Country explorer: Uruguay
EXPERIMENTAL
2024
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Overview
Uruguay is a progressive, high-income country in South America with a small population. Its economy has grown stably in recent decades, and is based on agriculture, services and tourism.
Uruguay is known for being the first country to fully legalize marijuana.
Economy
Uruguay has demonstrated notable economic resilience and growth, outpacing many of its regional peers with consistent increases in GDP per capita, significant reductions in poverty across all thresholds, low and stable unemployment rates, and controlled inflation, thereby reflecting its distinct success in socio-economic stability and advancement in South America.
Demographics
Uruguay has experienced slight population growth, consistently negative net migration, a gradual decrease in fertility rates aligning with global trends, and a steady increase in life expectancy, illustrating a demographic transition similar to that of high-income countries despite challenges such as emigration.
Basic needs
Uruguay has demonstrated a sustained improvement in providing its population with basic needs, achieving close to universal access to clean cooking fuels and electricity, which aligns it with the standards of high-income countries.
Human development
Uruguay has demonstrated consistent improvements in human development, evidenced by significant progress in key indicators such as the Human Development Index, reductions in child mortality, increased literacy rates, and enhanced quality of education, distinguishing itself as a leading nation in Latin America for societal advancement and quality of life.
Environment & energy
Uruguay has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy generation, significantly reducing its reliance on fossil fuels by embracing wind, solar, and bioenergy, enhancing its commitment to environmental sustainability while maintaining its rich forest resources and stable freshwater supplies, setting a distinctive example of green transformation compared to many of its peers.
Technology & innovation
Uruguay has significantly outperformed its regional peers in the adoption of digital technologies and mobile connectivity, alongside a notable rise in scientific research output, reflecting its commitment to leveraging technology and innovation for societal advancement.
Culture & society
Uruguay has exhibited progressive social transformations marked by increased life satisfaction, a notable decrease in gender inequality, a stable percentage of the population born abroad, and a gradually adjusting age dependency ratio, reflecting a blend of resilience and progressive change distinct within its regional context.
Governance
Uruguay has demonstrated significant progress in governance, characterized by an improved adherence to the rule of law, diminished perceptions of corruption, enhanced political and civil liberties, and a notably freer press, distinguishing itself as a leader in democratic governance in Latin America.