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FAX: [1] (202) 331-8142
consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York
consulate(s): San Juan (Puerto Rico)

Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Frank BAXTER
embassy: Lauro Muller 1776, Montevideo 11200
mailing address: APO AA 34035
telephone: [598] (2) 418-7777
FAX: [598] (2) 418-8611

Flag description:
nine equal horizontal stripes of white (top and bottom) alternating
with blue; there is a white square in the upper hoist-side corner
with a yellow sun bearing a human face known as the Sun of May with
16 rays that alternate between triangular and wavy

Economy Uruguay

Economy - overview:
Uruguay's well-to-do economy is characterized by an export-oriented
agricultural sector, a well-educated work force, and high levels of
social spending. After averaging growth of 5% annually during
1996-98, in 1999-2002 the economy suffered a major downturn,
stemming largely from the spillover effects of the economic problems
of its large neighbors, Argentina and Brazil. For instance, in
2001-02 Argentina made massive withdrawals of dollars deposited in
Uruguayan banks, which led to a plunge in the Uruguayan peso and a
massive rise in unemployment. Total GDP in these four years dropped
by nearly 20%, with 2002 the worst year due to the banking crisis.
The unemployment rate rose to nearly 20% in 2002, inflation surged,
and the burden of external debt doubled. Cooperation with the IMF
helped stem the damage. A debt swap with private-sector creditors in
2003 extended the maturity dates on nearly half of Uruguay's then
$11.3 billion of public debt and helped restore public confidence.
The economy grew about 12% in 2004 as a result of high commodity
prices for Uruguayan exports, a competitive peso, growth in the
region, and low international interest rates, and it continued to
grow nearly 7% annually in 2005 and 2006.

GDP (purchasing power parity):
$36.56 billion (2006 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):
$14.3 billion (2006 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:
7% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):
$10,700 (2006 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 9.3%
industry: 33.7%
services: 57% (2006 est.)

Labor force:
1.27 million (2006 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:
agriculture: 14%
industry: 16%
services: 70%

Unemployment rate:
10.5% (2006 est.)

Population below pover