176,215 sq km (68,037 sq miles).

3,203,000 (1996).

18.2 per sq km.

Montevideo.

1,383,660 (1992).

Uruguay is one of the smallest of the South American republics. It is bounded to the north by Brazil, to the southeast by the Atlantic, and is separated from Argentina in the west and south by the River Uruguay, which widens out into the Rio de la Plata estuary. The landscape is made up of hilly meadows broken by streams and rivers. There is a string of beaches along the coast. Most of the country is grazing land for sheep and cattle. Montevideo, the most southern point of the nation, accommodates more than half of the population. About 90% of the land is suitable for agriculture, although only 12% is used in this way. Uruguay is known as the 'Oriental Republic' because it stands on the eastern bank of the Rio de la Plata.

Republic since 1967. Gained independence from Spain in 1828. Head of State and Government: President Jorge Batlle since 1999.

Spanish. Some English is spoken in tourist resorts.

Roman Catholic.

GMT - 3.

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are continental flat 3-pin or round 2-pin.