Uruguay

Quick Facts:

Area	176,220 sq km
Religion	Roman Catholic (66%), Protestant (2%), Jewish (1%), other, non professing (31%)
Currency	Uruguayan Peso (UYP)
Language	Spanish
Population	3,386,575 ( July 2002, est )
YFU web site	www.yfu.org.uy

Introduction

Uruguay, a land discovered by Spanish explorers when they were looking for a connecting passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is located on the east coast of South America. Modern Uruguay is South America’s smallest country, but it is distinguished by its high literacy rate, large urban middle class, and relatively even distribution of income. Uruguay contains one of South America's most interesting capitals, charming colonial towns and a cluster of internationally renowned beach resorts. It has a European atmosphere and a mild climate.

Short Facts

Area: Uruguay is officially called la Republica Oriental del Uruguay, meaning the republic on the eastern shores of the Uruguay River. It is a small country with rolling hills, situated between two South American giants, Brazil to the north and Argentina to the west. Five rivers flow westward across thecountry and drain into the Rio Uruguay. There are kilometers ofdunes and sandy beaches. With its 176,215 sq. km, Uruguay is about the same size as the Republic of Ireland

Climate: Although the average temperature in winter (June-August) is between 5-15° C (40-60° F), the wind-chill factor can give the impression of below-freezing temperatures. In the summer (December-March), the average temperatures run around 23° C (75° F), but there are days when they reach 30° C (90° F) or higher. Changes in temperature come suddenly. It has been said that in Uruguay, one can experience the four seasons in one day.

Population: The Uruguayan population of 3.3 million is of European heritage (mainly Spanish and Italian), with mestizo and black minorities. It is unevenly distributed throughout the country. As a result of the low birth rate and a relatively high rate of emigration of younger people, Uruguay's overall population is quite mature.

Language: Spanish is the national language. As spoken in Uruguay, it has a characteristic regional flavor. It is said that the soft pronunciation of the y and Il sounds stem from a 15th century dialect of Southern Spain, and its musicality has a decided Italian flavor.

Religion: Uruguayans who profess a religion are mainly Roman Catholic. Less than half of the adult population attends church regularly. Church and state have been officially separate since the beginning of the 1900s.

Government: José Batlle y Ordoñez, Uruguay’s president from 1903-07 and again from 1911-15, set the pattern for Uruguay’s modern political tradition. He established widespread social and economic programs, including free social services and government participation in many facets of the economy. Uruguay went through political turmoil in the mid-1970s, but from 1984 to the present, democracy and economic reforms were reconsolidated. Uruguay’s constitution provides for a president subject to legislative and judicial checks. The president serves a term of five years. A bicameral General Assembly is responsible for enacting laws. It consists of a 30 member Senate, presided over by the Uruguayan vicepresident, and a 99 member Chamber of Deputies. The three largest political parties are the Colorado Party, the National Party, and the Frente Amplio (Broad Front).

History: Before European colonization, Uruguay was inhabited by the Charrúa Indians. They were a small tribe of hunter-gatherers driven south by the Guarani Indians of Paraguay. They killed the explorer Juan Diaz de Solís and most of his party when the Spaniards encountered them in 1516. Because of initial Indian resistance and an absence of gold and silver in the area, Spain settled Uruguay in a rather limited way during the 16th and 17th century. Cattle farming was introduced, which became a source of wealth in the region. Montevideo, which eventually became the capital city of Uruguay, was founded by the Spanish only in 1726. It served as a defensive fort against the marauding Portuguese, who had already founded the city of Colonia 46 years earlier. However, Montevideo’s natural harbor soon became a commercial center that competed with the harbor in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The war of independence against Spain came in the early 19th century and was relatively short. However, no sooner did the Spaniards retreat than the Portuguese, and then the Brazilians and Argentines, invaded the country. They fought over its land and Montevideo’s harbor. Later, Uruguayan patriots, with Argentine support, liberated the country from Brazil and established Uruguay in 1828 as a buffer state between Argentina and Brazil. The nation’s first constitution was adopted in 1830. Throughout the remainder of the 19th century, under a series of both elected and appointed presidents, Uruguay continued to be invaded by neighboring states. It also saw economic fluctuations and inflows of immigrants, mostly from Europe. In the late 19th century, two traditional political parties, the Colorados and the Blancos, immersed the country in civil war.

Economy: Uruguay’s wealth stems mainly from agriculture (especially cattle and sheep raising), since more than 50% of the country’s exports are from this sector. Uruguayan industry is also largely based on the transformation of agricultural products, including meat processing, agri-business, leather production, textiles, leather footwear, handbags, and leather apparel. During the 1990s, the Uruguayan government has attempted to privatize certain aspects of the public sector, including ports, road construction, telephone, and airport ground services. Tourism plays a significant role in the country’s economy. Most of Uruguay’s trade is with its neighbors and partners in MERCOSUR, or the Southern Cone Common Market that includes Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Other strong trading partners include the United States and Germany. The country’s currency is the peso Uruguayo.

Education:The 12-year educational system of Uruguay is divided into two levels, including six years of primary school and six years of secondary school. The last two years of secondary school specifically prepare students for university-level studies. Students must choose a track among three different options: biology, science or humanities. All curriculum is set by national educational authorities. This means that elective courses are not usually offered and students must take all subjects stipulated for a particular grade level. Wearing a school uniform is compulsory in private schools only. The academic year goes from Marchthrough November. Holidays include one week at Easter, a two-week winter vacation in July, and usually a week for spring break in September. It is important to realize that the Uruguayan school system is strictly academic. There are very few extracurricular activities in most schools, and school-based clubs or volunteer organizations are practically non-existent. Students wanting to participate in sports or other activities must normally find them elsewhere, such as private clubs.

Family life: Most families live simple, uncluttered lives. As in other Latin American cultures, family ties are strong. Families prefer to entertain at home, even if they belong to clubs. Social events have a leisurely approach. During summer vacations, families usually go to beach resorts.

Meals: Uruguayans eat a lot of meat and the parillada (beef platter) is a wellknown dish. Another is chivito, a tasty and substantial steak sandwich with all the trimmings. Typical snacks include olímpicos (club sandwiches) and húngaros (spicy sausage wrapped in a hot dog roll). Tea or mate is a frequent drink. Clericó, or a mixture of white wine and fruit juice, is also popular.

Recreation: Uruguay’s most popular sport is “futbol” (soccer), with basketball ranking second. Dating is usually a group activity. Although going to the cinema (movies) or dancing are quite popular, young people also attend the theater and concerts. They enjoy going out to one of the numerous cafes or bars for a snack or something to drink.

YFU Uruguay
YFU Uruguay was the first YFU organization in Latin America, originating in 1960 after a visit by the Michigan Youth Choir led by founder Dr. Rachel Andresen. From YFU Uruguay and through its dedication, other YFU organizations were founded and developed in Latin America.

Exchange activities for inbound students: Upon arrival, all summer and year students attend an orientation/welcome meeting given by volunteers in Montevideo. Semester and year students receive a mid-year orientation. During their stay, students are also provided with Spanish courses. They can participate in sports activities and take special excursions.Second-half semester and yearprogram students have the opportunity to go on a trip to Brazil, organized by YFU Uruguay. First half semester students go on a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Summer students go on an excursion to Colonia, a traditional city, and visit an estancia (ranch).

Common Phrases

English	Spanish
Hello	Hola
Good Morning	Buen Dia
Good Night	Buenas Noche
My name is	Me llamo
Thank you	Gracias