay lacks much if any indigenous influences. There is however, a strong European influence and most Uruguayans are of Spanish, Italian or other European origin.

Although church and state are separate, Christianity is the dominant religion with the main domination being Roman Catholic, although religion isn’t considered an important aspect of life for many Uruguayan citizens.

The country has a high literacy rate with most of the population being among the middle-class. Spanish is the main language although English is also spoken in business affairs. Portuguese is spoken in some areas especially those near to the Brazilian border.

The Tango dance can be watched on the streets of Montevideo today as it was viewed on the streets in the 1890s. The Uruguayan tango originated in the capital and is very similar to the Argentine tango. In fact anyone wanting to learn the tango has plenty of opportunity to do so in Montevideo, one such place is La Academia del Tango.

A small country with beautiful land

Uruguay is a small country which can be likened to being a little smaller than the US state of Washington DC. Around 80 per cent of the country is in the form of low lying grassland – which is ideal for raising cattle (that’s why the steaks are so good) as well as low hills and lush coastal lowlands. The country has a 120-mile (193 km) Atlantic shoreline which provides miles upon miles of pristine beaches and deep blue sea as well as docks filled with sea lions and events and activities of all sorts.

A green environment

Despite it being a small country with a low population density, Uruguay boasts as having one of the lowest carbon emissions per capita in the world. In fact the United Nations ranked the country ninth as being from among the most greenest and liveable countries in the world.

The environment and health are of top priority as a strict ban was put in place against smoking in enclosed public areas from March 1, 2006. The smoking ban is considered as one of the toughest and strictest worldwide with a large penalty fine of US $1,100 or a three-day closure for businesses caught allowing smoking on their premises.

Many species call Uruguay home

Uruguay’s gentle and temperate climate along with its fertile rolling hills, river networks and coastal location by the South Atlantic Ocean provides an ideal home to many species of plants and wildlife. Sea lions for example can be seen relaxing around the docks and on some beaches.

One particularly large and brightly colored fish is well-known as a prized catch among fisherman in Uruguay, and that is the Golden Dorado which can be found at Rio de la Plata. This fish reacts aggressively to being caught, and is known to bite through fishing lines in an attempt to escape.

Bird watching opportunities are rife, as the Sharp-Shinned Dove and the Rufescent Tiger-Heron birds among others can be viewed upon the many ranches or estancias (as they are called).

A very beefy cuisine

Uruguayans love their beef and this isn’t surprising considering the country being ranked as having the highest cattle per capita in the world, as well as the fact that cows outnumber people three to one. Barbecuing and beef are big hits in the country and is such a staple that they’re just like bread and butter in Europe. Beef platters (parrillada) and steak sandwiches (chivito) as well as barbecued sausages and pasta dishes like gnocchi are available in the plenty.  The quality of beef is superb and this is because the cattle feed on fertile and natural green grass pastures and move around freely in the open air.

Uruguayan cuisine isn’t limited to beef; there is a great range of fresh fish caught from the Uruguayan river as well as the Atlantic Ocean. Fish such as tuna, salmon, bluefish and hake are available as well as lots of healthy greens from the fertile lands.

Temperate weather

Uruguay enjoys a warm pleasant climate without any extreme weather conditions. Temperatures are mild from summer to winter, but the best time to be in the country is during the beginning and end of summer, namely December and March.

The winters can be a little cold, but temperatures are always well above freezing. It’s recommended to have a rain coat when visiting the country at anytime of year, and lightweight to medium weight clothing is best.

Stable Politics

Uruguay is known as a politically stable country with a liberal democracy. It’s a constitutional republic with both the head of state and government being the president. The current president Jose Mujica took up office in March 2010; he was a member of the left-wing socialist Broad Front (Frente Amplio) coalition like previous president Tabare Vazquez. When Mr. Mujica was elected, he vowed to carry on the moderate policies implemented by Vasquez.

Results from the global watchdog Transparency International ranked Uruguay in a tie with Chile, as the least corrupted countries in Latin America.