Uruguay lures surfers from all over the world because of its ideal weather and warm coastal waves that break along its 120 miles of Atlantic shoreline. This South American country is a destination spot for visitors worldwide who come to enjoy the culture and beauty of Uruguay. As you consider all surfing locations available in the world, put Uruguay at the top of your list for the best beaches in South America.

Uruguay is located in the southeastern area of South America and is home to 3.5 million people. It is not only beautiful, but it is the most economically developed country in South America and considered the most progressive country in all of Latin America:

• Uruguay has the highest literacy rate in Latin America
• A growing middle-class
• The lowest poverty rate in all of Latin America
• The lowest crime rate in Latin America
• Ten hospitals and one physician per 260 people

The People of Uruguay

• Most of the indigenous population of Uruguay was exterminated by the nineteenth century, and those who survived were assimilated. The ethnic composition of the population is 90 percent European, and 6 percent of the people are partly of Native American descent. Africans, 4 percent of the population, living mainly in Montevideo. Now, 88% of Uruguay's population are considered to be of European decent, mainly Spanish and Italian.
• 1.4 million people live in the capital Montevideo (a three to four hour bus ride from La Paloma)

The Land of Uruguay

• Uruguay is roughly the size of the US State of North Dakota, 72,930 square miles
• The name Oriental Republic of Uruguay República Oriental del Uruguay, derives from the fact that the country lies east of the Uruguay River, a major tributary of the Rio de la Plata estuary. Before independence, it was known as Banda Oriental del Uruguay.
• The name "Uruguay" is a Guaraní word meaning "river of shellfish," or "river the uru birds come from."

The Language of Uruguay

• The prevalent language is a variety of Spanish known as Rioplatense or Platellano.
• English has influenced the language of technology and the slang used by young people.

The Sport of Uruguay

• Soccer is the national sport and occupies a central place in the life of the nation

The Foods of Uruguay

• Since Uruguay is a predominately farming and ranching country, meat (beef and lamb) are eaten often, but pasta is considered a national food choice because of the large Italian immigration that arrived in the late 1800's and early 1900's and a large pasta meal is generally served on Sundays.
• Bread and ship biscuits (galleta marina), made mostly of white flour, are eaten with most meals.
• Dairy products are widely served in a variety of forms during meals including the national dessert, dulce de leche. Other popular desserts are pastries, milk and egg pudding, and rice pudding.
• Mate which is a strong tea-like beverage made by infusing coarsely ground leaves of Yerba Mate with hot water in a gourd and sipped through a metal straw with a terminal filter (bombilla), is drunk at home, at work, at the beach, at soccer games and in public places. Coffee is served as espresso, or with milk. Tea usually is served with milk.
• Breakfast is a light meal. Traditionally, lunch and dinner are the main meals. Wine and beer are commonly served with the main meals.

Uruguay's Entry and Exit requirements

• All United States citizens entering Uruguay for business or pleasure must have a valid passport. U.S. citizens traveling on a regular passport do not need a visa for a visit of less than three months.