World Atlas: Uruguay

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 "Swiss of South America" for its political stability, relatively high level of economic development, and peaceful society. In terms of social reform, 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. Despite this, Uruguay maintained political stability and remained among the top countries in Latin America in terms of education and social development levels.