URUGUAY
GEOGRAPHY
The second tiniest country is in central southern section of South America at the mouth of the Uruguay on the Atlantic coast in Western and southern Hemisphere is Republica Oriental del Uruguay; it is border touches in the west the Argentina and Brazil in north-eastern side.
The country is low lying with slightly southern rolling hills and northern plateau. The coast of Atlantic extends for 235 miles whereas the west is covered by Rio de la Plata and Uruguay River. The coastal plains with their remnants of the original tropical rain forest are swampy but with lagoons. Mangrove swamps are found along the rivers but on the whole the country lacks forested areas.
Uruguay is predominantly a ranching country with huge herds of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses. The uninterrupted grasslands are still regions of gaucho. Crop farming producing wheat rice, maize, sorghum, potatoes, sugar cane, fruit, and grapes is a feature but less important.
The mineral resources are quite limited and include some marble, limestone, iron, and uranium ore. The predominant industry is meat packing and processing which is entirely geared to the enormous produce of Uruguayan pastoral farming. The food processing industry also includes sugar-mills, dairy plants, and vineries. Other well developed industries are textiles, paper, glass, cement, and leather. Power resources are substantial. Fishing is also becoming an economic activity.
MAJOR CITY
Highest elevation is Cerro de las Animas in the south region of the country overlooking the surrounding smaller peaks.
Chief River is Uruguay on the border of Argentina and Rio dio la Plata Negro cutting across the country. Other vital water source is Merin Lagoon. These together with bifurcations are important water ways. Rivers drain out in the Atlantic Ocean.
THE CAPITAL
The capital Montevideo is a major international sea port and an airport. It is in the vicinity of Rio de la Plata. The capital is economic hub of the country.
Hordes of tourist spend prolonged leisure quality time on the beaches like Punta Del Este . The old city is good for shopping and acclaiming architecture of Italian and Spanish origin like Cabildo or Iglesia Matriz of 1799. Those interested in history can visit National Historic Museum. Mercado Del Puerto is the epicenter of eating joints and other multifarious artist items.
The western region offers insight into well maintained colonial city with its former outlay the Colonia Del Sacramento; Tourist love to visit this place.
The summer sees sea of humanity at the beaches here. The place is dotted with cruise liner, yachts private and rented, and ships all in water.
The night life entertainment offers rich variety from pubs to cafes and discos. Global comparison shows that crime rate in Montevideo is a negligible.
CLIMATE
It is subtropical warm and wet. The northern winds bring along humidity and heat on the land. All through the year the country is mostly sunny. The coastal area is hot and water is very inviting for fun. The mountains are cooler after sunset and light woolen may become necessary. The pampero gust along with wind from the south makes some parts cooler. Wide stretch of open land creates unpredictable climatic variations.
HISTORY
The natives of this region were Charrulas. It was in 1516 that Spanish by the name Juan Diaz de Solis came to this place. The land was governed by Portuguese from 1680 and Spain could make its domain only in 1778, by then the locals were erased. The country stayed in captivity with rulers of different nationality and became an independent state in 1828. It was only in 1903 that relief from internal strife set the country towards a period of stability.
POPULATION
Mostly of European decent but there is also a minority of Amerindians Mestizos, Mulatos a blend of Africans and Europeans.
Religion is Roman Catholic, Protestant as well as Hebrew is minority faith. Among the prevailing 70 dissimilar faith are Islam and Judaism.
Officially Spanish is the Language.
Media of exchange is Uruguayan peso.
The country functions as presidential republic. The urban mode of dressing is closer to European style and causal like jeans and tee shirts.
The people of the land are very warm and the established mode of greeting is a peck on the right cheek followed by a clasp.
TOURISM
Tourism is still a developing sector but in short span it has given rich dividends because of impeccable beaches like Punta Del Este during summers with water sports golf and tennis facilities and attractive lighthouse, and Piriapolis among others. Yatchs sailing boats and cruises begin their journey from Punta. Colonia Del Sacramento an almost intact colonial period township of 1680 is also a focal point on tourist map. There are museums, zoo, restaurants shopping centers and craft market. The hub of activity is the harbor. The mansions Casa Del Pueblo is an important hotel cum art gallery. A section of the tourist makes it a point to visit Cathedral San Fernando; others head for the nearby islands Isla Gorriti and Isla de Lobos to appreciate remains of the past and enjoy the beaches.
The economical Piriapolis a sea-side port resort closer to Montevideo is also a popular destination. The waterfall at Minas is gorgeous; the museums are worth visiting. Playa Mansa is the right place for kayaking, water skiing and enjoying blue tranquil water at ease.
FOOD
Beef in the main ingredient in most food items; some foods are cooked over food fire and carry delicious aroma. Chivito is one huge local sandwich with bread, meat, vegetable, egg cheese and sauce. Wine production has been going on for over two centuries; tannat is very delicious wine. It comes in many variations such as Juanico, Carrau, or Pisano.
TRAVEL
The country has a good system of road and railway transport. River shipping on the rivers Uruguay and Plate is very important.
ACCOMMODATION
There is abundant choice in different categories of accommodation. Many luxury hotels line up the shores and the capital city. Many tourists prefer beach resorts especially in summers. During tourist season which coincides with summer and concurrently with carnival week at Montevideo the rates go up. The hotel industry caters to all segments of tourists; hotel grading begins from 1 till 5 but all accommodations provide the bare necessities for comfort. Camping and caravanning is possible with prior permission. Youth hostels are scattered all over the land and are very economical.
Conrad is a deluxe hotel with a casino, night club and bars. It is very popular with elites and celebrities.
SHOPPING
Uruguay a rural land has flourishing cottage industry. The local community produces hand knit pullovers from sheep and feather wool. Now variations in the form of gloves, capes, and scarves are also available. Other items of souvenir in demand are amethyst jewelry, antiques, paintings and suede jackets.
The natural unblemished beauty of the land cannot be described in words.
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