Internet users (Internet Service Providers (ISPs)) [time series]

5 (1999)

Broadcast media (Radio broadcast stations) [time series]

AM 94, FM 115, shortwave 14 (seven are inactive) (1998)

Radios [time series]

1.97 million (1997)

Telecommunication systems (Telephone system) [time series]

some modern facilities domestic: most modern facilities concentrated in Montevideo; new nationwide microwave radio relay network international: satellite earth stations - 2 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

Telephones - fixed lines (Telephones - main lines in use) [time series]

622,000 (1995)

Telephones - mobile cellular [time series]

40,000 (1995)

Broadcast media (Television broadcast stations) [time series]

26 (plus ten low-power repeaters for the Montevideo station) (1997)

Televisions [time series]

782,000 (1997)

Agricultural products (Agriculture - products) [time series]

wheat, rice, barley, corn, sorghum; livestock; fish

Budget [time series]

revenues: $4.4 billion expenditures: $4.6 billion, including capital expenditures of $500 million (1998 est.)

Exchange rates (Currency) [time series]

1 Uruguayan peso ($Ur) = 100 centesimos

Debt - external [time series]

$8 billion (1999 est.)

Economic aid (Economic aid - recipient) [time series]

$NA

Economic overview (Economy - overview) [time series]

Uruguay's economy is characterized by an export-oriented agricultural sector, a well-educated workforce, relatively even income distribution, and high levels of social spending. After averaging growth of 5% annually in 1996-98, in 1999 the economy suffered from lower demand in Argentina and Brazil, which together account for about half of Uruguay's exports. Despite the severity of the trade shocks and ensuing recession, Uruguay's financial indicators remained more stable than those of its neighbors, a reflection of its solid reputation among investors and its investment-grade sovereign bond rating - one of only two in Latin America. Challenges for the government of incoming President Jorge BATLLE include expanding Uruguay's trade ties beyond its Mercosur trade partners and bolstering Uruguay's competitiveness by increasing labor market flexibility and reducing the costs of public services. Growth should recover in 2000, to perhaps 3%.

Electricity - consumption [time series]

6.526 billion kWh (1998)

Electricity - exports [time series]

2.363 billion kWh (1998)

Electricity - imports [time series]

78 million kWh (1998)

Electricity - production [time series]

9.474 billion kWh (1998)

Electricity - production by source [time series]

fossil fuel: 3.91% hydro: 95.62% nuclear: 0% other: 0.47% (1998)

Exchange rates [time series]

Uruguayan pesos ($Ur) per US$1 - 11.3393 (1999), 10.4719 (1998), 9.4418 (1997), 7.9718 (1996), 6.3490 (1995), 5.0439 (1994)

Exports [time series]

$2.1 billion (f.o.b., 1999 est.)

Exports - commodities [time series]

meat, rice, leather products, vehicles, dairy products, wool, electricity

Exports - partners [time series]

Mercosur partners 45%, EU 20%, US 7% (1999 est.)

Fiscal year [time series]

calendar year

Real GDP (purchasing power parity) (GDP) [time series]

purchasing power parity - $28 billion (1999 est.)

GDP - composition, by sector of origin (GDP - composition by sector) [time series]

agriculture: 10% industry: 28% services: 62% (1999)

Real GDP per capita (GDP - per capita) [time series]

purchasing power parity - $8,500 (1999 est.)

Real GDP growth rate (GDP - real growth rate) [time series]

-2.5% (1999 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share [time series]

lowest 10%: NA% highest 10%: NA%

Imports [time series]

$3.4 billion (f.o.b., 1999 est.)

Imports - commodities [time series]

road vehicles, electrical machinery, metal manufactures, heavy industrial machinery, crude petroleum

Imports - partners [time series]

MERCOSUR partners 43%, EU 20%, US 11% (1999 est.)

Industrial production growth rate [time series]

-4% (1999 est.)

Industries [time series]

food processing, electrical machinery, transportation equipment, petroleum products, textiles, chemicals, beverages

Inflation rate (consumer prices) [time series]

4% (1999 est.)

Labor force [time series]

1.38 million (1997 est.)

