Uruguay

Overview

Cave systems, vast expanses of beach, forests, lagoons and a UNESCO biosphere reserve are amongst the vistas waiting to greet the visitor. The latter is the Bañados del Este and is the home of many bird species. Thermal tourism has a large showing in Uruguay with hot springs in many locations including Guaviyú, Daymán, Salto Grande and Arapey. These are perfect for relaxing after exploring the labyrinths of the Gruta del Palacio or the Cerro Pan de Azúcar. Other landscapes which should be experience are the moving dunes of the Cabo Polonio, the extensive and well planned Santa Theresa Park and the undeveloped beaches of Roacha.

The colonialism of the past can felt in the capital Montevideo although indigenous origins are not forgotten at the National Historic Museum in the city. The Colonia del Sacramento is also UNESCO protected for the cultural Heritage of Humanity and there is a great deal that is of historical interest. Finally, mention must be made of the River Plate which has been used for communication and protection and the country's underdeveloped public transport system.

History

The only inhabitants of Uruguay before European colonization of the area were the Charrua Indians a small tribe driven south by the Guarani Indians of Paraguay. The Spanish discovered the territory of present-day Uruguay in 1516 but the Indians' fierce resistance to conquest combined with the absence of gold and silver limited settlement in the region during the 16th and 17th centuries. The Spanish introduced cattle which became a source of wealth in the region. Spanish colonization increased as Spain sought to limit Portugal's expansion of Brazil's frontiers. Montevideo was founded by the Spanish in the early 18th century as a military stronghold; its natural harbor soon developed into a commercial center competing with Argentina's capital Buenos Aires.

Uruguay's early-19th century history was shaped by ongoing fights between the British Spanish Portuguese and colonial forces for dominance in the Argentina-Brazil-Uruguay region. In 1811 Jose Gervasio Artigas--who became Uruguay's national hero--launched a revolt against Spain which resulted in the formation of a regional federation with Argentina. In 1821 Uruguay was annexed to Brazil by Portugal but Uruguayan patriots declared independence from Brazil in 1825. With the support of Argentine troops and after three years of fighting they defeated Brazilian forces.

The 1828 Treaty of Montevideo brought Uruguay independence and the nation's first constitution was adopted in 1830. The remainder of the 19th century under a series of elected and appointed presidents saw interventions by and conflicts with neighboring states political and economic fluctuations and large inflows of immigrants mostly from Europe.

Jose Batlle y...more