Uruguay: A Guide to the Countries of the World

Author: He Shuangrong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: Uruguay is a small country in South America, but a very unique one. From the late 19th century to the 1950s, it was hailed as the "Switzerland of South America" due to its political stability, relatively high level of economic development, and peaceful society. In terms of social reforms, Uruguay has several commendable achievements worldwide and in Latin American countries: it was the first country in the world to establish a minimum wage standard for agricultural workers, and the first in Latin America to grant women the right to vote and implement an 8-hour workday. However, after the mid-1950s, Uruguay's economic growth stagnated, political instability intensified, and a sustained recession occurred in 1973. Nevertheless, Uruguay maintained political stability and still ranked among the top Latin American countries in terms of education and social development levels.