Uruguay

Uruguay, host nation of the first football World Cup in 1930, is located in South America between Argentina and Brazil. With size of 176’215 sqm (about half the size of Germany) and a population of 3 million people, its population density is low. Welcoming foreign immigrants is a stated policy. Uruguayans are of predominantly European origin and the local culture is heavily influenced by Europe, giving the country a more Mediterranean than Latin American vibe.

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to enter the country in 1512, and the Spanish founded the capital city of Montevideo as a military stronghold in the early 18th century because of the competing claims over the region. Uruguay won its independence between 1811 and 1828. It is today a democratic constitutional republic, with a president who serves as both head of state and head of government.

Uruguay has a high-income economy dominated by agriculture and tourism, and is ranked first in Latin America in democracy, peace, and e-government; and last in corruption. It is also the first in South America when it comes to press freedom, size of the middle class, and prosperity. It ranks second in the continent on economic freedom, income equality, per-capita income, and inflows of FDI.

Uruguay is a founding member of the United Nations (UN), OAS, and MERCOSUR which provides free movement to other member states (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay).