Uruguay

From the famed resorts along the Gold Coast to gauchos Uruguay has a lot to offer.

Guide selected travel books and music, including popular songs, tradtional drumming called condombe, music for bandoneon, and more.

Festivities by month, with links to related material and features.

The cuisine of South America stems from a variety of cultural backgrounds, available produce, foods and cooking styles. You'll find local favorites varying from country to country, even within regions, but you'll also find international favorites and the ubiquitous fast food places.

José Gervasio Artigas is revered as Uruguay's greatest national hero. Called the Primer Jefe de los Orientales and Primer estadista de la Revolución del Río de la Plata, (First Leader of the Orientales and first statesman of the Rio de la Plata Revolution,) Artigas was born in Montevideo on June 19, 1764.

The festival, sometimes lasting days, is a mix of Christian and pagan religions and is celebrated in Bolivia, Peru, Uruguay, Chile and Venezuela on February 2.

Facts, background, demographics, economy, people and more information about the country from the CIA World Factbook.

Addresses, telephone numbers and web sites for the embassy of Uruguay in Washington D.C. and the USA Embassy in Montevideo.