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77-674: Neighbouring departments are Maldonado and Lavalleja to the East, Florida to the North, San José to the West, and Montevideo to the South. Part of the southern border is formed by the Río de la Plata . It is the second smallest department of the country after that of Montevideo, but the second largest in population. Located in the humid templated region, the average temperature is low compared to that of

154-682: A bridge known as the Paso Pache . Despite being a small department, Canelones has a population of over 500,000 inhabitants and one of the highest population densities in the country with 114 inhabitants per square kilometer. The department is divided into approximately 20 sections. Within these, there are significant populations centers, some of which have the status of municipality, while others are part of cities formed recently by decree, and then there are also those that do not have enough inhabitants and are therefore often considered simple population entities with no mayor or government, remaining under

231-511: A cold wind ( pampero ) from the Argentine Pampas . Even though both temperature and precipitation are quite uniform nationwide, there are considerable differences across the territory. The average annual temperature of the country is 17.5 °C (63.5 °F), ranging from 16 °C (61 °F) in the southeast to 19 °C (66 °F) in the northwest. Winter temperatures range from a daily average of 11 °C (52 °F) in

308-640: A five-year term based on proportional representation ; and the Chamber of Senators , consisting of 31 members, 30 of whom are elected for a five-year term by proportional representation, and the vice-president, who presides over the chamber and has the right to vote. The judicial arm is exercised by the Supreme Court , the Bench, and Judges nationwide. The members of the Supreme Court are elected by

385-456: A major financial center of the region and an entrepôt for goods from Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. The Colorado leader José Batlle y Ordóñez was elected president in 1903. The following year, the Blancos led a rural revolt, and eight bloody months of fighting ensued before their leader, Aparicio Saravia , was killed in battle. Government forces emerged victorious, leading to the end of

462-468: A peace agreement was signed in 1872 that gave the Blancos a share in the emoluments and functions of government through control of four of the departments of Uruguay . This establishment of the policy of co-participation represented the search for a new formula of compromise based on the coexistence of the party in power and the opposition party. Despite this agreement, the Colorado rule was threatened by

539-501: A population of 520,187 (253,124 male and 267,063 female) and 222,193 (+44.25% than in 2004 (153,931)) households. The average household size was 2.3 persons. Demographic data for Canelones Department in 2010: 2010 Data Source: (* Resorts of the Costa de Oro – ** Sum result. See main article for all censal areas included.) According to the 2011 census, Canelones department had a rural population of 48,219 (9.3%). The executive power

616-515: A population of around 3.4 million, of whom nearly 2 million live in the metropolitan area of its capital and largest city , Montevideo . The area that became Uruguay was first inhabited by groups of hunter-gatherers 13,000 years ago. The predominant tribe at the moment of the arrival of Europeans was the Charrúa people. At the same time, there were also other tribes, such as the Guaraní and

693-528: A river snail called uruguá ( Pomella megastoma ) that was plentiful across its shores. One of the most popular interpretations of the name was proposed by the renowned Uruguayan poet Juan Zorrilla de San Martín , "the river of painted birds"; this interpretation, although dubious, still holds an important cultural significance in the country. In Spanish colonial times and for some time thereafter, Uruguay and some neighboring territories were called Banda Oriental [del Uruguay] ("Eastern Bank [of

770-595: A strong influence on the government. A transition period (1886–90) followed, during which politicians began recovering lost ground, and some civilian participation in government occurred. After the Guerra Grande , there was a sharp rise in the number of immigrants, primarily from Italy and Spain. By 1879, the total population of the country was over 438,500. The economy reflected a steep upswing (if demonstrated graphically, above all other related economic determinants) in livestock raising and exports. Montevideo became

847-571: A zone of contention between the Spanish and Portuguese empires. In 1603, the Spanish began introducing cattle, which became a source of regional wealth. The first permanent Spanish settlement was founded in 1624 at Soriano on the Río Negro . In 1669–71, the Portuguese built a fort at Colonia del Sacramento (Colônia do Sacramento). Montevideo , the current capital of Uruguay, was founded by

