With its southern coast shaped by the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, Uruguay is a South American gem known for its lush landscapes and vibrant cities. It encapsulates the harmony between urbanity and nature, dominated by historic sites, captivating beaches, sprawling pampas, and rich vineyards, making it a fascinating hub for geography enthusiasts.
Overview of Uruguay
Uruguay is a South American country hugged by Argentina and Brazil. Cozied up on the South Atlantic Ocean, its location is a geographical highlight on Argentina's eastern side. Uruguay offers a diverse geographic panache – ranging from Atlantic beaches, hot springs, fertile plains, to rolling hills.
Where is Uruguay on the map?
On a world map, Uruguay can be found on the southeastern coast of South America. It is bordered by Argentina to the west and southwest, Brazil to the north and northeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast. Uruguay's geographical coordinates are approximately 33 degrees South latitude and 56 degrees West longitude.
Interestingly, in spite of its relatively small size, Uruguay boasts a population of around 3.5 million. The capital and largest city, Montevideo, hosts more than half of the country's population. People come for the art-deco buildings, stay for the chivito sandwiches.
Uruguay's geography is predominantly made up of grassy plains and low hills, known as "pampas". The Uruguay river, which also serves as its namesake, is a prominent geographical feature. It forms the western frontier, eventually pouring out into the Estuary of the Rio de la Plata – itself a significant body of water.
Uruguay's Climate
Uruguay enjoys a temperate climate. Summers are typically warm, with temperatures peaking at about 28 degrees Celsius in January. Winters, on the other hand, are mild with the coldest month, July, having an average low of about 6 degrees Celsius. Ideal if you're not a fan of extremes.
Uruguay's terrain is advantageous for agriculture. The country is among the world’s top exporters of soybeans, wool, rice, and beef. The livestock industry, critical in Uruguay, dictates much of the rural landscape. You're more likely to encounter cattle than people in some areas.
FAQs
What is Uruguay's main geographical feature?
One main geographical feature of Uruguay is the Cuchilla Grande, a ridge running north to south that divides the country into two regions. To the west of the ridge, the land gently rolls down to meet the Uruguay River. To the east is a mix of hills and coastal lowlands.
How many miles of coastline does Uruguay have?
Uruguay has approximately 410 miles of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean.
How does Uruguay's geography impact its economy?
The consistent, level terrain of Uruguay, together with its fertile soil, is ideal for agriculture. This makes the agricultural sector a driving force of Uruguay’s economy. The coastline supports a vibrant fishing industry as well.
What is the highest point in Uruguay?
The highest point in Uruguay is Cerro Catedral, located in the Sierras de Canelones. It reaches a height of approximately 1,685 feet.
Is Uruguay flat or mountainous?
Uruguay is predominantly flat with rolling plains, known for its fertile lands. It is not mountainous but has a few hills and a ridge known as the Cuchilla Grande.
Uruguay Map
