A country the size of an idea
Uruguay fits between Brazil and Argentina and makes a point of resembling neither. It is flat, green, with more cows than people, and a strip of coast that changes name every ten kilometres.
Welcome to Uruguay
A small country that chose to take it slow
3.4 million people, 660 km of coast and one of the most stable democracies on the continent. This is the Uruguapo guide to where you are standing.
3,4 mi
inhabitants
176.215 km²
of territory
660 km
of coastline
98%
of the grid is renewable
Where the laws arrived early
Women's vote in 1932, divorce in 1913, the eight-hour day in 1915, and more recently cannabis regulation and marriage equality. The country has a habit of deciding early what its neighbours discuss later.
Energy, water and silence
Almost all electricity comes from renewable sources — wind, hydro and biomass. Outside Montevideo most of the territory is still open country, and at night you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye.
Mate, asado and time
The mate travels under one arm with the thermos alongside. The asado is slow, over embers, and has no set end. Between the two sits the most Uruguayan thing of all: the calm of not being in a hurry.
I learned that if you can't be happy with a few things, you won't be happy with many things.
Why Uruguay
six paths for anyone thinking of coming
Working in Uruguay
A small market, salaries in pesos and labour law close to what you already know — with a few differences that matter.
Read moreLiving in Uruguay
Residency, ID card, health plan and rent — the whole path, in the order it happens.
Read moreStudying in Uruguay
A free public university, open to resident foreigners too, and a handful of strong private ones.
Read moreStarting a business in Uruguay
Free zones, software incentives and company registration that fits into a few days.
Read moreVisiting Uruguay
Entry with an ID card, VAT refunds for tourists and 660 km of coast to choose from.
Read moreInvesting in Uruguay
A stable currency, free movement of capital and residency through property investment.
Read more