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924-470: Is a unitary state : justice, education, health, security, foreign policy and defense are all administered nationwide. The executive power is exercised by the president and a cabinet of 14 ministers. The legislative power is constituted by the General Assembly , composed of two chambers : the Chamber of Representatives , consisting of 99 members representing the 19 departments, elected for

1001-458: Is celebrated as Independence Day, a national holiday . The nation's first constitution was adopted on 18 July 1830. At the time of independence, Uruguay had an estimated population of just under 75,000. The political scene in Uruguay became split between two parties: the conservative Blancos (Whites), headed by the second President Manuel Oribe , representing the agricultural interests of

1078-572: Is estimated that at the time of the first contact with Europeans in the 16th century, there were about 9,000 Charrúa and 6,000 Chaná and some Guaraní island settlements. There is an extensive archeological collection of man-made tumuli known as " Cerritos de Indios " in the eastern part of the country, some of them dating back to 5,000 years ago. Very little is known about the people who built them as they left no written record, but evidence has been found in place of pre-Columbian agriculture and of extinct pre-Columbian dogs . The Portuguese were

1155-1099: Is exercised by the Intendencia Departamental de Canelones. The Intendant is elected every five years with the possibility of reelection. The legislative power is exercised by the Junta Departamental. On 15 March 2010, by the Act of Ley Nº 18.653, the following Municipalities were formed in the Canelones Department: Source: Intendencia Municipal de Canelones * Stated as 2004 estimates. ** Source: El Observador (2010) 34°32′0″S 55°56′0″W  /  34.53333°S 55.93333°W  / -34.53333; -55.93333 Maldonado Department The Maldonado Department ( Spanish : Departamento de Maldonado ; pronounced [maldoˈnaðo] ), with an area of 4,793 km (1,851 sq mi) and 164,300 inhabitants (2011),

1232-671: Is located to the southeast of Uruguay . Its capital is Maldonado . Neighbouring departments are Rocha to the East, Lavalleja to the North and Northwest, and Canelones to the West. Many of the Maldonado name is traced back to Puerto Rican family lines. Limited to the Southwest by the Río de la Plata and to the Southeast by the Atlantic Ocean , several creeks flow through the department, most of which are tributaries of

1309-523: Is rich in waterways, with many rivers and streams. However, there are two rivers that stand out for their importance: the Santa Lucía River and the Río de la Plata , which is actually a sea of salt water. On the coastline formed by the Río de la Plata, there are many spa towns and their respective beaches. Santa Lucia River, meanwhile, forms the northern boundary with Florida, which is separated by

1386-551: Is the second smallest sovereign nation in South America (after Suriname ) and the third smallest territory ( French Guiana is the smallest). The landscape features mostly rolling plains and low hill ranges ( cuchillas ) with a fertile coastal lowland. Uruguay has 660 km (410 mi) of coastline . The highest point in the country is the Cerro Catedral , whose peak reaches 514 metres (1,686 ft) AMSL in

1463-420: Is widespread, and the area is a major contributor to Uruguay's burgeoning wine industry. In addition, cereal crops – principally maize – are produced, as are a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Tourism, in the eastern coastal area, is also a major source of income for the department, and has enabled the development of important urban centres, such as Atlántida . At the 2011 census, Canelones Department had

1540-534: The Banda Oriental in particular. The assembly refused to seat the delegates from the Banda Oriental; however, Buenos Aires pursued a system based on unitary centralism. As a result, Artigas broke with Buenos Aires and besieged Montevideo, taking the city in early 1815. Once the troops from Buenos Aires had withdrawn, the Banda Oriental appointed its first autonomous government. Artigas organized

1617-584: The Broad Front coalition. At the same time, centre-right National Party 's Luis Lacalle Pou was sworn in as the new President of Uruguay . A 2010 Latinobarómetro poll found that, within Latin America, Uruguayans are among the most supportive of democracy and by far the most satisfied with the way democracy works in their country. Uruguay ranked 27th in the Freedom House " Freedom in

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1694-612: The Chaná , when the Portuguese first established Colonia do Sacramento in 1680; Uruguay was colonized by Europeans later than its neighboring countries. The Spanish founded Montevideo as a military stronghold in the early 18th century due to competing claims over the region, while Uruguay won its independence between 1811 and 1828, following a four-way struggle between Portugal and Spain, and later Argentina and Brazil. It remained subject to foreign influence and intervention throughout

