World Happiness Report for Uruguay 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Uruguay: 26
- Happiness Score Uruguay:6.611
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Uruguay. UY.
Uruguay is a country located in South America. It is a democratic republic with a president as the head of state and government. Uruguay is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music and dance such as tango and candombe. The country has a well-developed agricultural sector and is a major exporter of beef and wool.
Three interesting facts about Uruguay:
- It was the first country in the world to fully legalize marijuana in 2013.
- Uruguay is one of the most secular countries in the Americas, with a strong emphasis on separation of church and state.
- The national anthem of Uruguay, “Orientales, la Patria o la Tumba,” is one of the longest in the world, with 105 bars of music.
Uruguay – Overview
Early History
The territory of modern-day Uruguay was inhabited by various indigenous peoples, including the Charrúa and Chaná, for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. The first European explorer to reach the region was Juan Díaz de Solís in 1516, who was killed by the Charrúa during his expedition.
Colonial Period
In the 17th century, the Spanish established settlements in the area, including Montevideo in 1724. The region, known as the Banda Oriental, was part of the Spanish Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata and became a battleground between the Spanish and Portuguese empires.
Independence and Modern Era
Uruguay gained independence from Spain in 1828 after the Uruguayan War of Independence (1825–1828). The country experienced a series of civil wars and political instability throughout the 19th century. In the 20th century, Uruguay experienced a period of economic prosperity and social reforms, earning it the nickname “Switzerland of America.”
Current Political Situation
Uruguay is a democratic constitutional republic with a presidential system. The current president is Luis Lacalle Pou, who took office in 2020. The country has a stable political environment and is considered one of the most democratic nations in Latin America.
International Relations
Uruguay has friendly relations with its neighbors and is a member of various international organizations, including the United Nations, Mercosur, and the Organization of American States. The country has no major international conflicts and is a strong supporter of regional integration and human rights.
Human Development and Economy
Uruguay has a high-income economy with a strong focus on services, particularly tourism and finance. Major industries include agriculture, food processing, and manufacturing. The country has high human development indicators, with a high life expectancy and low poverty rates.
Cultural Highlights
Uruguay has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from indigenous, Spanish, and African traditions. The country is known for its literary traditions, including writers like Mario Benedetti and Eduardo Galeano. Candombe, a dance and drumming tradition with African roots, is an iconic part of Uruguayan culture.
Key Challenges and Opportunities
Some of the key challenges facing Uruguay include economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and youth unemployment. Opportunities lie in renewable energy, technology, and sustainable tourism.
Travel Tips for Uruguay
When visiting Uruguay, the best times to travel are during the spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) when the weather is mild. Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Exercise caution in crowded areas and avoid carrying valuables. Must-see landmarks include the historic Montevideo, the beach resort town of Punta del Este, and the traditional ranches known as estancias. Try traditional dishes like asado (barbecued meat), chivito (steak sandwich), and mate (herbal tea).
Living in Uruguay
Uruguay offers a relatively affordable cost of living, with lower housing and healthcare costs compared to other developed nations. The housing market is diverse, with options ranging from apartments in urban areas to beachfront properties. Uruguay has a robust public healthcare system and high-quality private medical facilities. The education system is well-regarded, with free public education from primary through university levels. Uruguayans value work-life balance and enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly lifestyle.
Doing Business in Uruguay
Uruguay’s business culture is formal and professional, with a focus on building personal relationships. Punctuality is important, and meetings often start with small talk before getting down to business. Key industries include agriculture, tourism, and services. Uruguay has a stable economic environment and streamlined processes for starting a business. Building trust and maintaining personal connections are crucial for successful business negotiations.
Studying in Uruguay
Uruguay’s education system is highly regarded, with several excellent public and private universities. Top institutions include the University of the Republic and the Catholic University of Uruguay. Student life is vibrant, with opportunities for cultural exchange and outdoor activities. International students will need to obtain a student visa and may be required to provide proof of sufficient funds. Spanish language proficiency is recommended, although some programs offer courses in English.
Main facts
1. Location
Uruguay is a country located in the southeastern part of South America. It is situated between Argentina to the west and southwest and Brazil to the north and northeast. Uruguay’s coastline borders the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
2. Map References
Uruguay is located in the Southern Cone of South America.
3. Area – Comparative
Uruguay has an area of approximately 176,215 square kilometers (68,037 square miles), making it slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Washington.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Uruguay shares land borders with two countries: Brazil to the north and northeast (1,068 km or 663 miles) and Argentina to the west and southwest (1,056 km or 656 miles).
5. Coastline
Uruguay has a coastline of 660 kilometers (410 miles) along the Atlantic Ocean. Notable features include the Río de la Plata estuary and the Punta del Este beach resort.
6. Maritime Claims
Uruguay claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, a contiguous zone of 24 nautical miles, and an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles.
7. Climate
Uruguay has a warm temperate climate with a maritime influence from the Atlantic Ocean. The climate is generally mild, with hot summers and cool winters. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year.
8. Terrain
The terrain of Uruguay is predominantly rolling plains and low hill ranges, with fertile coastal lowlands. The highest point is the Cerro Catedral in the Cuchilla Grande mountain range, reaching an elevation of 514 meters (1,686 feet).
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in Uruguay is Cerro Catedral at 514 meters (1,686 feet), while the lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean at 0 meters (0 feet).
10. Natural Resources
Uruguay’s major natural resources include arable land, hydropower, minor minerals, and fish.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The most significant bodies of water in Uruguay include the Río de la Plata estuary (shared with Argentina), Río Uruguay (shared with Argentina and Brazil), Lago de la Republica, and Laguna Merín (shared with Brazil).
