Where is Uruguay Located?

Where is Uruguay located on the map? Uruguay is an independent nation located in South America. Check out the following images to see location of Uruguay on maps.

Uruguay Location Map

Uruguay Location in World Map

You can find Uruguay on the map in South America, on the east coast, a little below the center of the continent. Uruguay is the second smallest country in South America (after Suriname). It is about half the size of Germany. The shape of the country is reminiscent of a triangle with the tip cut off.

Uruguay only borders two other countries: Argentina and Brazil. The south lies on the Atlantic and the Río de la Plata, the broad estuary of the Paraná and Uruguay rivers. Argentina and Uruguay are also called the Río de la Plata states.

On this map you can see where Uruguay is.

Location Information of Uruguay

Uruguay, officially known as the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, is located in South America, bordered by Argentina to the west, Brazil to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast. It is the second smallest country in South America after Suriname, with a total area of approximately 176,000 square kilometers (68,000 square miles). Its geographic position places it in the southern hemisphere, largely making it a temperate climate zone.

Latitude and Longitude

Uruguay is situated between the latitudes of approximately 30° and 35° South and the longitudes of 53° and 58° West. This location places it in the southeastern part of the continent, on the coast of the Río de la Plata estuary.

Capital City and Major Cities

Capital City: Montevideo

Montevideo, the capital and largest city of Uruguay, is located on the country’s southern coast along the Río de la Plata. It is the country’s political, cultural, and economic hub. The city has a population of around 1.3 million people in the city proper and more than 2 million in the metropolitan area, making it a significant urban center in South America.

Montevideo is known for its rich cultural life, historic architecture, and a thriving arts scene. It is also famous for its long, sandy beaches, excellent restaurants, and high quality of life.

Major Cities

  • Salto: Located in the northwestern part of the country near the Argentine border, Salto is Uruguay’s second-largest city. It is known for its hot springs and is an important center for agriculture and industry.
  • Paysandú: Situated on the western bank of the Uruguay River, Paysandú is an important commercial and industrial city. It has a population of over 100,000 people.
  • Maldonado: Located near Punta del Este, one of South America’s most famous beach resort cities, Maldonado is an important tourist destination and has a growing population due to its proximity to the coast.
  • Durazno: A mid-sized city located in central Uruguay, Durazno serves as a regional administrative and commercial center.

Time Zone

Uruguay operates on Uruguay Standard Time (UYT), which is UTC -3 hours. The country does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST), maintaining the same time zone throughout the year. The time difference between Uruguay and some major U.S. cities is as follows:

  • New York City (Eastern Standard Time): Uruguay is 2 hours ahead of New York during standard time.
  • Los Angeles (Pacific Standard Time): Uruguay is 5 hours ahead of Los Angeles during standard time.

Climate

Uruguay enjoys a temperate climate, characterized by mild temperatures throughout the year. It is located in the Southern Hemisphere, which means that the seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. The country experiences four distinct seasons:

  • Summer (December to February): Temperatures range between 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F), although coastal areas tend to be cooler due to the maritime influence.
  • Autumn (March to May): Temperatures cool down, ranging between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Rainfall is more frequent during this season.
  • Winter (June to August): The coldest season, with temperatures between 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). Coastal areas rarely experience freezing temperatures, but inland regions can see frost.
  • Spring (September to November): This season sees mild temperatures ranging between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), with occasional rain.

Uruguay’s climate is suitable for year-round tourism, with a mild and pleasant environment both on the coast and inland.

Economic Status

Uruguay has a high-income economy, characterized by its relatively high GDP per capita in comparison to other countries in Latin America. It is known for its stable economy, low inflation rates, and high levels of foreign direct investment. Key sectors of Uruguay’s economy include:

  • Agriculture: Uruguay is a major exporter of beef, wool, and dairy products. The country has a well-developed agricultural sector that produces significant amounts of soybeans, rice, and citrus fruits.
  • Livestock and Meat: Uruguay is renowned for its high-quality beef, and its beef exports are crucial to the economy. The country is one of the world’s largest per capita consumers of beef and has a strong tradition of cattle ranching.
  • Tourism: The tourism industry contributes significantly to the economy, particularly in the coastal areas like Punta del Este and Montevideo. Uruguay’s beaches, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural life make it a popular destination.
  • Forestry: The forestry industry, particularly the production of paper and wood products, has grown rapidly in recent years.
  • Renewable Energy: Uruguay has invested heavily in renewable energy, and today, around 95% of the country’s electricity is generated from renewable sources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower.

Uruguay is a member of the Mercosur trade bloc, which also includes Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. This helps promote regional economic integration and trade.

Tourist Attractions

Uruguay offers a variety of attractions for tourists, ranging from stunning beaches to historic landmarks and natural reserves. Some of the most famous tourist destinations include:

1. Punta del Este

Located on the southern coast, Punta del Este is one of South America’s premier beach resorts. Known for its high-end restaurants, glamorous hotels, and a vibrant nightlife scene, Punta del Este attracts tourists year-round. The famous “La Mano” sculpture on Playa Brava is one of the city’s iconic landmarks.

2. Colonia del Sacramento

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Colonia del Sacramento is a historic town located along the Río de la Plata. The town is famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming atmosphere. It was founded by the Portuguese in 1680 and later ceded to the Spanish.

3. Montevideo

Montevideo’s Rambla, a long promenade along the coast, is popular for walking, cycling, and enjoying views of the Atlantic. The Ciudad Vieja (Old City) is the historic heart of Montevideo, featuring landmarks like the Plaza Independencia and the Solís Theatre.

4. Cabo Polonio National Park

This remote park is located on the eastern coast and is known for its unique landscape, which includes sand dunes, forests, and rocky coastline. Cabo Polonio is home to one of the largest colonies of sea lions in South America.

5. Termas del Daymán

For those interested in wellness and relaxation, the hot springs in the Daymán region near Salto are a popular attraction. The region is known for its therapeutic mineral waters, with several spas and resorts offering relaxation and wellness treatments.

Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

For U.S. citizens traveling to Uruguay for tourism or business purposes, the following visa requirements apply:

  • Tourist Visa: U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. The only requirement is that your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry into Uruguay.
  • Extension: If needed, visitors can apply for an extension of up to 90 additional days while in Uruguay.
  • Business Visa: For those traveling for business, no visa is required for stays under 90 days, but travelers must ensure their passport meets the validity requirements.

It is always advisable to check with the Uruguayan consulate or embassy before traveling, as visa policies can occasionally change.

Distance to New York City and Los Angeles

The distances from Montevideo to major U.S. cities are significant, given Uruguay’s location in South America:

  • Distance from Montevideo to New York City: Approximately 8,000 km (4,970 miles), with flight times averaging around 10 to 11 hours.
  • Distance from Montevideo to Los Angeles: Approximately 9,200 km (5,700 miles), with flight times typically around 11 to 12 hours.

Uruguay Facts

Size 176,215 km²
Residents 3.44 million
Language Spanish
Capital Montevideo
Longest river Río Negro (750 km)
Highest mountain Cerro Catedral (514 m)
Currency peso