Uruguay is a relatively small, sparsely-populated country in the Southeast of South America. The official language is Spanish. It’s a diverse country, but no indigenous languages are thought to remain. About one-quarter of the population is of Italian descent. Uruguay’s terrain includes plains, hills, rivers, and coastal lowlands. Overall, the climate is temperate and mild. Native animal species include crab eating racoons, pygmy sperm whales, and greater naked-tailed armadillos. Mainstays of the economy include agriculture, transportation, and telecommunications.

Check out the Museo del Gaucho y de la Moneda in Montevideo to look at the native cowboys’ gear, as well as items related to currency and the economy. Punta del Diablo has a volunteer center for marine turtles near their foraging area, and it contains educational exhibits along with other work that helps the turtles. They can give you tips on when and where to spot them.

Pasta, corn, and rice are common starchy staples. Typical vegetables include tomatoes, carrots, and peppers. Steak, ham, and fish are popular meats. Italian influence is abundant in Uruguayan cuisineÔÇöthere are ñoquis or gnocchi, canelones or cannelloni, and essentially the same cornmeal polenta in both cultures. Try pascualina, a puff pastry filled with swiss chard and eggs. You may be able to turn up some real health food like organic raw or macrobiotic cuisine, or shop for natural foods. Hot drinks are popular and frequently consumed, including the smoky herbal infusion mate, which is basically the national drink, or the traditional honey-flavored spirit grappamiel that is drunk in the mornings. Uruguayans know how to kick-start their days!