Uruguay

General Information:

Land area: 176.215 km2
Jurisdictional water: 137.567 km2
Total area: 313.782 km2
Population: 3.151.662 (census 1996)
Capital: Montevideo
Language: Spanish
Government: Representative Democratic Republic
Currency: Uruguayan Peso
Visa: Granted for 90 days
Immigration requirements:
From bordering countries: identification card
From the rest of the world: passport
Average temperature:
Spring: 17°C, Summer: 23°C, Autumn: 18°C, Winter: 12°C
National Holiday: August 25th. Declaration of Independence
Member of: U.N.O., O.A.S., ALADI, MERCOSUR
Constitution in force: November 28th, 1996
Population density: 17.8 inhab per km2
Cultural Profile: Literacy rate: 96.2%; Students per teacher: 21
National educational system: secular, free and compulsory Catholic 56.2% - Non-religious 38.3% - Protestant 2% Jew: 1.7%
Dollar exchange rate: 1 dollar equals 18,70 Uruguayan pesos

 

The República Oriental del Uruguay (Republic East of the Uruguay) is named after its location east of the Uruguay River. Because of the country’s geographical location and other historical reasons, the Uruguayan citizen is often called “oriental” although, clearly, Uruguay is situated in the Western Hemisphere. As to the name, “Uruguay” comes from the Guarani language and it translates as “river where the bird lives”.

 

Geographical location

Uruguay is located in South America between parallels 30º and 35° South latitude and meridians 53°and 58° West longitude. Its eastern coast is on the Atlantic Ocean. It is thus located in the temperate area of the Southern Hemisphere, with sea predominance.

Borders

Uruguay is bounded on the North by the Federal Republic of Brazil; on the West by the Republic of Argentina along the Uruguay River; on the South by the Río de la Plata and on the East by the Atlantic Ocean. Uruguay is privileged with a strategic location in the continent’s Southern Cone, which greatly contributes to its regional integration policy: on the one hand as a way in and out for the countries on the Rio de la Plata basin, the second largest in the world and on the other hand, as a bridge between its two neighbors: Argentina and Brazil, the most important economic centers in the region.
Having coast on the Atlantic Ocean ensures easy communication with the rest of the world, keeping the country well connected to the most culturally and economically developed nations.

Currency

The Uruguayan peso is the national currency. One dollar is about 18,70 Uruguayan pesos today.

Credit Cards

Hotels, restaurants and shopping centers accept credit cards and US dollars

Power

CA 220 V 50 Hertz

Climate

Climate is pleasant in Punta del Este in November. Daytime temperature ranges from approximately 20 to 25°. Warm clothes are recommended for the evening, since there us a remarkable drop temperature.

Official Time

GMT -5 hours

Shopping Hours

10.00 a.m .to 10.00 p.m.

Security

Punta del Este continues to be safe place for visitors. However, tourist must consider the security measures suggested world wide to ensure compete calm and comfort.

 

Land Area - Hydrography - The Coast - Political Map

Uruguay stretches out over 176,215 Km2. Next to its large neighbors or other American, States, it may seem a small country, but when compared to countries in other parts of the world, Uruguay is larger in size than many European and Central American countries, since its area equals that of the Netherlands, Denmark and Switzerland put together. Furthermore, we need to draw attention to the fact that all of its territory is habitable. There are no barren areas and 90% of the land is suitable to be exploited. In addition to the land, Uruguay has 120,684 Km2 of territorial sea, plus the jurisdictional waters of the most important bordering rivers and lakes.

The Uruguayan surface is slightly undulated with neither high mountains nor extensive plains. This typical landscape is called the “peneplain” and allows for easy travel. Its most prominent parts are called “cuchillas” (big knives); a reference to how they cut fluvial waters.
Ranges of hills embellish the landscape. Cerro Catedral, the highest point in our national territory, rises 514 meters above the ground. Next is Cerro de las Ánimas, 501 meters high, located in the hill range bearing the same name. Cerro de Montevideo, Cerro de Arequita in the Department of Lavalleja, Cerro Pan de Azúcar in the Department of Maldonado, etc. are all interesting to visit.
The fluvial network is rich and dense. Large rivers belonging to the Atlantic watershed run through the Uruguayan territory. There are four major hydrographic basins: Rio de la Plata basin, Uruguay River basin, Laguna Merín basin and Río Negro basin. Needless to mention, the importance of these rivers and their tributaries as communication channels and fresh water source. They also supply the whole country with energy generated with hydroelectric dams.

Uruguay has around 450 Km of coast along Rio de la Plata and 220 Km of ocean coast on the Atlantic which creates a long strip of sandy beaches attracting many tourists with its beauty.

Uruguay is divided into 19 Departments. Montevideo, the capital city, rises over the Río de la Plata bay. It has a natural, well equipped port and the quality of a modern metropolis as to services and infrastructure.

 

Population – Education – Government - Religion

The population of Uruguay is of European descent, mainly Spanish and Italian but also other nationalities attracted by an open-door immigration policy. There is also a small percentage of Afro-Uruguayan population whose ancestors arrived in the country from coastal Africa during the Spanish colony. As to the indigenous population, it disappeared from our national territory more than one century ago resulting in a different population make up with regards to the rest of Latin America.
According to the last population census, the number of inhabitants in Uruguay is 2,940,300, which for the total of square kilometers of land, means a low population density. Nonetheless, in spite of Uruguay being a cattle-breeding country, its population is mainly urban (80%). Montevideo, the capital city, concentrates almost half the population (43%). The birth rate is the lowest in South America, but life expectancy is high, reaching 72 years for men and 74 for women, indicating satisfactory health and nutrition standards.
Uruguayans have a good level of education and, in general, are open and friendly with visitors. They have simple, family-oriented customs and tastes. Open-air activities and sports are favored, especially soccer, the national sport and passion. When it comes to gastronomic tastes, the famous “churrasco” (steak) and “asado con cuero” (beef roasted in its hide over an open fire) made with excellent quality Uruguayan beef are the favorites.

The official educational system in Uruguay provides Secular, Free and Compulsory Primary Education since 1877. It was later expanded to include compulsory Secondary Education and free University Education. Besides the state secular education, private religious schooling is available. One of the most outstanding achievements of the educational system is a high literacy rate of 94% among the population over 10 years old.

Uruguay has adopted a democratic republican form of government under a presidential system, dividing the State in the classical three branches: Executive, Legislative and Judicial. According to the present Constitution, every five years, the Uruguayan people, embracing freedom and democracy, cast their vote to choose the authorities who shall govern the country.

The Constitution of the Republic guarantees religious freedom; hence several religions are professed in the country. Catholicism has been practiced all throughout the country’s history and is the prevailing religion among its people.

IN HONOR AND RECOGNITION TO

Prof. Dr. Erich Saling

Prof. Dr. Kazuo Maeda

Prof. Dr. Roberto Caldeyro Barcia

FIGO EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR

This is not a pre-congress activity.

This FIGO SEMINAR is part of the Congress. All delegates registered in the 10th World Congress of Perinatal Medicine are welcome.

Registration to this Seminar is welcome to all delegates free of charge. Restrictions may apply if capacity of the hall is complete

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