Uruguay is a virtually unexplored destination for traditional
tourism.
This small and peaceful country offers nature lovers an
amazing variety of ecosystems mainly concentrated in the
"Baņados del Este" Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO).
A unique place where, within short distances we can find:
wetlands, hills, native forest, palm groves, sandy
and rocky beaches, rivers, coastal lagoons and savannahs,
all filled with an enormous diversity of birds - more than
400 species- and other wildlife like the endangered capybara,
pampas deer, sea turtle and franca whale among others, which
coexist in harmony with the cattle, sheep and horses that
populate the vast pampas. The country occupies the sixth
position in the Environmental Sustainability World Index
2002.
Situated on the undefined frontier between the Spanish and
Portuguese empires, it has always been a region of passing
influences; thus the hospitable character of its people.
First conquerors and then the immigrants who arrived from
Europe in large waves during the first half of the last
century, have enriched the native traditions, forging a
very particular cultural identity different from the majority
of Latin American countries. Indigenous remains, fortresses
of the Colonial period and traces of the gaucho's life have
combined with a rich urban architectural heritage.
Uruguay has the highest literacy rate in the continent -
97% - and the majority of the population has completed secondary,
technological or university studies. Commonly called "the
Switzerland of America" this republic, proud of its almost
200 years of democracy is one of the safest countries in
the world.