Uruguay may be pint-sized but it's certainly big-hearted when it comes to attractions. It contains one of South America's most interesting capitals, charming colonial towns and a cluster of internationally renowned beach resorts.

Full country name: República Oriental del Uruguay
Area: 187,000 sq km (72,930 sq mi)
Population: 3,334,074
Capital city: Montevideo (pop 1,400,000)
People: 88% European descent, 8% Mestizo, 4% Black
Language: Spanish
Religion: 66% Roman Catholic, 2% Protestant, 2% Jewish
Government: Republic
President: Jorge Batlle Ibañez

GDP: US$28.4 billion
GDP per head: US$8,600
Annual growth: 3%
Inflation: 8%
Major industries: Wool, hides, beef, fishing, textiles, footwear, tires, cement, tourism
Major trading partners: Brazil, Argentina, USA, Germany, Italy

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