People & economy

Uruguay: Population, Economy & Travel Facts

The numbers behind a trip to Uruguay: who lives there, how the economy and prices compare, how many tourists visit, and what healthcare and internet access are like.

Population & Geography

Population
3,449,299
#132 of 197 countries
Area
176,215 km²
#93 of 248 countries
Density
19.6 / km²
#201 of 245 countries

Uruguay has a population of 3,449,299 spread across 176,215 km², giving it an average density of 19.6 people per km². With such low density, expect wide open spaces and a sense of remoteness outside major cities.

Demographics

Median Age
37.4
Life Expectancy
78.9 yrs
Literacy Rate
98.9%
Government
presidential republic
Ethnic Groups
Religions
GDP by Sector

Population Trends

How a country's age structure is shifting tells you a lot about what to expect on the ground. A growing elderly population often means better healthcare and higher costs, while a young population signals energy and growth but potentially less developed infrastructure.

Age Structure Over Time
Population Growth Rate (%)
Urban vs Rural (%)
Birth & Death Rates (per 1,000)

Economy & Cost of Living

Understanding the local economy helps travellers budget effectively and set expectations. Uruguay is classified as a high income country by the World Bank. Prices are roughly 67% of US levels, meaning costs are moderate and most travellers will find it reasonably affordable.

Income Level
High income
GDP per Capita
$23,019
Cost of Living
67% of US
Inflation
5.9%
Inequality
40.9
High
GDP per Capita (USD)
GDP Growth (%)
Inflation Rate (%)
Employment
GDP/Capita (PPP)
$32,000
Unemployment
8.5%

Tourism

Tourism data reveals how popular a destination is and how much infrastructure exists to support visitors. Tourism accounts for 7.7% of Uruguay's total exports, making it a significant contributor to the economy with solid visitor infrastructure.

Tourism Revenue
$1,085,000,000
Tourism % of Exports
7.7%
Outbound Tourists
2,199,000
Air Passengers
563,632
International Tourist Arrivals
Tourism Receipts (USD)
Air Passengers Carried
Tourism as % of Exports

Health & Safety Infrastructure

Healthcare quality matters when you're far from home. These indicators help gauge what level of medical care is available In Uruguay there are 4.67 doctors per 1,000 people, above the global average, indicating strong healthcare infrastructure.

Physicians
4.67/1k
Hospital Beds
2.44/1k
Health Spend
$2076/person
Infant Mortality
5.5/1k
Immunization
97%
Safe Drinking Water
99.6%
Basic Sanitation
99.2%
Health Expenditure per Capita (USD)
Hospital Beds per 1,000

Connectivity & Digital Infrastructure

Staying connected while travelling is essential for navigation, communication, and remote work. In Uruguay, 90% of the population uses the internet, so expect WiFi in most hotels, cafes and public spaces. There are 142 mobile subscriptions per 100 people, and local SIM cards are easy to find.

Internet Users
89.9%
Mobile Subs
142/100
Broadband
32.4/100
Internet Users (%)
Urbanization (%)

Source: World Bank Open Data