1771-652: The Federal League under his protection, consisting of six provinces, five of which later became part of Argentina. In 1816, 10,000 Portuguese troops invaded the Banda Oriental from Brazil; they took Montevideo in January 1817. After nearly four more years of struggle, the Portuguese Kingdom of Brazil annexed the Banda Oriental as a province under the name of " Cisplatina ". The Brazilian Empire became independent of Portugal in 1822. In response to

1848-633: The Köppen climate classification , most of the country has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa). Only in some spots of the Atlantic Coast and at the summit of the highest hills of the Cuchilla Grande the climate is oceanic (Cfb). The country experiences four seasons, with summer from December to March and winter from June to September. Seasonal variations are pronounced, but extremes in temperature are rare. Summers are tempered by winds off

1925-709: The Napoleonic Wars . Montevideo was occupied by British forces from February to September 1807. In 1811, José Gervasio Artigas , who became Uruguay's national hero, launched a successful revolt against the Spanish authorities , defeating them on 18 May at the Battle of Las Piedras . In 1813, the new government in Buenos Aires convened a constituent assembly where Artigas emerged as a champion of federalism, demanding political and economic autonomy for each area and

2002-664: The Oriental Republic of Uruguay ( Spanish : República Oriental del Uruguay ), is a country in South America . It shares borders with Argentina to its west and southwest and Brazil to its north and northeast, while bordering the Río de la Plata to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast. It is part of the Southern Cone region of South America . Uruguay covers an area of approximately 176,215 square kilometres (68,037 sq mi). It has

2079-647: The Partido Colorado has been in government. However, in the 2004 Uruguayan general election , the Broad Front won an absolute majority in Parliamentary elections, and in 2009, José Mujica of the Broad Front defeated Luis Alberto Lacalle of the Blancos to win the presidency . In March 2020, Uruguay got a conservative government, meaning the end of 15 years of left-wing leadership under

2156-735: The Sierra Carapé hill range. To the southwest is the Río de la Plata , the estuary of the Uruguay River (the river which forms the country's western border). A dense fluvial network covers the country, consisting of four river basins, or deltas: the Río de la Plata Basin , the Uruguay River , the Laguna Merín , and the Río Negro. The major internal river is the Río Negro ('Black River'). Several lagoons are found along

2233-950: The 2011 census, Maldonado department has a rural population of 5,159. The executive power is exercised by the Intendencia Departamental de Maldonado. The Intendant is elected every five years with the possibility of reelection. The legislative power is exercised by the Junta Departamental. On 15 March 2010, by the Act of Ley Nº 18.653, the following Municipalities were formed in the Maldonado Department: Source: Intendencia Departamental de Maldonado 34°38′0″S 54°53′0″W  /  34.63333°S 54.88333°W  / -34.63333; -54.88333 Uruguay in South America Uruguay ( / ˈ jʊər ə ɡ w aɪ / YOOR -ə-gwy , Spanish: [uɾuˈɣwaj] ), officially

2310-581: The Atlantic coast. Montevideo is the southernmost national capital in the Americas and the third most southerly in the world (after Canberra and Wellington ). Uruguay is the only country in South America situated entirely south of the Tropic of Capricorn , and is the southernmost sovereign state in the world when ordered by northernmost point of latitude . There are ten national parks in Uruguay : Five in

2387-577: The Atlantic, and severe cold in winter is unknown. Although it never gets too cold, frosts occur every year during the winter months, and precipitation such as sleet and hail occur almost every winter, but snow is very rare; it does occur every couple of years at higher elevations, but almost always without accumulation. As would be expected with its abundance of water, high humidity, and fog are common. The absence of mountains, which act as weather barriers, makes all locations vulnerable to high winds and rapid changes in weather as fronts or storms sweep across

Canelones Department - Misplaced Pages Continue

2464-580: The Blanco president Manuel Oribe was a close friend of the Argentine ruler Manuel de Rosas . On 15 June 1838, an army led by the Colorado leader Rivera overthrew President Oribe, who fled to Argentina. Rivera declared war on Rosas in 1839. The conflict would last 13 years and become known as the Guerra Grande (the Great War). In 1843, an Argentine army overran Uruguay on Oribe's behalf but failed to take

