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Demographics
Native American CharrĂşas and other indigenous groups were the first people to inhabit what is now Uruguay. The majority of the people today are of European descent. The population also includes mestizos and a few descendants of Africans imported by the Spanish as slaves. Urban dwellers constitute 91 percent of the population. Montevideo is the capital and largest city. And Punta del este is the most important seaside in the Country.
Language
Spanish is the official language of Uruguay and is spoken by almost all of the population. Minority languages include English, French, and Italian.
Religion
There is no official religion in Uruguay; church and state are strictly separated, and religious freedom is guaranteed. About two-thirds of the people belong to the Roman Catholic Church, but than half of them regularly attend services. There are small minorities of Protestants and Jews. Almost one-third of the population belongs to other faiths or professes no religion at all.
Customs
Marriage and Family
Traditionally, a man must seek a woman’s parents’ approval before getting engaged. Both families play a large role in preparing for the wedding, and the two families often associate closely after their children are married. The marriage reception usually includes a formal, catered party from which the couple generally leaves early.
Although extended families do not live together, they play an important role in the social lives of Uruguayans. The father is considered the head of the family and rarely does any household work. Many women work or study outside the home. The average family has two children. Most families rent rather than own their house or apartment.
Eating
Although fish, seafood, and meats such as chicken and pork are eaten in Uruguay, beef is central to the diet. It is served in a variety of ways, of which "asado" (barbecued beef) is one of the most common. "Costillas" (chops), "milanesas" (veal cutlets), and "chivitos" (steak burgers) are also popular, along with roasts, stews, and meat pies. A wide variety of vegetables and fruits are available. Snack foods include "medias lunas mixtas" (a type of croissant filled with cheese and ham), "panchos" (sausages), and "hĂşngaras" (spicy sausages).
Although habits are changing in urban areas to accommodate cosmopolitan schedules, traditionally Uruguayans eat a small breakfast and have their main meal at midday. When possible, many workers go home for this meal. The evening meal is usually eaten after 8 PM and sometimes much later. Children usually have a snack when they get home from school.
Uruguayans keep their hands (not elbows) above the table, not in the lap, during meals. When finished eating, a person usually places the utensils side by side on the plate.
Socializing
The most common way to greet someone is with a warm, firm handshake. Among friends or people they know well, however, women generally brush cheeks and “kiss the air”, and men might use an "abrazo" (hearty hug). Verbal greetings depend on the time of day or situation. "¡Hola!" (Hi) is common for a casual greeting at any time. "¡Buen dĂa!" (Good day) is more formal. In cities people do not generally greet strangers when passing on the street, but in rural areas they are more likely to do so. At a social function it is usual to greet every member of a small group individually. Close friends and family members address each other by their first names, but in general people use professional titles or "Señor" (Mister”), "Señora" (Mistress), or "Señorita" (Miss) with the family name.
People prefer that visits be arranged in advance, and it is impolite to call on someone unexpectedly during mealtime. Uruguayans are considerate hosts, and they expect their guests to show respect by making clear their appreciation of the hosts’ hospitality and by not making themselves too much at home.
Recreation
FĂştbol (soccer) is the national sport. Basketball, volleyball, swimming, and other water sports are also popular, and "domas" (rodeos) draw crowds. Uruguayans also enjoy going to the cinema, watching television, and attending cultural events. Going to the beach is very popular, especially during summer holidays.
Holidays and Celebrations
The most important holidays in Uruguay are New Year’s Day (1 January), Carnaval; Easter including Holy Thursday and Good Friday, the Landing of the 33 Patriots (19 April), which honors those who fought for independence in 1825, Labor Day (1 May), Constitution Day (18 July), and Independence Day (25 August). Christmas Eve (24 December) and Christmas Day (25 December) are also celebrated. Most Catholics have celebrations to honor local patron saints, and some celebrate name days, which are the feast days of the saints for whom babies are named. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are celebrated with large family parties and midnight fireworks.
Fine Arts
A western European tradition is widespread in Uruguay. By the 19th century most of the Native Americans had been supplanted by Europeans, chiefly Spaniards and Italians. Since then the country has adopted the cultural institutions of these immigrants. The local "gaucho" (cow-boy) has been the subject of folklore and music. Colonial literature was largely limited to science, education, and religion. The uruguayan Juan Zorrilla de San MartĂn wrote TabarĂ© (1886, translated 1956), considered one of the more genuine epic poems of America. Folk and popular music reflect the mood of the people and of the land. Both the government and the middle class support the theater, concerts, museums, and literary publications.
Libraries and Museums
All of the major libraries in Uruguay are in Montevideo. They include the National Library; the Library of the National Historical Museum, known for its collection of engravings, maps, coins, and native Uruguayan material; the National Congress Library; and the library of the National Archives.
The principal museums include the National Historical Museum, the National Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Natural History, all in Montevideo. The "Museo del Indio y del Gaucho", in TacuarembĂł, has collections of Native American and gaucho art, weapons, and implements.
Infrastructure
Government
The executive branch is headed by the president and vice president. The bicameral General Assembly comprises a 30-member Chamber of Senators and a 99-member Chamber of Representatives. The president and both houses of the Assembly are elected at the same time for five-year terms. All citizens are required to vote starting at age 18.
Tabare Vasquez , is the actual President of Uruguay.
Economy
Uruguay’s greatest natural resource is its fertile land. More than 7.5 percent of the land is used for agriculture and livestock production. Uruguay is a world leader in the production of cattle and wool. Other products include wheat, rice, maize, and sorghum. The industrial sector is tied to agriculture as well, with the chief industries being meat processing, wool and hides, footwear, leather apparel, and fishing. The main exports are textiles and wool, hides, beef, and cereals. Banking and tourism are especially important to the economy. The currency is the Uruguayan peso.
Transportation and Communication
Buses are the primary form of public transportation. Many Uruguayans also get around by private car, and taxis are readily available in the cities. Roads are generally good around the major urban areas, but less developed in the interior; main roads are paved, but most other roads are not. Uruguay’s main international airport is situated near Montevideo, and the domestic airline operates flights internally and to some international destinations. The communication system is being updated; the best facilities are in Montevideo, and the country has a national radio relay system. Newspapers are in wide circulation; six are published in Montevideo. Overall, there are about 100 radio stations and 1 state and about 20 private television stations broadcasting in the country.
Education
Uruguay’s literacy rate of 97.8 percent, highest in South America. Schooling is compulsory for 6 years, after which those who do well in the state examinations are eligible to enter a government-subsidized "liceo", or secondary school. Others may choose to receive technical training at a vocational school. The government provides all education free of charge. The University of Uruguay, founded in 1849, is highly regarded in the region.
Health and Welfare
Uruguay has fairly good health standards, and modern facilities are available in the country. Health and other social programs are highly valued by Uruguay’s citizens. Sanitation is very good.
Full country name: RepĂşblica Oriental del Uruguay
Area: 176,215 sq km.
Population: 3,300,000 inhabitants.
Capital city: Montevideo (Population: 1,350,000).
People: 88% European descent, 8% Mestizos, 4% African descent.
Language: Spanish.
Religion: 66% Roman Catholic, 2% Protestant, 2% Jewish.
Government: Democratic Republic.
President: Tabare Vazquez, Ph. Doctor (Period 2005-2010).
Major industries: Beef, Cement, Fishing, Footwear, Leathers, Textile, Tires, Tourism, Wool.
Major trading partners: Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Italy, USA.
Hope this be helpfull!! Enjoy your travel and buy and english- spanish dictionary, most people in Montevideo and Punta del Este understand english |
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