Uruguay: flag, capital, currency and history

Uruguay, officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, is a country in South America, the Americas. Its capital is Montevideo. The currency is the Uruguayan peso. Languages spoken include Spanish.

Quick facts about Uruguay

Official name: Oriental Republic of Uruguay
Capital: Montevideo
Region: Americas, South America
Currency: Uruguayan peso (UYU, $)
Languages: Spanish
Calling code: +598
Internet domain: .uy
Area: 181,034 km² (69,898 sq mi)
Land borders: Argentina, Brazil
Demonym: Uruguayan
National day: Independence Day, August 25

Flag of Uruguay

Download the flag of Uruguay as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇺🇾.

SVG (vector)

History of Uruguay

The area was home to Charruas and other Indigenous groups before Europeans arrived in the 16th century. Spain founded Montevideo in the 1720s, while Portugal also contested the region. After the May Revolution of 1810 in Buenos Aires, José Artigas led resistance to Spanish rule. Portugal and later Brazil annexed the territory in the 1810s and 1820s. A rebellion began in 1825 and independence was declared that year, with British mediation leading to a recognised state in 1828. The first constitution was adopted in 1830. Uruguay is a presidential republic.

Key dates

1516Spanish navigator Juan Díaz de Solís reaches the Río de la Plata estuary.
1726Spanish authorities begin founding Montevideo as a fortified settlement.
1811José Artigas leads a revolt against Spanish rule in the Banda Oriental.
1825Independence from Brazil is declared following a rebellion by the Thirty-Three Orientals.
1828The Treaty of Montevideo establishes Uruguay as an independent state.
1830Uruguay's first constitution is adopted.

A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.