Nestled between Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay is a charming blend of sandy beaches, rolling lands, and vibrant cities. This small Spanish-speaking country in South America has more to offer than just fútbol!
Map of Uruguay
Key geography facts
1. Much of Uruguay consists of gently rolling plains and low hills, with the highest point being Mount Cathedral at 1,685 feet (514 meters).
2. The Rio de la Plata, a wide estuary formed by the Uruguay and Parana Rivers, defines the southern border of the country.
3. The Atlantic Coast features sandy beaches and resort cities like Punta del Este. Uruguay also has several islands along the Atlantic Ocean and River Plate.
4. Uruguay has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and warm summers.
Recommended reading: Fun Facts About Uruguay
Uruguay regions (departments)
Uruguay has 19 administrative divisions, which are called departments.
- Artigas
- Canelones
- Cerro Largo
- Colonia
- Durazno
- Flores
- Florida
- Lavalleja
- Maldonado
- Montevideo
- Paysandú
- Río Negro
- Rivera
- Rocha
- Salto
- San José
- Soriano
- Tacuarembó
- Treinta y Tres
Map of Uruguay in South America
Uruguay is bordered by Argentina to its west and southwest and Brazil to its north and northeast.
Uruguay major cities
Montevideo – The capital and largest city, known for its cultural scene, historic neighborhoods, and beaches.
Salto – The second-largest city, known for its hot springs and agriculture.
Ciudad de la Costa – A coastal city near Montevideo known for its beautiful beaches and residential appeal.
Paysandú – An important industrial city located on the Uruguay River.
Las Piedras – A growing city near Montevideo known for its wine production.
Rivera – A border city with Brazil, famous for its free-trade zone and cross-border shopping.
Maldonado – Located near the famous beach resort of Punta del Este, known for its historic buildings and coastal attractions.
Melo – A city in the northeastern part of the country, known for its traditional culture and distribution center.
Artigas – A city located in the north, near the Brazilian border, known for its amethyst gemstones and cross-border trade.
Durazno – Known for its livestock farming and the annual folklore festival, the Festival Nacional de Folklore.
Tacuarembó – A city in the interior of the country, known for its gaucho culture and the annual Patria Gaucha festival.
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Caitriona Maria is an education writer and owner of The Facts Institute. A teacher for seven years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.
Ivy Hollys is a freelance content writer for integrity-based information platforms.
Her focus is primarily on using her skill to provide accurate information to everyone. With a background in natural resource conservation, she writes helpful content for platforms with similar interest.
Her experience in writing spans across various platforms including news and lifestyle blogs in her home country and abroad.