2541-616: The Blancos continued to support the Colorados on most issues. Low commodity prices and economic difficulties in Uruguay's main export markets (starting in Brazil with the devaluation of the real , then in Argentina in 2002 ) caused a severe recession; the economy contracted by 11%, unemployment climbed to 21%, and the percentage of Uruguayans in poverty rose to over 30%. In 2004, Uruguayans elected Tabaré Vázquez as president while giving

2618-413: The Broad Front a majority in both houses of Parliament. Vázquez stuck to economic orthodoxy. As commodity prices soared and the economy recovered from the recession, he tripled foreign investment, cut poverty and unemployment, cut public debt from 79% of GDP to 60%, and kept inflation steady. In 2009, José Mujica , a former left-wing guerrilla leader (Tupamaros) who spent almost 15 years in prison during

2695-682: The General Assembly; the members of the Bench are selected by the Supreme Court with the consent of the Senate, and the Judges are directly assigned by the Supreme Court. Uruguay adopted its current constitution in 1967. Many of its provisions were suspended in 1973, but re-established in 1985. Drawing on Switzerland and its use of the initiative, the Uruguayan Constitution also allows citizens to repeal laws or to change

2772-559: The Guerra Grande finally came to an end. Montevideo rewarded Brazil's support by signing treaties that confirmed Brazil's right to intervene in Uruguay's internal affairs. In accordance with the 1851 treaties, Brazil intervened militarily in Uruguay as often as it deemed necessary. In 1865, the Triple Alliance was formed by the emperor of Brazil , the president of Argentina , and the Colorado general Venancio Flores ,

2849-522: The River Plate: the Maldonado creek, José Ignacio , Garzón , Pan de Azúcar , and the Aiguá . Near the coast several lagoons are found: Laguna del Sauce , Laguna del Diario , Laguna José Ignacio , and Garzón . Three main geostructural regions can be found within the boundaries of the department: Fertile soils are to be found to the West, while the ones to the North and East are less so. Located in

2926-554: The Spanish in the early 18th century as a military stronghold. Its natural harbor soon developed into a commercial area competing with Río de la Plata 's capital, Buenos Aires . Uruguay's early 19th-century history was shaped by ongoing fights for dominance in the Platine region between British, Spanish, Portuguese, and other colonial forces. In 1806 and 1807, the British army attempted to seize Buenos Aires and Montevideo as part of

3003-506: The Uruguay River]"), then for a few years the " Eastern Province ". Since its independence, the country has been known as " República Oriental del Uruguay ", which literally translates to " Republic East of the Uruguay [River]". However, it is officially translated either as the " Oriental Republic of Uruguay " or the " Eastern Republic of Uruguay ". Uruguay was first inhabited around 13,000 years ago by hunter-gatherers . It

3080-581: The Uruguayan head of government whom they both had helped to gain power. The Triple Alliance declared war on the Paraguayan leader Francisco Solano López . The resulting Paraguayan War ended with the invasion of Paraguay and its defeat by the armies of the three countries. Montevideo was used as a supply station by the Brazilian navy, and it experienced a period of prosperity and relative calm during

3157-607: The World " index. According to the V-Dem Democracy indices in 2023, Uruguay ranked 31st in the world on electoral democracy and 2nd behind Switzerland on citizen-initiated direct democracy. Uruguay shared 14th place along with Canada, Estonia, and Iceland as least corrupt in the World Corruption Perceptions Index composed by Transparency International in 2022, beating out countries such as

Canelones Department - Misplaced Pages Continue

3234-732: The annexation, the Thirty-Three Orientals , led by Juan Antonio Lavalleja , declared independence on 25 August 1825, supported by the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata (present-day Argentina). This led to the 500-day-long Cisplatine War . Neither side gained the upper hand, and in 1828, the Treaty of Montevideo , fostered by the United Kingdom through the diplomatic efforts of Viscount John Ponsonby , gave birth to Uruguay as an independent state. 25 August

