URUGUAY FACTS

LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY

• Latitude: Approx. 34.8833° S, 56.1667° W
• Capital: Montevideo
• West of the Atlantic Ocean
• South of Brazil
• Northeast of Argentina

EXCHANGE RATES

• Currency: Peso
• 1 Uruguayan Peso = 0.042 U.S. dollar, or 4.2 U.S. cents

PLACES OF INTEREST

• Colonia del Sacramento - Uruguay's Historic City
• Montevideo - Uruguay's Capital
• Punta del Este - Luxurious Beaches
• The Rocha Coast - Famous Atlantic Coastline
• Piriapolis - Tranquil City

URUGUAYAN CUISINE

• Many foods in Uruguay are based on foods from its European root countries.
• Gnocchi - A cheap meal eaten the day before payday, when people are poorest.
• Chevito - Uruguayan sandwich
• Choripán - Fast food of Uruguay
• Empanadas - Pie-like treat

CUSTOMS

• Gaucho - Cowboy-like Uruguayans who were loyal, strong, and generous.
• Symbols of wealth include modern dress, cars, and stays at luxurious resorts.
• Yerba mate is a kind of tea made from the tree of the same name.
• Uruguayans love football (soccer), especially the teams Penarol and Nacional.
• Milonga is a style of music similar to tango, but more upbeat.

TRAVEL DO'S

• DO be kind during any business endeavors.
• DO greet friends with a firm handshake.
• DO stand close to a person you are talking to.
• DO give flowers or gifts to a hostess of an event.
• DO ask questions about Uruguay; the people are proud of their nation.

TRAVEL DON'T'S (RUDE IN URUGUAY)

• DON'T outwardly insult meat.
• DON'T put your feet up on a table or similar surface.
• DON'T use the American "A-O.K." sign.
• DON'T use a toothpick in public.
• DON'T ever — EVER — confuse Uruguay with Paraguay.

SURVIVAL SPANISH PHRASES

• What is a good restaurant? - ¿Que es un buen restaurante?
• What is a good sightseeing area? - ¿Que es una buena zona de turismo?
• Where is the nearest bus stop? - ¿Donde esta la parada de autobus mas cercana?
• Where is the nearest restroom? - ¿Donde esta el baño mas cercano?
• How can I get to _____ from here? - ¿Como puedo obtener a _____ de aqui?

ACTIVITIES AND FUN

• Water activities including swimming, surfing, boating, and fishing
• Horseback riding
• Shopping
• Dancing
• Hiking/sightseeing

CULTURE

• The country is named after the river of the same name.
• Many variations of Spanish are spoken.
• Sky blue represents freedom, amd is the soccer team color.
• Much of the culture is borrowed from Europe.
• Elaborate meals are prepared for special occasions.

CREDITS AND SOURCES

• Location and Geography: Google Maps
• Exchange Rates: Google
• Places of Interest: http://bsas4u.com/blog/en/2012/02/top-5-places-to-visit-in-uruguay.html
• Food: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uruguayan_cuisine
• Customs: http://www.explore-uruguay.com/uruguay-customs.html#.VAigcGK9KSM

CREDITS AND SOURCES

• Do's/Don't's: http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_uy.htm
• Phrases: Translated from English with Google Translate
• Activities: http://www.discoveruruguay.com/uruguay_vacation_activites.htm
• Culture: http://www.everyculture.com/To-Z/Uruguay.html