The forests in the country are rarity, and where they exist they aren't very thick, there are subtropical species of trees, shrubs and palms, typical of a subtropical climate. There are no high mountains. Most of the coast of Uruguay occupy beaches. The sand varies from light beige to yellow or brown. As in the western parts of the country falls into the river Rio de la Plata, the water in the ocean is quite muddy, so tourists are directed to a more north-eastern part of the country, near the Brazilian border, where the sand is the best and the ocean water is more transparent. Here are the most beautiful beaches. In the eastern part of Uruguay is Lake Mirim, which is the largest in the territory of Uruguay. The country has a high standard of living and low levels of corruption.
Population
The population is over than three million people. A small number of Indians survived only in the hinterland of Uruguay. About 90% of the population is descendants of immigrants from European countries, mainly from Spain, Italy, France and Poland.
Language
The official language is Spanish. Portuguese are also common and the mixture of Spanish and Portuguese are widely used at the border with Brazil.
Religion
More than 66% of the population belongs to the Roman Catholic Church. Methodist and Anglican churches are widespread too.
Culture
Uruguayan culture is a blend of tradition and customs of people from Europe (Spaniards, Italians, English, Germans, French, Swiss, Russian, Portuguese, Poles, Ukrainians, Bulgarians, etc.), Africa and Asia. The combination balance and harmony are the hallmark of the cultural life of this country. Thanks to this, Montevideo recognized as one of safest capitals in the world.
Cuisine
Uruguay's cuisine has been influenced by Italian culinary traditions. In the first place in the Uruguayan cuisine, of course, beef. Here it is prepared in different ways and in every possible form, giving preference to cook in an open fire. To a lesser extent of the national cuisine of Uruguay was influenced by Indian and Creole cuisines. The latter is the most popular drink in Uruguay - yerba mate that Uruguayans drink anytime and anywhere.
Climate
The climate in Uruguay is subtropical, temperatures range from +23-240C in summer (January-February) -120C to +100C degrees in winter (July). Several times a year, mostly in summer, bursts into a hurricane. Cloudless blue sky suddenly envelops thick clouds. It starts strong wind and heavy rain. After a little time the sun is shining again.
Transport
Buses are the main public transport. Taxis are very cheap in Uruguay.
Official currency
The Uruguayan peso is the official currency of the monetary Eastern Republic of Uruguay, which consists of 100cents.