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Demographics
The
homogeneous Uruguayan population is overwhelmingly white
and is of European origin. Most are of Spanish and
Italian heritage, though some are of Portuguese and
other European lineages. Mixed race people and blacks
make up a very small percentage. Unlike many other
South American nations, Uruguay does not have a native
population; they were displaced many years ago in
colonial times.
Spanish is the official language. Uruguayan Spanish has
some Italian modifications due to the considerable
number of Italian immigrants. Along the border with
Brazil, there is a dialect called Portuñol, which is a
combination of both Spanish and Portuguese. English is
most often selected as a second language in Uruguay,
especially in the business sectors.
Three
quarters of the population of Uruguay are Roman
Catholics. The rest either do not identify with any
particular religion, or are Protestant or Jewish.
Although the Catholic Church has played an important
role in the evolution of the Uruguayan society and
culture, it has no official role in politics. There is
a distinct separation of church and state.
Uruguayans have the highest level of education of the
South American continent. Uruguay has a literacy rate
of 98%, which is one of the highest in the world.
Uruguay has an excellent education system.
Eighty
percent of Uruguay’s population is urban dwellers, with
almost half the country’s people living in the capital
of Montevideo, a modern city with high-rise apartments
and office buildings. Uruguay’s largest cities boast
many restaurants, cinemas, and shopping centers in
addition to museums. The rural population is mostly
involved with sheep and cattle ranching, including the
famous gaucho culture.
Uruguay is a relatively prosperous
nation with a life expectancy of 72 years. Well over
ninety percent of the population has excellent health
care and clean water. Because of the agricultural
aspect of Uruguay, beef and vegetables are very
affordable for its population.
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