Uruguay profile

PROFILE

Geography
Area: 176,220 sq. km. (68,000 sq. mi.); slightly smaller than the state of Washington.
Cities: Capital--Montevideo (est. pop. 1.34 million).
Terrain: Plains and low hills, fertile coastal lowland; 84% agricultural.
Climate: Temperate.

People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Uruguayan(s).
Population (July 2010): 3.5 million (CIA World Factbook).
Annual population growth rate (est.): 0.466% (CIA World Factbook).
Ethnic groups (1997): European descent 93.2%, African descent 5.9%, indigenous descent 0.4%, Asian descent 0.4%.
Religions: Roman Catholic 66%, Protestant and other Christian 2%, Jewish 1%, non-professing or other 31%.
Language: Spanish.
Education: Literacy (2007)--98%.
Health (2007): Life expectancy--76.36 yrs. Infant mortality rate (2006)--10.5/1,000.
Work force (1.6 million, 2008): Commerce, restaurants, and hotels--21%; manufacturing, gas, and electricity--14%; agriculture, fishing, and mining--11%; construction--7%.
Government
Type: Constitutional republic.
Independence: August 25, 1825.
Constitution: First 1830, current 1967, most recently amended January 1997.
Branches: Executive--president (chief of state and head of government). Legislative--General Assembly elected by proportional representation consisting of a 99-seat Chamber of Deputies and a 30-seat Senate. Judicial--Supreme Court of Justice.
Administrative subdivisions: 19 departments with limited autonomy.
Political parties/coalitions: Colorado Party, Blanco (National) Party, Frente Amplio, Independent Party.
Suffrage: Universal and compulsory at 18.
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Economy
Gross domestic product (GDP): $40.7 billion (2010, IMF); $31.5 billion (2009); $31.2 billion (2008); $23.9 billion (2007); $19.8 billion (2006); $17.4 billion (2005).
Annual growth rate: 2.9% (2009); 8.9% (2008); 7.6% (2007); 4.6% (2006); 7.5% (2005).
Per capita GDP: $12,129 (2010, IMF); $9,457 (2009); $9,357 (2008); $7,209 (2007); $5,977 (2006); $5,254 (2005); $4,146 (2004).
Natural