FACTS

Location: Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between Argentina and Brazil

Area (only Total) total: 176,220 sq km

Climate: warm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknown

Terrain: mostly rolling plains and low hills; fertile coastal lowland

Population: 3,477,778 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Spanish

Government type: constitutional republic

Capital (Name): Montevideo

Capital (Time Difference): UTC-3

Independence: 25 August 1825 (from Brazil)

National holiday: Independence Day, 25 August (1825)

HOLIDAYS

January 1 New Year's Day

January 6 Epiphany

February 5 Carnival

March 21 - 24 Good Friday to Easter Monday

April 19 Landing Day of the 33 Orientales

May 1 Labour Day

May 18 Battle of Las Piedras

June 19 Birthday of Artigas (National Hero)

July 18 Constitution Day

August 25 Independence Day

October 12 Columbus Day

November 2 All Soul's Day

December 25 Family Day/ Christmas Day

Weekend - Saturday, Sunday