Current Local Time
Time Zone
Uruguay Time (UYT/UYST)
UTC/GMT -3 hours
Current Weather in Montevideo
22°C
Sunny
Feels like: 24°C
Wind: 15 km/h SE
Humidity: 70%
Mon
23°C
Tue
21°C
Wed
19°C
Thu
18°C
Country Information
Capital
Montevideo
Largest City
Montevideo
Population
3.5 million (2023)
Area
176,215 km² (90th largest)
Government
Unitary presidential republic
President
Luis Lacalle Pou
Currency
Uruguayan peso (UYU)
GDP per capita
$17,024 (2023)
Languages
Spanish (official)
Travel Information
Best Time to Visit
Oct-Apr (Summer season)
Visa Requirements
Visa-free for most nationalities (90 days)
Electricity
220V/50Hz (Type C, F, I, L plugs)
Driving Side
Right
Emergency Number
911
Time Zone
UYT (UTC-3)
Internet TLD
.uy
Calling Code
+598
Uruguay's Geographic Regions
Uruguay is divided into 19 departments, but can be broadly categorized into several geographic regions.
Coastal Region
Beautiful Atlantic beaches from Punta del Este to Cabo Polonio.
Eastern Uruguay
Montevideo Metro
Capital region with half the country's population and economic activity.
Southern Uruguay
Wine Country
Tannat wine region around Canelones and Colonia.
Southwestern Uruguay
Northern Plains
Vast cattle ranches and agricultural lands.
Northern Uruguay
Must-Visit Places
From cosmopolitan cities to pristine beaches, Uruguay offers diverse experiences.
Montevideo
CapitalCosmopolitan capital with colonial charm and vibrant culture.
Founded 1726
Punta del Este
Beach ResortGlamorous beach resort town known for its nightlife and beaches.
Maldonado Department
Colonia del Sacramento
UNESCOCharming colonial town with Portuguese architecture.
Founded 1680
Cabo Polonio
Remote coastal village with no electricity and sea lion colony.
Rocha Department
Salto
Thermal spa town on the Uruguay River border with Argentina.
Northern Uruguay
Punta del Diablo
Fishing village turned bohemian beach destination.
Rocha Department
Historical Timeline
Pre-Columbian
Charrúa people inhabit the region
1516
First Spanish explorers arrive
1680
Portuguese found Colonia del Sacramento
1726
Spanish found Montevideo
1811-1828
Struggle for independence from Spain and Brazil
1828
Uruguay gains independence
1839-1851
Civil War (Guerra Grande)
1903-1915
Progressive reforms under President Batlle y Ordóñez
1973-1985
Civilian-military dictatorship
2004
First left-wing government elected
2013
Legalization of same-sex marriage and marijuana
Cultural Highlights
Ethnic Composition
White
88%
Mestizo
8%
Black
4%
Indigenous
0.2%
Traditional Cuisine
Asado
Chivito
Empanadas
Dulce de Leche
Mate
Tannat Wine
Major Festivals
Carnaval
Jan-Feb - Longest carnival in the world (40 days)
Semana Criolla
Mar-Apr - Gaucho festival in Montevideo
Independence Day
Aug 25 - Celebrations nationwide
Tango Festival
Mar - Celebration of Uruguay's tango heritage
Adventure Activities
Uruguay offers diverse adventures from beach sports to countryside experiences.
Beach Sports
Surfing, kitesurfing, beach volleyball
Horseback Riding
Explore estancias and countryside
Wildlife Watching
Whales, sea lions, and diverse birdlife
Cycling
Scenic routes along coast and countryside
Wine Tours
Visit vineyards in Canelones region
Boat Trips
Along Río de la Plata and Uruguay River
Fishing
Freshwater and deep sea fishing
Hiking
In national parks and coastal areas
Uruguay on the Map
Coordinates
33°S 56°W
Bordering Countries
Argentina, Brazil
Highest Point
Cerro Catedral (514m)
Travel Tips & Advice
When to Visit
- Summer (Dec-Mar): Beach season, hottest months
- Spring/Fall (Apr-Jun, Sep-Nov): Mild temperatures, fewer crowds
- Winter (Jul-Aug): Coolest months, least tourists
Getting Around
- Buses: Excellent network between cities
- Rental Cars: Good option for exploring countryside
- Taxis: Affordable in cities, use radio taxis at night
- Ferries: Connect to Buenos Aires and Colonia
- Domestic Flights: Limited to Punta del Este in summer
Safety Tips
- One of South America's safest countries
- Standard precautions in Montevideo's Ciudad Vieja at night
- Watch belongings on crowded beaches in summer
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours
- Emergency number: 911
Money Matters
- Official currency is Uruguayan peso (UYU)
- US dollars widely accepted in tourist areas
- ATMs widely available (Banred network has no fees)
- Credit cards accepted in most establishments
- Tipping 10% expected in restaurants
Fun Facts About Uruguay
Unique Flag
Only national flag with a smiling sun symbol.
Most European
Highest percentage of European descent in Latin America.
Legal Marijuana
First country to legalize marijuana production and sale.
Football Power
Won first World Cup in 1930 and again in 1950.
Literacy Rate
Highest literacy rate in Latin America (98.4%).
Tannat Wine
National grape variety producing bold red wines.
Longest Carnival
Holds the world's longest carnival (40 days).
Cattle Country
More cows than people (4:1 ratio).