South America.

GMT - 3 (GMT - 2 from the second Sunday in October to the second Sunday in March).

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

3.5 million (UN estimate 2008).

19.9 per sq km.

Montevideo. Population: 1.35 million (2007).

Uruguay is bordered 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 are 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 nearly half of the population. About 90% of the land is suitable for agriculture, although only 12% is used in this way.

Republic since 1830.

President Tabare Vazquez since 2005.

Tabare Vazquez, from the leftist Frente Amplio coalition, was elected as president in 2005, becoming Uruguay's first third-party Head of State. The Frente Amplio had further success in the mayoral elections of May 2005. Noteworthy developments under leftist rule have included the paying off of Uruguay's debt to the IMF, restoration of diplomatic ties with Cuba, the banning of smoking in public places, and the sanctioning of same-sex civil unions. The Uruguayan government controversially granted leases to foreign multinationals to build paper factories on the Rio. Uruguay has strained relations with neighbouring Argentina, resulting in protests and bridge closures.

Spanish. Some English is spoken in tourist resorts.

Roman Catholic is the predominant religion.

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Continental flat three-pin or round two-pin plugs.

Shaking hands is the normal form of greeting. Uruguayans are very hospitable and like to entertain both at home and in restaurants. Normal courtesies should be observed. Smoking is not allowed in cinemas or theatres or on public transport.