Labor force - by occupation [time series]

agriculture NA%, industry NA%, services NA%

Population below poverty line [time series]

NA%

Unemployment rate [time series]

12% (1999)

Area [time series]

total: 176,220 sq km land: 173,620 sq km water: 2,600 sq km

Area - comparative [time series]

slightly smaller than the state of Washington

Climate [time series]

warm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknown

Coastline [time series]

660 km

Elevation (Elevation extremes) [time series]

lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m highest point: Cerro Catedral 514 m

Environment - current issues [time series]

water pollution from meat packing/tannery industry; inadequate solid/hazardous waste disposal

International environmental agreements (Environment - international agreements) [time series]

party to: Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Marine Dumping, Marine Life Conservation

Geographic coordinates [time series]

33 00 S, 56 00 W

Irrigated land [time series]

7,700 sq km (1997 est.)

Land boundaries [time series]

total: 1,564 km border countries: Argentina 579 km, Brazil 985 km

Land use [time series]

arable land: 7% permanent crops: 0% permanent pastures: 77% forests and woodland: 6% other: 10% (1997 est.)

Location [time series]

Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Argentina and Brazil

Map references [time series]

South America

Maritime claims [time series]

continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation territorial sea: 200 nm; overflight and navigation guaranteed beyond 12 nm

Natural hazards [time series]

seasonally high winds (the pampero is a chilly and occasional violent wind which blows north from the Argentine pampas), droughts, floods; because of the absence of mountains, which act as weather barriers, all locations are particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in weather fronts

Natural resources [time series]

arable land, hydropower, minor minerals, fisheries

Terrain [time series]

mostly rolling plains and low hills; fertile coastal lowland

Administrative divisions [time series]

19 departments (departamentos, singular - departamento); Artigas, Canelones, Cerro Largo, Colonia, Durazno, Flores, Florida, Lavalleja, Maldonado, Montevideo, Paysandu, Rio Negro, Rivera, Rocha, Salto, San Jose, Soriano, Tacuarembo, Treinta y Tres

Capital [time series]

Montevideo

Constitution [time series]

27 November 1966, effective February 1967, suspended 27 June 1973, new constitution rejected by referendum 30 November 1980; two constitutional reforms approved by plebiscite 26 November 1989 and 7 January 1997

Country name [time series]

conventional long form: Oriental Republic of Uruguay conventional short form: Uruguay local long form: Republica Oriental del Uruguay local short form: Uruguay

Data code [time series]

UY

Diplomatic representation from the US [time series]

chief of mission: Ambassador Christopher C. ASHBY embassy: Lauro Muller 1776, Montevideo mailing address: APO AA 34035 telephone: [598] (2) 23 60 61, 48 77 77 FAX: [598] (2) 48 86 11

Diplomatic representation in the US [time series]

chief of mission: Ambassador Alvaro DIEZ DE MEDINA Suarez chancery: 2715 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007 telephone: [1] (202) 331-1313 through 1316 FAX: [1] (202) 331-8142 consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York

Executive branch [time series]

chief of state: President Jorge BATLLE (since 1 March 2000) and Vice President Luis HIERRO (since 1 March 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Jorge BATLLE (since 1 March 2000) and Vice President Luis HIERRO (since 1 March 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president with parliamentary approval elections: president and vice president elected on the same ticket by popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 31 October 1999 with run-off election on 28 November 1999 (next to be held NA 2004) election results: Jorge BATLLE elected president; percent of vote - 52% in a runoff against Tabare VAZQUEZ

Flag (Flag description) [time series]

nine equal horizontal stripes of white (top and bottom) alternating with blue; there is a white square in the upper hoist-side corner with a yellow sun bearing a human face known as the Sun of May and 16 rays alternately triangular and wavy

Government type [time series]

republic

Independence [time series]

25 August 1825 (from Brazil)

International organization participation [time series]

CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-11, G-77, IADB, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM (observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMOGIP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UNTAET, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Judicial branch [time series]

Supreme Court, judges are nominated by the president and elected for 10-year terms by the General Assembly

Legal system [time series]

based on Spanish civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Legislative branch [time series]

bicameral General Assembly or Asamblea General consists of Chamber of Senators or Camara de Senadores (30 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) and Chamber of Representatives or Camara de Representantes (99 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: Chamber of Senators - last held 31 October 1999 (next to be held NA 2004); Chamber of Representatives - last held 31 October 1999 (next to be held NA 2004) election results: Chamber of Senators - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Encuentro Progresista 12, Colorado Party 10, Blanco 7, New Sector/Space Coalition 1; Chamber of Representatives - percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Encuentro Progresista 40, Colorado Party 33, Blanco 22, New Sector/Space Coalition 4

National holiday [time series]

