Wayzata World Factbook 1994/World Factbook - 1994 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1994).iso/pc/text/txtfiles/uruguay.bkg

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#CARD:Uruguay:Background Notes
US DEPARTMENT OF STATE BACKGROUND NOTES:  URUGUAY

November 1990
OFFICIAL NAME:  ORIENTAL REPUBLIC OF URUGUAY

PROFILE
Geography
Area: 176,215 sq. km. (68,037 sq. mi.); slightly smaller than Oklahoma.
Cities: Capital-Montevideo (est. pop. 1.31 million). Terrain: Plains and
low hills, 84% agricultural.  Climate: Temperate.

People
Nationality: Noun and adjective-Uruguayan(s). Population (1990 est): 3.1
million.  Annual growth rate (1989-90): 0.57%.  Ethnic groups (est.):
90% white, 7% mestizo, 3% black.  Religions: Roman Catholic 66%,
Protestant 2%, Jewish 2%, nonprofessing or other 30%.  Language:
Spanish.  Education:  (Projected school-age pop., 1990-538,350 ages 5-14
yrs.; 260,238 ages 15-19 yrs.)    Literacy-96%.  Health: Life expectancy
(1985-90)-75.3 yrs. (female); 68.9 yrs. (male).  Infant mortality rate
(1990)-24.41/1,000.  Work force (1990): 1.4 million. Manufacturing-22%.
Government-20%.  Agriculture-13%.  Commerce-17%.  Utilities,
construction, transport, and communications-12%.  Other services-16%.

Government
Type: Republic.  Independence: August 25, 1825. Constitution:  February
1967. Branches: Executive-president (chief of state and head of
government).  Legislative-General Assembly consisting of Chamber of
Deputies, 99 seats; Senate, 30 seats.  Judicial-Supreme Court of
Justice. Administrative subdivisions: 19 departments with limited
autonomy. Political parties: Colorado, Blanco (National), Broad Front
Coalition, New Space Party, Civic Union.  Suffrage: Universal, 18 and
over.  Central government budget (1989): $1.5 billion. Defense (1989):
1.4% of GDP. Flag: Nine horizontal stripes-five white and four blue with
a yellow sun in the left corner.  The flag was adopted in 1830.

Economy
GDP (1989): $8.4 billion.  Annual growth rate (1989): 1.5%:. Per capita
GDP (1989): $2,736.  Avg. inflation rate (1989): 80.4%. Natural
resources: Soil, hydroelectric potential, gold, granite, and marble.
Agriculture (11.8% of GDP, 1989): Products-beef, wool, grains, fruits,
vegetables. Industry (21% of GDP, 1989): Types-meat processing, wool and
hides, textiles, shoes, handbags, leather apparel, tires, cement,
fishing, petroleum refining. Trade: Exports-$1.6 billion (f.o.b. 1989):
meat, wool, hides, leather and wool products, fish, rice, furs.  Major
markets-US 11%, EC 23% (FRG 8%), ALADI 37% (Argentina 5%, Brazil 28%).
Imports-$1.2 billion (c.i.f. 1989): fuels, chemicals, machinery, metals.
 Major suppliers-US 10%, EC 19.2% (FRG 6%), ALADI 51% (Argentina 16%,
Brazil 26%) Exchange rate (June 21, 1990): 1,149 new pesos=US$1. Fiscal
year: Calendar year. Economic aid received:  IBRD $693 million (to June
1988); IFC-$35 million (to June 1988); IDB-$716 million (1966-88);
US-$205 million (FY 1946-88).  Military aid-$67 million (1950-87).

Membership in International Organizations
 UN and some of its specialized and related agencies; INTELSAT; Latin
American Integration Association (ALADI); Organization of American
States (OAS); the Antarctic Consultative Group; Latin American Economic
System (SELA); the Group of Eight, which is now known as the Group of
Rio (informal group of Latin American states which deals with
multilateral regional issues).

