Uraguay: Ssssh. South America's Best Kept Secret

Bordering Argentina in the west, Brazil in the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, the tiny country of Uruguay is one of South America's best kept secrets. It is the most democratic nation on the continent and one that is rich in natural resources, relatively pollution and crime free, multi-cultural and polylingual, with anaffluent economy and thriving industries, and is open to tourism and immigration year-round. The only annoying thing about the mountainless nation might be that people there are just too darn polite and friendly! In fact it is a national custom among citizens and visitors alike to exchange a friendly kiss on either cheek upon greeting or when parting company.

Uruguay contains one of South America's most intriguing capitals, is clustered with many charming, laid-back colonial towns, and has an assortment of internationally renowned beach resorts with Punta del Este along the Atlantic coast the most beautiful of these. Tourist and resident visas can be obtained year-round without much difficulty and at consular offices located in most developed nations around the world. Citizens though from neighboring countries and from Western Europe, Israel, Japan and the United States do not require a visa, but might need a tourist card which is valid for 90 days and extendible for a similar period.

Travel throughout the second-smallest country in South America is uncomplicated and an enjoyable experience. There are numerous cattle ranches, rice mills, wineries and farm lands to be seen along the interior highway system. And Uruguay is very accessible to both regular travelers and disabled people as the nation has an interconnecting rail system, over 20 commercial airports and all kinds of public transportation.

The capital, Montevideo (pop 1,400,000), is host to an endless array of fine hotels, motels, theaters, museums, nightclubs and entertainment spots, and offers modern, up-to-date shopping and recreational facilities. Budget hotel rooms can be obtained for as low as $5.00 US per day, to $20 and upward for top-end accommodations. The country has thousands of moderately priced restaurants, and full-course meals can be purchased for as low as $8.00 to $15.00, and $15.00 and up for more exotic, expensive dining. Travelers can get by on $15 a day; but those seeking a little more comfort and excitement can expect to spend around $30 a day.

Uruguay's major industries are in wool, hides, beef, sugar, fishing, textiles, footwear, tires, cement and tourism. With a population of approximately 3.2 million, the country's main language is Spanish although most nationals also speak English and either French, Italian, German or Portuguese as well. The peso is the national currency, Roman Catholicism is the main religion and like Europe, Uruguay uses the metric system, provides widespread Internet accessibility, and considers soccer its national sport.

Most tourist and travel facilities and major Uruguayan businesses accept credit cards and international banking services, and utilize online and modern communication sources. In addition, top-notch real estate and investment firms cheerfully provide up-to-date listings for those wishing to expatriate to the seldom mentioned but highly respectable Hispanic nation.

With its many splendid beaches, yearly carnivals, fine dining and entertainment activities, mild climate, and courteous atmosphere of well-educated, happy citizenry and modern approach towards tourism and trade, Uruguay is one of the nicest and safest places on the planet to visit and live. And you don't have to worry about accessibility, freedom, language and customs, or income and expenses when seeking the ideal vacation spot or moving lock, stock and barrel to this little dream-filled, friendly nation located near the bottom of the world!