Uruguay History, Language and Culture
History of Uruguay
Before European settlement, the territory of present-day Uruguay was inhabited by Indigenous peoples including the Charrúa, Chaná and Guaraní. Spanish and Portuguese colonists competed for control of the region during the 17th and 18th centuries. Portugal founded Colonia del Sacramento in 1680, directly opposite Spanish-controlled Buenos Aires, while Spain established Montevideo in the 1720s to strengthen its hold over the northern shore of the Río de la Plata.
The region, then known as the Banda Oriental, became part of the struggle against Spanish rule in the early 19th century. José Gervasio Artigas emerged as its principal revolutionary leader, advocating a federal union of the Río de la Plata provinces. Portuguese forces invaded from Brazil in 1816 and later incorporated the territory into Brazil as Cisplatina. In 1825, the Thirty-Three Orientals launched a rebellion and declared independence from Brazil. Following war between Brazil and the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata, a British-mediated agreement recognised Uruguay as an independent state in 1828. Its first constitution came into effect in 1830.
Uruguay's early decades were marked by rivalry between the Colorado and Blanco political parties, culminating in the Guerra Grande, or Great War, from 1839 to 1851. Immigration from Spain and Italy subsequently transformed the population, while wool, meat and other agricultural exports brought increasing prosperity. During the early 20th century, President José Batlle y Ordóñez introduced major labour, welfare and political reforms that helped make Uruguay one of Latin America's most socially progressive countries.
That prosperity began to falter during the mid-20th century as demand for Uruguay's agricultural exports weakened and the economy stagnated. Labour unrest, political polarisation and violence by the left-wing Tupamaros guerrilla movement were met with increasingly severe government repression. In 1973, President Juan María Bordaberry dissolved parliament with military support, beginning a civic-military dictatorship that lasted until 1985. Civilian rule was restored after the 1984 elections, and Uruguay has since maintained a strong democratic tradition while introducing further liberal social reforms.
Did you know?
• Uruguay hosted and won the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930, defeating Argentina in the final at Montevideo's Estadio Centenario.
• Montevideo's principal avenue, Avenida 18 de Julio, commemorates the date on which Uruguay's first constitution came into effect in 1830.
• The country's official Spanish name, República Oriental del Uruguay, refers to its location east of the Uruguay River.
Uruguay Culture
Religion in Uruguay
Uruguay is highly secular. Approximately 52% of the population has no religious affiliation, while around 45% identify as Christian. Roman Catholicism is the largest Christian denomination, alongside Protestant and Evangelical communities. The remaining population follows Judaism, Afro-Brazilian religions, Islam, Buddhism and other faiths.
Social Conventions in Uruguay
Uruguayans are generally warm, courteous and informal. A handshake is appropriate when meeting someone for the first time, while friends and acquaintances commonly greet one another with a single kiss on the cheek. Use Señor, Señora or a professional title until invited to use first names.
Dress is usually relaxed but neat, with smarter clothing expected in upmarket restaurants, clubs and business settings. Dinner typically begins after 21:00, and nightlife correspondingly starts late. Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public places.
Mate, a herbal infusion drunk from a shared gourd through a metal straw, is an important social custom. When offered mate, drink from the straw and return the gourd to the person serving it without stirring the contents. Saying gracias when returning it indicates that you do not want another serving.
A tip of around 10% is customary in restaurants if service is not already included. Taxi drivers do not normally expect a tip, although passengers may round up the fare. Hotel porters and housekeeping staff appreciate a small tip, roughly US$1 to US$2 per piece of luggage or per night. Tipping tour guides is optional; around 5% to 10% of the tour price is reasonable for good service, with a smaller per-person amount appropriate on group tours.
There are no unusual restrictions on everyday photography. Ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly children, and respect signs at museums, churches and private properties. Avoid photographing police, military personnel, border controls or security installations without permission.
Language in Uruguay
The official language is Spanish. Along the northern border with Brazil, many residents also speak a hybrid of Spanish and Portuguese known as Portuñol. English is widely spoken in tourist resorts.
