With an estimated population of 3,4 million, the Oriental Republic of Uruguay has an area of approximately 70,000 square miles. The country is situated between the Republic of Argentina and the Federative Republic of Brazil. Together with these two countries and the Republic of Paraguay, Uruguay has been a member of the Mercosur since its creation in 1991.

Politically, Uruguay is a Republic based on the democratic system of government with separation of powers (Legislative, Executive, and Judicial).

Its legal system is based on written law, and precedents are not binding. The Courts of the country are completely independent from any political power.

There is no legal or de facto discrimination between nationals and foreigners. All religions are respected, and an important part of the population professes the Catholic religion.

Its economically active population represents 51.6%, and the literacy level reaches 97%. Notwithstanding the existence of private education at all levels, the State provides free education, even at university level.

Spanish is the official language, but English, French, and Portuguese are usually learnt.

For more than thirty years, Uruguay has had an economic and foreign exchange freedom regime. Foreign exchange inflow and outflow are completely free. Bank secrecy is guaranteed by law.

In June 2000, a law including provisions about competition was enacted, forbidding concerted practices and agreements (antitrust).

The country has a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 20,000 million US dollars, and a per capita income of 6,000 US dollars. Inflation for the last twelve months, until December 2006, was 6.38%.