3311-479: The capital. The siege of Montevideo , began in February 1843 and lasted nine years. The besieged Uruguayans called on resident foreigners for help, which led to a French and an Italian legion being formed, the latter led by the exiled Giuseppe Garibaldi . In 1845, Britain and France intervened against Rosas to restore commerce to normal levels in the region. Their efforts proved ineffective, and by 1849, tired of

3388-525: The co-participation politics that had begun in 1872. Batlle had two terms (1903–07 and 1911–15) during which he instituted major reforms, such as a welfare program, government participation in the economy, and a plural executive. Gabriel Terra became president in March 1931. His inauguration coincided with the effects of the Great Depression , and the social climate became tense as a result of

3465-431: The constitution by popular initiative, which culminates in a nationwide referendum . This method has been used several times over the past 15 years: to confirm a law renouncing prosecution of members of the military who violated human rights during the military regime (1973–1985); to stop privatization of public utility companies; to defend pensioners' incomes; and to protect water resources. For most of Uruguay's history,

3542-457: The country's military rule, emerged as the new president as the Broad Front won the election for a second time. Abortion was legalized in 2012, followed by same-sex marriage and cannabis in the following year, making Uruguay the first country in the modern era to legalize cannabis. In 2014, Tabaré Vázquez was elected to a non-consecutive second presidential term, which began on 1 March 2015. In 2020, after 15 years of left-wing rule, he

3619-496: The country. These storms can be strong; they can bring squalls , hail , and sometimes even tornadoes . The country experiences extratropical cyclones but no tropical cyclones, due to the fact that the South Atlantic Ocean is rarely warm enough for their development. Both summer and winter weather may vary from day to day with the passing of storm fronts, where a hot northerly wind may occasionally be followed by

3696-469: The countryside, and the liberal Colorados (Reds), led by the first President Fructuoso Rivera , representing the business interests of Montevideo. The Uruguayan parties received support from warring political factions in neighboring Argentina , which became involved in Uruguayan affairs. The Colorados favored the exiled Argentine liberal Unitarios , many of whom had taken refuge in Montevideo, while

3773-427: The decision by Montevideo's governor Joaquin de Viana to build a settlement in Portezuelo (near the Laguna del Diario) in 1755. Two years later, in 1757, a civil and military settlement was founded around the bay and on the neighbouring Gorriti Island . Other settlements quickly emerged in the area with the intention of limiting the Portuguese expansion. In 1828, the Department of Maldonado was established, encompassing

3850-414: The direct jurisdiction of the Municipality of Canelones (in Spanish, Intendencia Municipal Canelones or Comuna Canaria ), which is based in the departmental capital, Canelones . Canelones was one of the nine original departments created in 1830. Over the years its boundaries have changed little. Agriculture is one of the principal contributors to the economy of Canelones. The cultivation of grapevines

3927-490: The economy did not improve and deteriorated after 1980; the gross domestic product (GDP) fell by 20%, and unemployment rose to 17%. The state intervened by trying to bail out failing companies and banks. A new constitution, drafted by the military, was rejected in a November 1980 referendum. Following the referendum, the armed forces announced a plan for the return to civilian rule, and national elections were held in 1984. Colorado Party leader Julio María Sanguinetti won

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4004-434: The failed Tricolor Revolution in 1875 and the Revolution of the Quebracho in 1886. The Colorado effort to reduce Blancos to only three departments caused a Blanco uprising of 1897, which ended with creating 16 departments, of which the Blancos now had control over six. Blancos were given ⅓ seats in Congress. This division of power lasted until President Jose Batlle y Ordonez instituted his political reforms, which caused

4081-403: The first Europeans to enter the region of present-day Uruguay in 1512. The Spanish arrived in present-day Uruguay in 1515 but were the first to set foot in the area, claiming it for the crown. The indigenous peoples' fierce resistance to conquest , combined with the absence of valuable resources, limited European settlement in the region during the 16th and 17th centuries. Uruguay then became

4158-406: The first half of the 19th century. From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, numerous pioneering economic, labor, and social reforms were implemented, which led to the creation of a highly developed welfare state, which is why the country began to be known as "Switzerland of the Americas". However, a series of economic crises and the fight against far-left urban guerrilla warfare in