Independence Day, 25 August (1825)

Political parties (Political parties and leaders) [time series]

Batlleist faction of the Colorado Party [Julio M. SANGUINETTI]; Broad Front Coalition [Tabare VAZQUEZ]; Colorado Party [Jorge BATLLE]; Herrerista faction of the National Party [Luis A. LACALLE]; Herrero Wilsonista faction of the National Party [Alaberto VOLONTE]; National Party or Blanco [Luis A. LACALLE]; New Sector/Space Coalition or Nuevo Espacio [Rafael MICHELINI]; Progressive Encounter in the Broad Front or Encuentro Progresista [Tabare VAZQUEZ]

Suffrage [time series]

18 years of age; universal and compulsory

Background [time series]

A violent Marxist urban guerrilla movement, the Tupamaros, launched in the late 1960s, led Uruguay's president to agree to military control of his administration in 1973. By the end of the year the rebels had been crushed, but the military continued to expand its hold throughout the government. Civilian rule was not restored until 1985. Uruguay has long had one of South America's highest standards of living; its political and labor conditions are among the freest on the continent.

Military and security forces (Military branches) [time series]

Army, Navy (includes Naval Air Arm, Coast Guard, Marines), Air Force, Police (Coracero Guard, Grenadier Guard)

Military expenditures - dollar figure [time series]

$172 million (FY98)

Military expenditures (Military expenditures - percent of GDP) [time series]

0.9% (FY98)

Military manpower - availability [time series]

males age 15-49: 810,490 (2000 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service [time series]

males age 15-49: 656,492 (2000 est.)

Age structure [time series]

0-14 years: 24% (male 417,288; female 397,125) 15-64 years: 63% (male 1,030,201; female 1,057,968) 65 years and over: 13% (male 178,393; female 253,099) (2000 est.)

Birth rate [time series]

17.42 births/1,000 population (2000 est.)

Death rate [time series]

9.06 deaths/1,000 population (2000 est.)

Ethnic groups [time series]

white 88%, mestizo 8%, black 4%, Amerindian, practically nonexistent

Infant mortality rate [time series]

15.14 deaths/1,000 live births (2000 est.)

Languages [time series]

Spanish, Portunol, or Brazilero (Portuguese-Spanish mix on the Brazilian frontier)

Life expectancy at birth [time series]

total population: 75.24 years male: 71.9 years female: 78.75 years (2000 est.)

Literacy [time series]

definition: age 15 and over can read and write total population: 97.3% male: 96.9% female: 97.7% (1995 est.)

Nationality [time series]

noun: Uruguayan(s) adjective: Uruguayan

Net migration rate [time series]

-0.63 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2000 est.)

Population [time series]

3,334,074 (July 2000 est.)

Population growth rate [time series]

0.77% (2000 est.)

Religions [time series]

Roman Catholic 66% (less than one-half of the adult population attends church regularly), Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, nonprofessing or other 30%

Sex ratio [time series]

at birth: 1.06 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.7 male(s)/female total population: 0.95 male(s)/female (2000 est.)

Total fertility rate [time series]

2.37 children born/woman (2000 est.)

Disputes - international [time series]

two short sections of the boundary with Brazil are in dispute - Arroyo de la Invernada (Arroio Invernada) area of the Rio Cuareim (Rio Quarai) and the islands at the confluence of the Rio Cuareim (Rio Quarai) and the Uruguay River [Country Listing] [ The World Factbook Home]

Airports [time series]

65 (1999 est.)

Airports - with paved runways [time series]

total: 15 2,438 to 3,047 m: 1 1,524 to 2,437 m: 5 914 to 1,523 m: 8 under 914 m: 1 (1999 est.)

Airports - with unpaved runways [time series]

total: 50 1,524 to 2,437 m: 2 914 to 1,523 m: 15 under 914 m: 33 (1999 est.)

Roadways (Highways) [time series]

total: 8,983 km paved: 8,085 km unpaved: 898 km (1999 est.)

Merchant marine [time series]

total: 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 1,807 GRT/2,405 DWT ships by type: petroleum tanker 1 (1999 est.)

Ports (Ports and harbors) [time series]

Fray Bentos, Montevideo, Nueva Palmira, Paysandu, Punta del Este, Colonia, Piriapolis

Railways [time series]

total: 2,073 km standard gauge: 2,073 km 1.435-m gauge (1997)

Waterways [time series]

1,600 km; used by coastal and shallow-draft river craft