Today we head to South America for the penultimate time on our journey around the World. Uruguay, or literally “river of painted birds” is a small country roughly similar in size to Cambodia. 

Uruguay is arguably one of the best places to live in Latin America. In fact Uruguay is sometimes referred to as the Switzerland of South America due to it’s high-income, good education system, stable democracy and low levels of corruption.

What’s more Uruguay is somewhat of a liberal beacon. Being gay was legalised in Uruguay back in 1934, same-sex adoption and marriage were both legalised by 2013. What’s more Uruguay is the most secular nation in Latin America with almost 42% of people identifying as having no religion. Uruguay has even legalised cannabis.

Luckily for anyone who gets the munchies Uruguay is cow crazy. Naturally, Uruguay’s largest export is beef. Come to think of it, one of the only times I’ve ever seen a Uruguan product, or even flag is probably in steak restaurants. Uruguayan’s eat the most beef per capita of any nation in the world. Unsurprisingly this has led to health problems, so in response the Uruguan government has enacted unorthodox measures such as banning table-top salt shakers and sauces in restaurants.

Don’t worry though, if you order chivito, Uruguay’s national dish, you won’t be needing any extra sauces or seasoning. Chivito is a sandwich containing steak, mozzarella, tomatoes, mayonnaise, bacon, eggs, and ham, and sometimes even a few extra vegetables. Extra sauce is definitely not required.

Here are some final Uruguan facts before I break for a steak and a Cerveza Patricia:

• Uruguay has many beautiful waterfalls inland such as the Yucumã Falls

• Uruguay has the longest national anthem in terms of how long it takes to sing. Singing it in full takes around 6 minutes!

• Uruguay is the only country in Latin America which is entirely outside of the tropics

• Uruguay has (possibly) the world’s only circular bridge crossing a lagoon - the Puente Laguna Garzón