4235-464: The government. President Jorge Pacheco declared a state of emergency in 1968, followed by a further suspension of civil liberties in 1972. In 1973, amid increasing economic and political turmoil, the armed forces, asked by President Juan María Bordaberry , disbanded Parliament and established a civilian-military regime . The CIA -backed campaign of political repression and state terror involving intelligence operations and assassination of opponents

4312-470: The humid subtropical region, the average temperature is low compared to that of the rest of the country (around 17 °C), as are the precipitation levels (up to 1,000 mm yearly, on average). The origin of its name can be traced back to the year 1530 when Sebastian Cabot returned to Spain after leaving the continent earlier that year in January. He had left Lieutenant Francisco Maldonado near Maldonado's bay. The strategic importance of that bay led to

4389-454: The lack of jobs. There were confrontations in which police and leftists died. In 1933, Terra organized a coup d'état, dissolving the General Assembly and governing by decree. A new constitution was promulgated in 1934, transferring powers to the president. In general, the Terra government weakened or neutralized economic nationalism and social reform. In 1938, general elections were held, and Terra's brother-in-law, General Alfredo Baldomir ,

4466-475: The last uprising by Blancos in 1904 that ended with the Battle of Masoller and the death of Blanco leader Aparicio Saravia . Between 1875 and 1890, the military became the center of power. During this authoritarian period, the government took steps toward the organization of the country as a modern state, encouraging its economic and social transformation. Pressure groups (consisting mainly of businessmen, hacendados , and industrialists) were organized and had

4543-568: The late 1960s and early 1970s culminated in the 1973 coup d'état , which established a civic-military dictatorship until 1985. Uruguay is today a democratic constitutional republic , with a president who serves as both head of state and head of government . Uruguay is described as a "full democracy" and is highly ranked in international measurements of government transparency, economic freedom, social progress, income equality , per capita income , innovation, and infrastructure. The country has fully legalized cannabis (the first country in

4620-470: The main and most diversified mining area of the country producing ( marble , metals , feldspars and construction materials), but it is currently underexploited. It has however, been the department with the fourth most significant mining activity, after Lavalleja, Canelones and Montevideo, with a production worth 4,642,123 dollars, according to 1999 data. Tourism, especially centered on Punta del Este , La Barra, Jose Ignacio and Piriápolis , has been one of

4697-524: The main sources of income for the department since the 1950s. It has also been the main cause for its unique urban concentration of the population (94% out of the total). The Laguna del Sauce International Airport is a significant local economic motor. At the 2011 census, Maldonado Department had a population of 164,300 (80,865 male and 83,435 female) and 110,794 households. There are also 11,151 business premises (2011). Demographic data for Maldonado Department in 2010: 2010 Data Source: According to

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4774-445: The presidency and served from 1985 to 1990. The first Sanguinetti administration implemented economic reforms and consolidated democracy following the country's years under military rule. The National Party's Luis Alberto Lacalle won the 1989 presidential election, and a referendum endorsed amnesty for human rights abusers. Sanguinetti was then re-elected in 1994. Both presidents continued the economic structural reforms initiated after

4851-401: The reinstatement of democracy. The 1999 national elections were held under a new electoral system established by a 1996 constitutional amendment. Colorado Party candidate Jorge Batlle , aided by the support of the National Party, defeated Broad Front candidate Tabaré Vázquez . The formal coalition ended in November 2002, when the Blancos withdrew their ministers from the cabinet, although

4928-432: The rest of the country (around 15 °C), as are the levels of precipitation (up to 2,000 mm yearly, on average). By area Canelones Department is the second smallest of Uruguay 's 19 departments. Canelones Department, is characterized by flat lands and absence of relief (like most parts of Uruguay), with small coastal sand dunes at the south, and with meadows and woods in the center, north and west. The department

5005-437: The south of the country receives less precipitation than the north. For example, Montevideo receives approximately 1,100 millimetres (43 in) of precipitation per year, while the city of Rivera in the northeast receives 1,600 millimetres (63 in). The heaviest precipitation occurs during the autumn months, although more frequent rainy spells occur in winter. But periods of drought or excessive rain can occur anytime during