PEOPLE and HISTORY
 Uruguayans share a Spanish linguistic and cultural background, even
though 25% of the population is of Italian origin.  Most are Roman
Catholics.  Church and state are officially separated.  Uruguay is
distinguished by its high literacy rate and large urban middle class.
The overall drop in real income since the 1960s has increased poverty,
but the average Uruguayan standard of living still compares favorably
with that of most other Latin Americans.  Metropolitan Montevideo, with
about an estimated 1.41 million inhabitants, is the only large city.
The rest of the population lives in about 20 towns.  During the past two
decades, an estimated 500,000 Uruguayans have emigrated, principally to
Argentina and Brazil.  As a result of the low birth rate and relatively
high rate of emigration of younger people, Uruguay's population is quite
mature. The only inhabitants of Uruguay, prior to European colonization
of the area, were the Charrua Indians.  The Charruas, a small tribe
pressed south by the Guarani Indians of Paraguay, were generally hostile
to the first explorers of the region, who quickly diminished their
numbers. In early Uruguayan history, Spain, Portugal, and later Brazil
and Argentina struggled for control of the area.  In 1811, JosÇ Gervasio
Artigas, Uruguay's national hero, launched Uruguay's revolt against
Spain and later led an unsuccessful attempt to gain autonomy within a
regional federation with Argentina.  In 1821, Uruguay was annexed by
Brazil; however, in 1825, Uruguayan patriots declared independence from
Portuguese rule and, with the support of Argentine troops, defeated
Brazilian forces.  Independence came in 1828.  The new nation's first
constitution was adopted July 18, 1830.  Batlle y Ordonez, president
from 1903 to 1907 and again from 1911 to 1915, set the pattern for
Uruguay's modern political development.  He established widespread
political, social, and economic reforms, such as an extensive welfare
program, government participation in many facets of the economy, and a
plural executive.  Many of these programs continue today. In 1973, amid
increasing economic and political turmoil, the armed forces closed the
Congress and established a civilian-military regime.  A new constitution
drafted by the military was rejected in a November 1980 plebiscite.
Following the plebiscite, the armed forces announced a new plan for
return to civilian rule, with national elections scheduled in 1984.
Colorado Party leader Julio Maria Sanguinetti won the 1984 presidential
election with 31.4 % of the vote.  In the 1989 presidential election,
Blanco Party leader Luis Alberto Lacalle gained the presidency with 27%
of the vote.  Since taking office on March 1, 1990, President Lacalle
has concentrated on economic and social reform programs.  The Lacalle
administration is vigorously pursuing budget deficit reduction, foreign
debt reduction, privatization of state enterprises, civil service
reform, and education and labor reform.  To achieve these ambitious
goals, the Lacalle administration has sought the legislative cooperation
of the Colorado Party by appointing several Colorado Party members to
his cabinet.  He also has continued the previous government's policies
of reserving some directorship positions in the autonomous state
entities for opposition parties. In the 1989 election, the Leftist Broad
Front Coalition won the seat of the Intendente (Mayor) of Montevideo.
Next to the presidency, this is the most important elective post in the
country, as Montevideo contains 44% of the country's population.  The
Communist Party/Socialist Party/Radical Left coalition hopes to use this
5-year term as a springboard for future electoral gains at the national
level. Uruguay's economic difficulties, and the Lacalle administration's
privatization and the labor reform proposals have led to increased
tension between the Labor Federation, the PIT-CNT, and the national
government.  The tempo of labor protest, which had declined after the
first year of the Sanguinetti administration, rose with the approach of
the 1989 elections and will likely increase in the short-term as  the
Lacalle administration's economic program progresses through parliament.
 The Lacalle administration is seeking through new labor legislation to
regulate what currently is an almost unlimited right to strike, and to
require that strikes be approved by a secret, obligatory vote of the
membership.