12. Natural Hazards
Uruguay is subject to seasonal floods and droughts, as well as occasional strong winds and coastal storms.
13. Geography – Notes
Uruguay is known for its extensive coastline and numerous beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, which contribute significantly to its tourism industry. The country also has a well-developed agricultural sector, with extensive cattle ranching and crop cultivation on its fertile plains.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 10.70%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 6,766. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 82.60%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: -32.522779-55.765835.
- Capital: The capital of Uruguay is Montevideo
- Major Cities:
- Montevideo – Population: 1,319,108
- Salto – Population: 104,028
- Ciudad de la Costa – Population: 95,176
- Paysandú – Population: 76,412
- Population: 3,461,734
- Area(Km2): 176215
- Population Density( P/Km²):20. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:598
- Official Language(s):Uruguay is Spanish (official) – 100%.
- Currency: UYU
Main Economic Indicators
Uruguay has a free market economy characterized by an export-oriented agricultural sector, a well-educated workforce, and high levels of social spending. The GDP of Uruguay was approximately $60 billion in 2022. Key economic challenges include reducing the public sector deficit, controlling inflation, and expanding trade within the region. Notable economic policies aim to liberalize the economy and promote foreign investment.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2022: 9.4% (Source: National Statistics Institute of Uruguay)
2021: 7.6% (Source: National Statistics Institute of Uruguay)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: BBB (Stable)
Moody’s: Baa2 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BBB (Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 6.5%
Industry: 22.2%
Services: 71.3%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Soybeans, Rice, Wheat, Barley, Beef, Dairy Products, Wool
Industrial Products: Food Products, Beverages, Textiles, Leather Products, Chemicals, Plastics, Cement, Pulp and Paper, Steel
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 1.8 million (2022 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 125th in the world
Current Account Balance
2022: -$1.4 billion (Source: Central Bank of Uruguay)
2021: $0.3 billion (Source: Central Bank of Uruguay)
Comparative Ranking: 150th in the world (2022 est.)
Exports and Imports
Exports (2022): $14.7 billion
Key Export Partners: China, Brazil, United States, Argentina
Main Exports: Beef, Soybeans, Cellulose, Dairy Products, Rice
Imports (2022): $13.2 billion
Key Import Partners: Brazil, China, Argentina, United States
Main Imports: Machinery, Vehicles, Chemical Products, Plastics, Fuels
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves (2022): $24.1 billion
Gold Reserves (2022): 6.5 tonnes
- GDP (Current US$):$56,045,912,952. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 20.10%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 41.80%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $1.50. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. $1.66. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 8.73%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Nationality (noun): Uruguayan(s)
Nationality (adjective): Uruguayan
2. Ethnic Groups
- White 88%
- Black 8%
- Indigenous 4%
- Other/Unspecified 4%
3. Religions
- Roman Catholic 47.1%
- Non-Catholic Christian 11.1%
- Non-Christian 0.6%
- Unaffiliated 41.2%
4. Age Structure
- 0-14 years: 19.88%
- 15-64 years: 63.83%
- 65 years and over: 16.29%
5. Dependency Ratios
Total Dependency Ratio: 56.7
Youth Dependency Ratio: 31.1
Elderly Dependency Ratio: 25.5
6. Median Age
Total: 35.9 years
Male: 34.3 years
Female: 37.6 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
- Obesity Rate: 27.9% of the adult population
- Alcohol Consumption: 10.8 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
- Tobacco Use: 22.2% of adults smoke tobacco
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 77.8. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 98.1%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:13.86. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:12. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.97. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 84.9%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 3,303,394. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):16.20%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
Uruguay’s military and security forces consist of:
- Uruguayan National Army: The largest branch, responsible for land operations and territorial defense.
- Uruguayan National Navy: Responsible for maritime security, naval operations, and coastal defense.
- Uruguayan Air Force: Handles air defense, transportation, and reconnaissance missions.
- National Maritime Prefecture: A coast guard service responsible for maritime law enforcement and search and rescue operations.
The National Police is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining internal security and public order.
Military Expenditures
Uruguay’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 1.6%
- 2021: 1.7%
- 2020: 1.8%
- 2019: 1.7%
- 2018: 1.6%
Uruguay ranks among the lower spenders on military expenditures globally.
Personnel Strengths
The total active-duty military personnel in Uruguay is approximately 25,000, with the following breakdown:
- Army: 16,000
- Navy: 4,500
- Air Force: 3,500
The National Police has a strength of around 25,000 officers.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Uruguay’s military equipment inventory includes:
- Land Forces: Main battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery, and light utility vehicles.
- Naval Forces: Patrol vessels, coastal defense ships, and maritime patrol aircraft.
- Air Force: Fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, and utility helicopters.
Recent acquisitions include new armored vehicles and transport aircraft. Uruguay is also exploring potential upgrades to its naval and air defense capabilities.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Uruguay has a voluntary military service system. The age range for voluntary enlistment is 18-30 years old. There is no mandatory military service obligation.
Military Deployments
Uruguay contributes troops to various United Nations peacekeeping missions, including:
- MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of Congo
- MINUSCA in the Central African Republic
- MINURSO in Western Sahara
Additionally, Uruguayan naval forces participate in counter-narcotics operations and maritime security initiatives in the South Atlantic region.
Strategic Military Notes
Uruguay’s defense strategy focuses on maintaining territorial integrity, contributing to regional security, and participating in international peacekeeping efforts. The country maintains strong military cooperation with neighboring countries and is an active member of regional security organizations like the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).
Uruguay’s military plays a crucial role in support of the national police, contributing to disaster response, border security, and counternarcotics operations. The country is also a strong advocate for non-proliferation and disarmament initiatives.
- Armed Forces Size: 25000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 05.05
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 64.00%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.