5082-417: The south to 14 °C (57 °F) in the north, while summer average daily temperatures range from 21 °C (70 °F) in the southeast to 25 °C (77 °F) in the northwest. The southeast is considerably cooler than the rest of the country, especially during spring, when the ocean with cold water after the winter cools down the temperature of the air and brings more humidity to that region. However,

5159-441: The territories that belong to the modern Department of Rocha and most of Lavalleja. There are three main economic centres in the department, located in the main urban areas: The main crops are wheat , maize , sunflowers , oats , potatoes , among others, located in the south of the department. Fishing , as well as cattle and sheep raising have also a great importance in the department's economy. It is, along with Lavalleja,

5236-420: The time had the highest per capita number of political prisoners in the world. "Kaufman, who spoke at the U.S. Congressional Hearings of 1976 on behalf of Amnesty International , estimated that one in every five Uruguayans went into exile, one in fifty were detained, and one in five hundred went to prison (most of them tortured)." Social spending was reduced, and many state-owned companies were privatized. However,

5313-413: The war, both withdrew after signing a treaty favorable to Rosas. It appeared that Montevideo would finally fall when an uprising against Rosas, led by Justo José de Urquiza , governor of Argentina's Entre Ríos Province , began. The Brazilian intervention in May 1851 on behalf of the Colorados, combined with the uprising, changed the situation, and Oribe was defeated. The siege of Montevideo was lifted, and

5390-409: The war. The first railway line was assembled in Uruguay in 1867, and a branch consisting of a horse-drawn train was opened. The present-day State Railways Administration of Uruguay maintains 2,900 km of extendable railway network. The constitutional government of General Lorenzo Batlle y Grau (1868–72) suppressed the Revolution of the Lances by the Blancos . After two years of struggle,

5467-451: The wetland areas of the east, three in the central hill country, and one in the west along the Rio Uruguay. Uruguay is home to the Uruguayan savanna terrestrial ecoregion. The country had a 2019 Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 3.61/10, ranking it 147th globally out of 172 countries. Located entirely within the southern temperate zone, Uruguay has a climate that is relatively mild and fairly uniform nationwide. According to

5544-621: The world to do so), as well as same-sex marriage and abortion . It is a founding member of the United Nations , OAS , and Mercosur . The country of Uruguay takes its name from the Río Uruguay , from the Indigenous Guaraní language. There are several interpretations, including "bird-river" ("the river of the uru , via Charruan , urú being a common noun of any wild fowl). The name could also refer to

5621-514: The year. National extreme temperatures at sea level are, 44 °C (111 °F) in Paysandú city (20 January 1943) and Florida city (14 January 2022), and −11.0 °C (12.2 °F) in Melo city (14 June 1967). Uruguay is a representative democratic republic with a presidential system . The members of government are elected for a five-year term by a universal suffrage system. Uruguay

5698-469: Was called Operation Condor . According to one source, around 180 Uruguayans are known to have been killed and disappeared, with thousands more illegally detained and tortured during the 12-year civil-military rule from 1973 to 1985. Most were killed in Argentina and other neighboring countries, with 36 of them having been killed in Uruguay. According to Edy Kaufman (cited by David Altman ), Uruguay at

5775-593: Was elected president. Under pressure from organized labor and the National Party, Baldomir advocated free elections, freedom of the press, and a new constitution. Although Baldomir declared Uruguay neutral in 1939, British warships and the German ship Admiral Graf Spee fought a battle not far off Uruguay's coast. The Admiral Graf Spee took refuge in Montevideo , claiming sanctuary in a neutral port, but

5852-672: Was later ordered out. In 1945, Uruguay formally signed the Declaration by the United Nations and entered World War II , leading the country to declare war on Germany and Japan . Following the end of the war, it became a founding member of the United Nations . An armed group of Marxist–Leninist urban guerrillas, known as the Tupamaros , emerged in the 1960s, engaging in activities such as bank robbery, kidnapping, and assassination, in addition to attempting an overthrow of

5929-448: Was succeeded by Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou , a member of the conservative National Party , as the 42nd President of Uruguay. In 2023, for the first time since 1908, Uruguay's migrant population grew to 3.4 million, representing 3% of the country's foreign-born residents. With 176,214 km (68,037 sq mi) of continental land and 142,199 km (54,903 sq mi) of jurisdictional water and small river islands, Uruguay

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