I’m here in Uruguay doing research for my next book. Most people don’t know much about this lovely little heart-shaped country (the second smallest in South America after Suriname).
Here are a few things I found interesting:
1) The government of Uruguay recently achieved its goal of providing a laptop to every student and teacher in the country. Education is free through graduate school!
2) Ninety percent of Uruguayans are of European descent–most are Italian. They gained independence from Brazil in 1825.
3) Uruguay hosted and won the first World Cup in 1930, defeating Argentina. They won a second time in 1950 against Brazil.
4) Uruguay has the longest life expectancy–75 years–in all of South America and regularly ranks highest in terms of quality of life. Interestingly, Uruguayans eat even more meat per capita than Argentines do.
5) Uruguay is considered the safest and least corrupt country in South America. It also has the highest gun ownership rate–and it was the first country in Latin America to legalize same and different sex civil unions at a national level (in 2007).
I’m meeting a lot of interesting people who are choosing to live in Uruguay for these and many other reasons, including the fact that Uruguay has a low cost of living, beautiful beaches, friendly people, great health care, a stable economy, and a relatively easy process for gaining residency.
I’ve been to Uruguay numerous times, but I’m learning a lot more on this trip–and I’m seeing more of the positive elements. For example, this week, Tom and I are staying in a lovely new two-bedroom house with wifi and a rooftop terrace with a gorgeous ocean view.
The cost: $10 a night.
Of course, every person I talk to has a different story and different reasons for choosing Uruguay. But it’s clear that many find it a wonderful place to live and an especially advantageous place to retire.
My head is filled with the stories I’ve heard and the information I’ve learned about the city I’m visiting. I can’t wait to see how it all comes together in my book! (Let’s hope it does.)
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Well, first off, we LOVE Uruguay, as you know.
That part about free education through grad school is interesting – do you have to be a resident? Also, how the heck did you find a $10 a night house?
Thanks for sharing about Uruguay. The family and I are scoping out some new places to visit and have been trying to decide between Uruguay and Costa Rica.
Hi Maya,
I have lived in Punta del Este for 5 years and can tell you quite a few interesting stories. Shall be delighted to meet for a coffee and chat.
Best wishes
Wow, this is some great information. I just finished studying abroad in Santiago, Chile, and will be traveling in Uruguay really soon. This is really encouraging to hear! Thank you!