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URUGUAY: A National Biopic (By
SimoTheFinlandized / Paul Palazzolo - 2022 CE)
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Uruguay (Spanish: Uruguay) is a country located in
the southeastern part of South America. It is home to
3.5 million people, of which 1.4 million live in the
capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area. It is
bordered by Brazil to the north, by Argentina across the
bank of both the Uruguay River to the west and the
estuary of Río de la Plata to the southwest, and the
South Atlantic Ocean to the southeast. Its surface is
176.215 km² being by its territorial extension the
second smallest country in South America, larger only
than Suriname and the French overseas department of
French Guiana. Montevideo was founded by the
Spanish in the early 18th century as a military
stronghold. Uruguay won its independence in 1825-
1828 following a three-way struggle between Spain,
Argentina and Brazil. It is a constitutional democracy,
where the president fulfills the roles of both head of
state and head of government. The economy is largely
based on agriculture (making up 10% of GDP and the
most substantial export) and the state sector,
Uruguay's economy is on the whole more stable than
in its surrounding states, and it maintains a solid
reputation with investors. According to Transparency
International, Uruguay is the second least corrupt
country in Latin America (after Chile), with its political
and labor conditions being among the freest on the
continent. Uruguay has an impressive legacy of artistic
and literary traditions, especially for its small size. The
contribution of its alternating conquerors and diverse
immigrants has resulted in native traditions that
integrate this diversity. Uruguay has centuries old
remains, fortresses of the colonial era. Its cities have a
rich architectural heritage and an impressive number of
writers, artists, and musicians. Uruguayan tango is the
form of dance that originated in the neighborhoods of
Montevideo, Uruguay towards the end of the 1800s.
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