Espacio [Rafael MICHELINI]; Progressive Encounter/Broad
Front Coalition or Encuentro Progresista/Frente Amplio [Tabare VAZQUEZ]

Political pressure groups and leaders: NA

International organization participation: CCC, ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IADB,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICRM, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO,
Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES, LAIA, Mercosur, MINURSO, MONUC, NAM
(observer), OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UNAMSIL, UNCTAD, UNESCO,
UNIDO, UNIKOM, UNMEE, UNMOGIP, UNMOT, UNOMIG, UNTAET, UPU, WCL, WFTU,
WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador Hugo
FERNANDEZ-FAINGOLD consulate(s) general: Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami,
and New York FAX: [1] (202) 331-8142 telephone: [1] (202) 331-1313
through 1316 chancery: 1913 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20006

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador
Martin J. SILVERSTEIN embassy: Lauro Muller 1776, Montevideo 11200
mailing address: APO AA 34035 telephone: [598] (2) 418-7777 FAX: [598]
(2) 410-0022

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
and 16 rays alternately triangular and wavy

Economy Uruguay

Economy - overview: Uruguay's economy is characterized by an
export-oriented agricultural sector, a well-educated workforce,
and high levels of social spending. After averaging growth of 5%
annually in 1996-98, in 1999-2001 the economy suffered from lower
demand in Argentina and Brazil, which together account for nearly
half of Uruguay's exports. Despite the severity of the trade shocks,
Uruguay's financial indicators remained more stable than those of its
neighbors, a reflection of its solid reputation among investors and its
investment-grade sovereign bond rating - one of only two in South America.
Challenges for the government of President Jorge BATLLE include reducing
the budget deficit, expanding Uruguay's trade ties beyond its Mercosur
trade partners, and reducing the costs of public services. GDP fell by
1.3% in 2000 and by 1.5% in 2001.

GDP: purchasing power parity - $31 billion (2001 est.)

GDP - real growth rate: -1.5% (2001 est.)

GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $9,200 (2001 est.)

GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 6% industry: 29% services: 65%
(2001)

Population below po