Uruguay

I

Introduction

Uruguay (in Spanish, República Oriental del Uruguay), republic in south-eastern South America, bordered on the north and east by Brazil, on the east and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the south by the River Plate, and on the west by Argentina. It is the second smallest country on the continent. The Uruguay River forms the entire western boundary. The area of Uruguay is 176,215 sq km (68,037 sq mi). Montevideo is the country’s capital, chief port, and economic centre.

II

Land and Resources

The terrain in the south of Uruguay consists of grassy, rolling plains, except for tidal marshland along the Atlantic coast. In the north and north-west there is a low plateau, the Cuchilla de Haedo, diversified by ridges of hills that rise to 377 m (1,237 ft) above sea level. The eastern portion of the country is dominated by the Cuchilla Grande, which extends generally south from Brazil to a point near Punta del Este; it rises to 501 m (1,644 ft) at Mirador Nacional, which is the highest elevation in Uruguay. Woodlands occur chiefly along the riverbanks.

A

Rivers and Lakes

The Negro is the principal river of the Uruguayan interior; only its lower portion is navigable. The Uruguay River is navigable from its mouth to Salto. Uruguay has 193 km (120 mi) of Atlantic coastline and 813 km (505 mi) of frontage along its boundary rivers, including 435 km (270 mi) on the Uruguay River and 378 km (235 mi) on its estuary, the River Plate. Pollution of both rivers is increasing.

B

Climate

Uruguay has a temperate climate. The average temperature for the warmest months of January and February is 21.7° C (71° F), and for the coldest month, June, 10° C (50° F). Rain falls throughout the year and averages about 890 mm (35 in) annually. During the winter months cold storms known as pamperos blow from the south-west, but frost is virtually unknown in most parts of the country.