GOVERNMENT
 Uruguay's 1967 constitution institutionalizes a strong presidency,
subject to legislative and judicial checks.  Twelve cabinet ministers,
appointed by the president, head the regular executive departments.  In
addition, a number of "autonomous entities" and "decentralized services"
are important in government administration.  The constitution also
provides for a bicameral General Assembly responsible for enacting laws
and regulating the administration of justice.  The General Assembly
consists of a 30-member Senate and a 99-member Chamber of Deputies. The
highest court is the Supreme Court; below it are appellate and lower
courts and justices of the peace.  In addition, there are electoral and
administrative ("contentious") courts, an accounts court, and a separate
military judicial system. Uruguay has 19 administrative departments
organized similarly to the central government and four military regions.

Principal Government Officials
President-Luis Alberto Lacalle
Minister of Foreign Affairs-Hector Gros Espiell
Ambassador to the United States-Eduardo Macgillycuddy
Ambassador to the United Nations-Felpipe Paolillo
Ambassador to the Organization of American States-Didier Operti

  Uruguay maintains an embassy in the United States at 1919 F Street,
NW., Washington, D.C. 20006 (tel. [phone]). Consulates also are
located in Miami, Los Angeles, and New York.

ECONOMY
 Even though agriculture provides only 11% of the GDP and employs only
11% of the labor force, it accounts for 56% of exports, which the
government sees as the engine of Uruguayan growth.  In 1988 Uruguay's
beef and sheep herds totaled 36 million head.  Uruguay's manufacturing
derives significantly from its agricultural sector, with meat
processing, leather production, fish and fish products, and textile,
shoe, handbag, and leather apparel production.  The government is
aggressively urging export diversification, and textiles and leather
goods are appearing in export statistics along with meat products, hides
and leather, and wool.. The government has adopted an export-based
strategy to achieve economic growth and meet its debt service
obligations.  The trade surplus for 1989 exceeded $450 million as
exports rose 14% over 1988 and imports of capital goods declined by the
same amount. Because of the importance of exports, Uruguayan tariffs
have been reduced.  Trade promotion and tariff reduction agreements have
been signed with Argentina and Brazil; ties with the United States and
Western Europe are being strengthened; and through a program of new
embassies and trade offices, new markets, such as Africa, the Middle
East, and Asia are being explored. Uruguay is committed to a floating
exchange rate and has declared that it will intervene in the exchange
market only in order to adjust seasonal fluctuations in foreign exchange
inflows and outflows. While Uruguay has one of the highest per capita
external debts in the hemisphere, it has remained current on interest
payments, ($552 million in 1989). The Lacalle administration has
introduced a package of reforms aimed at modernizing the economy and
reducing its debt burden, fiscal deficit, and inflation.  Some parts are
in place, but privatization measures and social security reforms are
still pending. Uruguay is negotiating with the International Monetary
Fund for a standby agreement based on reduction of the federal budget
deficit and lower inflation (now nearly 100%).  It also is  negotiating
a debt reduction agreement with commercial lenders.  Completion of these
negotiations will help reduce interest payments on its debts.

FOREIGN RELATIONS
 Uruguay has strong political and cultural links with the democratic
countries of the Americas and Europe.  With these countries, it shares
basic values, such as support for constitutional democracy, political
pluralism, and individual liberties.  Its international relations have
been historically guided by the principles of nonintervention, respect
for national sovereignty, and reliance on the rule of law to settle
disputes.  The new government has an active international relations
program, seeking to find export markets and support for its financial
needs.  Additionally, Uruguay is a member of the Group of Rio, an
informal group of Latin American states which deals with multilateral
regional issues. Uruguay's location between Argentina and Brazil makes
close relations with these two larger neighbors particularly desirable.
The three countries have been working closely on integrating their
economic systems and improving relations across the spectrum.  Uruguay
also has been working with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia on
an economic integration plan whose centerpiece is the development of the
River Plate basin as a major shipping and commercial transportation link
between the countries of the basin. Uruguay is a party to the
Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance, General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade, Latin American Nuclear Free Zone, and River Plate
Basin Treaty.

