GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION

The Oriental Republic of Uruguay is situated in Latin America, on the Atlantic Ocean, between parallels 30º and 35º (south latitude) and meridians 53º and 58º (west longitude). Consequently, it is situated in the mild area of the Southern Hemisphere, mainly maritime.

BORDERS

The Federal Republic of Brazil is on the Northern and Northeastern border; and the Republic of Argentina is on the West, across the River Uruguay. The River Plate is on the South and the Atlantic Ocean washes its Eastern coasts. As may be appreciated, it boasts a privileged strategic position in the Southern Cone of the continent, which greatly benefits its policy of regional integration; on the one hand as exit door of the countries of the Plate area – the second largest in the world -, and, on the other hand, as a bridge between its two large neighboring countries, Argentina and Brazil, the most important economic centers of the region.

As for the rest of the world, its coasts on the Atlantic Ocean ensure ease of communication, it being able to connect with the most culturally and economically developed countries in the world.

TERRITORIAL SURFACE

The territorial extension of Uruguay amounts to 176,215 square kilometers. If one compares it with its large neighbors or with other countries in Latin America, it seems to be rather small, but if one looks to other latitudes, its size is larger than that of several countries in Central America and Europe. The joint surfaces of the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium and Switzerland could be contained in the Uruguayan territory. In addition, one should note that all of it is habitable, lacking in inhospitable areas, and 90% of its total surface can be utilized. 120,684 square meters of territorial sea surface, in addition to the jurisdictional waters of important rivers and bordering lakes, must be added.

COASTS

Uruguay has 450-kilometer long coasts, all along the River Plate and 220 km-long maritime coasts along the Atlantic Ocean, which means that it boasts a stretch of sandy beaches of great tourist interest because of their natural beauty.

POLITICAL MAP

The territory of Uruguay is divided into 19 Departments – Montevideo being the capital. Montevideo stands on the harbour of the River Plate, and its natural port – as the port of any given modern metropolis - is very privileged for its characteristics as to its services and facilities.