Montevideo history

Montevideo was founded by the Spanish, and later fought over by Argentina (after its independence) and Brazil (then under Portuguese control). The population today is overwhelmingly white, mostly of Spanish and Italian descent, and the city thrives as one of South America's foremost financial centres.

Uruguay has long held a reputation for being amongst the most forward-thinking of all the South American countries. Accessible, high-quality University education ensures an educated, well-informed population and progressive governments have introduced such groundbreaking legislation as the legalisation of gay marriage.

In many ways, Montevideo is Uruguay. The capital totally dominates this tiny country's economic, political and cultural scene.