Why Uruguay Is Called the Oriental Republic
Here's a little secret: Uruguay's official name is actually a geographical description. The full name, República Oriental del Uruguay, means the Republic to the east of the Uruguay River. That's why Uruguayans are officially called Orientales. Yes — we named the country after its position on the map.
Four Cows Per Person
Here's the thing: In Uruguay there are 4 cows for every person. That's a lotta moo! Yes, we're proud of this one.
One of the Most Beautiful Anthems in the World
Quick Uruguay trivia: In an official ranking from The Economist, Uruguay's national anthem landed in the 3rd spot among the most beautiful anthems in the world. It's also quite long so just sit back and feast your ears!
The Longest National Anthem
Fun fact: Uruguay's national anthem holds the title for the longest in the world - nearly 5 minutes long! As its lyrics say "sabremos cumplir!" (we shall satisfy!). Not bad for a small country, huh?
88% European Heritage
Not many people know this, but 88% of the whole Uruguayan population has european offspring, specially Spanish and Italian. That's why we love tortilla and pasta equally, we don't pick favourites. And now you know what to brag about at dinner.
Uruguay Did It First (1927)
Uruguay, casually: The first country in South America where women's suffragette was approved was Uruguay on the 3rd of July 1927. Consider it your daily dose of Uruguay.
Free Laptops for Every Child
Here's a quirky one: In 2009, Uruguay became the first country in the world to provide every schoolchild with a free laptop and wifi access. Geography and vibes, working together.
Grassland Covers Three-Quarters of Uruguay
Small country, big flex: Nearly three quarters of Uruguay's land mass is covered in grassland. Imagine having to mow all that... Yes, we're proud of this one.
Almost 93% Renewable Energy
Plot twist: In 2015, Uruguay produced 90% of its electricity from renewable sources such as wind and solar energy. File this under: unexpectedly cool.
Libertad o Muerte
One more reason Uruguay is guay: Uruguay's national motto is "Libertad o Muerte", which translates to Freedom or Death. Not bad for a small country, huh?
World's Biggest BBQ
Here's the thing: Uruguay holds the world record for the biggest BBQ or "asado" as we call it. 12,000 kilograms (26 thousand pounds) of meat was used, when it comes to meat, we mean business! And now you know what to brag about at dinner.
World's Top Beef Consumers
Quick Uruguay trivia: Uruguay is the country where people eat the most amount of beef, reaching the mind-blowing average of 59.2kg yearly per person. We promise we won't bite you, there's plenty of meat to go around!
The Forlán Football Dynasty
Fun fact: One of Uruguay's most recognized football players, Diego Forlán, has won the coveted Copa America tournament, as well did his dad and his grandad! Geography and vibes, working together.
Largest Fur Seal Colony
Not many people know this, but Uruguay hosts the largest colony of South American fur seals. We even have an island named after them! Yes, we're proud of this one.
A Somber History
Uruguay, casually: Although not so guay, this is something important to recognize: almost all native indigenous communities disappeared during the colonization. File this under: unexpectedly cool.
Inventor of the Mammography
Plot twist: The uruguayan doctor and radiologist Raúl Leborgne invented the mammography at the end of the second world war, just in time for the healing to begin! Consider it your daily dose of Uruguay.
The Gaussian Vault Technique
One more reason Uruguay is guay: Eladio Dieste, a renowned Uruguayan engineer, invented the Gaussian vault technique, a thin-shell structure for roofs in single-thickness brick used around the world. Solid, man. Geography and vibes, working together.
Candombe: The Beat of Uruguay
Here's the thing: The Candombe - a popular style of music and dance - was born among the enslaved Africans brought to Uruguay, who used their drums as a medium to communicate between each other. Yes, we're proud of this one.
Gnocchi Day - Every 29th
Quick Uruguay trivia: On the 29th day of the month, Uruguay has Ñoqui Day (Gnocchi) when most families eat this tasty dish. Traditionally, it was the day before people got paid so they had to rely on basic ingredients - potatoes and flour.
First Eco-School in Latin America
Uruguay, casually: Uruguay has the first ecological school of Latin America, built with 60% recycled materials and uses solar and wind energy to keep those classrooms warm. As they always say, the kids are our future!
From Cricket to Football
Here's a quirky one: Football wasn't always our thing, before the 1924 Olympic Games the most famous sport among Uruguayans was cricket (yes, that cricket). At some point since then, we changed the cricket ball for a bigger and softer one! Thank god...
Mate: Uruguay's National Obsession
Small country, big flex: If you see a person anywhere in the world, holding a thermos under their arm with a wooden cup in their hand, sippin some sort of tea through a metallic straw, there's a 99% chance they are uruguayan. It's called "mate"!
Fastest Internet in Latin America
Plot twist: Uruguay has the fastest internet connection speed in all of Latin America. Like lightning baby! File this under: unexpectedly cool.
Half the Country in One City
One more reason Uruguay is guay: Roughly half the country's population lives within the capital city of Montevideo, the rest being distributed among other smaller cities and rural areas. The best of both worlds!
Noche de la Nostalgia
Here's the thing: On every 24th of August, we celebrate Noche de la Nostalgia (Nostalgic Night), when everybody goes out to dance and every club plays classic songs from 60s to 90s all night long!
Torta Frita on Rainy Days
Quick Uruguay trivia: A typical street snack in Uruguay is "torta frita" (fried cake). Don't worry it's not a cake, it's a round, salty, bread-like treat and is usually sold and eaten on cold, rainy days. Don't ask why...
Most Peaceful in Latin America
Fun fact: It is considered the most peaceful country in Latin America. We like to chill out dude so come join us! Geography and vibes, working together.