DEFENSE
 The armed forces are constitutionally subordinate to the president
through the minister of defense.  The approximate size of the armed
forces is 19,800 for the army, 5,000 for the navy, and 3,300 for the air
force.

US-URUGUAYAN RELATIONS
 US-Uruguayan relations have traditionally been based on a common
outlook and dedication to democratic ideals.  Consequently, during the
military regime, the United States expressed deep concern for human
rights there and welcomed Uruguay's return to democracy. Uruguay is
cooperating with US regional efforts to reduce drug trafficking, which
is increasing  there, and to limit the exploitation of Uruguay's strict
bank secrecy regulation for money-laundering purposes. The Uruguayan
government places a high priority on debt renegotiation, and Uruguay has
set an exemplary record of full compliance in its debt principal and
interest payments.  It works with the United States bilaterally and in
international trade liberalization to foster economic and political
cooperation and to improve regional cooperation.  While agreeing with US
policies to promote democracy, Uruguay sometimes differs on how this
should be accomplished.  This is particularly evident concerning US
policies in Latin America, where Uruguay is influenced by its
aspirations for Latin solidarity and integration.

Principal US Officials
Ambassador-Richard C. Brown
Deputy Chief of Mission-John P. Jurecky
Political Counselor-Gerard R. Pascua
Economic Counselor-John E. Hope
Labor Counselor-Charles W. Evans
Consul-Paul M. Doherty
Chief, Administrative Section-John M. Salazar
Public Affairs Officer (USIS)-Frank L. Jenista
Defense AttachÇ-Capt. Marshall W. Bronson
USN Chief, Office of Defense Cooperation-Col. Curtis S. Morris USAF

 The US embassy in Uruguay is located at Lauro Muller 1776, Montevideo.
The mailing address for the embassy is APO Miami, Fl. 34035.

Travel Notes
 Climate and clothing: Seasonal clothing, as in the US, is recommended.
 Although the temperature seldom drops below freezing and snow is rare,
warm clothing is essential in winter months (June-August).  Rainwear is
useful.
 Customs:  No visa is required for a visit of less than 90 days.  No
inoculations are required.  There are no currency restrictions.
 Health:  No particular health risks exist.  Food handling and
sanitation standards are relatively high, and the water supply is well

maintained.  Montevideo has several good private hospitals and many
well-trained doctors.
 Telecommunications:  International  telephone and telegraph service is
efficient, although delays may be encountered; however, the local
telephone network is overburdened.  International telegraph-telex
systems are available.  Uruguay is 2 time zones ahead of eastern
standard time.
 Transportation:  Several airlines have frequent service to Montevideo's
Carrasco International Airport from the US, Europe, and other parts of
Latin America.  Internal transportation is mainly by car or bus; air
service is available to a number of towns in the interior; there is no
passenger railway service.  Within Montevideo, bus service is
inexpensive.  Taxi service is reasonably priced, good, and readily
available.  Main roads are good, and secondary roads are adequate.
 Holidays:
January 6-Three Kings' Day
April 19-Landing of the 33
May 1-Labor Day
May 18-Battle of Las  Piedras
June 19-Artigas' Birthday
July 18-Constitution Day
August 25-Independence Day
October 12-Columbus Day
November 2-Memorial Day

 Published by the United States Department of State --  Bureau of Public
Affairs  -- Office of  Public Communication  --  Washington, DC  --
November 1990  -- Editor:  Peter A. Knecht
 Department of State Publication  7857 Background Notes Series  --  This
material is in the public domain and may  be reprinted without
permission; citation of this source is appreciated. For sale by the
Superintendent of Documents, US Government Printing Office, Washington,
DC  20402.(###)


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