Records & Remarkable Achievements
Uruguay: Records You Probably Didn’t Know About
Let’s be honest: most of us know very little about this distant country. Uruguay doesn’t try to stand out or be the loudest or the biggest. But if you take a closer look, you’ll find that this small nation regularly sets records — sometimes serious, sometimes quirky, and sometimes completely unexpected.
This article was prepared by experts at Uruguay Smart Estate.
A Country of Trust, Stability, and a Thriving Middle Class
A Country of Trust, Stability, and a Thriving Middle Class
Uruguay consistently ranks among the least corrupt countries in Latin America and often delivers results comparable to those of developed nations. In this region, that makes it a welcome exception rather than the norm.
For nearly four decades, the country has avoided coups, dictatorships, and abrupt political breaks. Stable democracy here is not a catchy slogan but an everyday reality, deeply embedded in both institutions and public culture.
The result is one of the largest and most resilient middle classes in Latin America, representing more than 60% of the population. This is reflected in the look of its cities, the level of education, social mobility, and the overall sense of predictability and calm in daily life.
For nearly four decades, the country has avoided coups, dictatorships, and abrupt political breaks. Stable democracy here is not a catchy slogan but an everyday reality, deeply embedded in both institutions and public culture.
The result is one of the largest and most resilient middle classes in Latin America, representing more than 60% of the population. This is reflected in the look of its cities, the level of education, social mobility, and the overall sense of predictability and calm in daily life.
Palacio Legislativo and Independence Square, Montevideo
Green Energy and High-Speed Internet
Green Energy and High-Speed Internet
Uruguay is a rare example of a country where technology works exceptionally well. More than 95% of its electricity is generated from renewable sources—wind, water, solar, and biomass. Uruguay shut down its nuclear power plant and has been steadily and pragmatically developing alternative energy ever since.
At the same time, Uruguay has become one of the few countries in the world with near-universal fiber-optic internet coverage. High-speed access is available not only in the capital but also in small towns and rural areas—largely thanks to a strong state-backed telecommunications infrastructure.
Transportation is part of the story as well. Buquebus ferries between Montevideo and Buenos Aires are officially the fastest in the world, according to Guinness World Records, and have long been part of everyday regional life. Plans are now being discussed to invest in next-generation electric high-speed vessels—a logical extension of the country’s push toward clean and efficient mobility.
Somewhere in orbit, a small Uruguayan satellite circles the Earth with the hilariously self-aware name Milanesat (a nod to the beloved local schnitzel, the milanesa). Clearly, Uruguay has a healthy sense of humor about itself.
In the end, technology here isn’t about showing off. It simply—and quietly—makes life more convenient and more sustainable.
At the same time, Uruguay has become one of the few countries in the world with near-universal fiber-optic internet coverage. High-speed access is available not only in the capital but also in small towns and rural areas—largely thanks to a strong state-backed telecommunications infrastructure.
Transportation is part of the story as well. Buquebus ferries between Montevideo and Buenos Aires are officially the fastest in the world, according to Guinness World Records, and have long been part of everyday regional life. Plans are now being discussed to invest in next-generation electric high-speed vessels—a logical extension of the country’s push toward clean and efficient mobility.
Somewhere in orbit, a small Uruguayan satellite circles the Earth with the hilariously self-aware name Milanesat (a nod to the beloved local schnitzel, the milanesa). Clearly, Uruguay has a healthy sense of humor about itself.
In the end, technology here isn’t about showing off. It simply—and quietly—makes life more convenient and more sustainable.
Left: ANTEL headquarters. Right: the Buquebus high-speed ferry. Photo source: company website.
A Small Country with Big Passions
A Small Country with Big Passions
Uruguay became the world’s first football World Cup champion in 1930 and remains one of the most decorated national teams in the history of the sport. For a country of just around 3.5 million people, this achievement is almost disproportionate in scale.
Here, football is not a show—it’s part of everyday life. The number of clubs, stadiums, and registered players per capita is among the highest in the world.
In 1950, when Uruguay claimed its second World Cup title by defeating Brazil at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, the match set a unique attendance record: 199,854 spectators—one of the highest figures ever recorded for a football game.
Beyond sports, Uruguay offers its own distinctive forms of entertainment. The Uruguayan carnival lasts more than 40 days—the longest in the world—and blends music, theater, satire, and street performances without turning into a purely tourist-driven spectacle.
Here, football is not a show—it’s part of everyday life. The number of clubs, stadiums, and registered players per capita is among the highest in the world.
In 1950, when Uruguay claimed its second World Cup title by defeating Brazil at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, the match set a unique attendance record: 199,854 spectators—one of the highest figures ever recorded for a football game.
Beyond sports, Uruguay offers its own distinctive forms of entertainment. The Uruguayan carnival lasts more than 40 days—the longest in the world—and blends music, theater, satire, and street performances without turning into a purely tourist-driven spectacle.
More Remarkable Facts
More Remarkable Facts
A Country Where Cows Outnumber People
With a population of just 3.5 million, Uruguay has several times more cattle than residents. It’s no surprise that asado here is not just food, but a social ritual.
World Leader in Mate Consumption
Uruguay ranks first in the world for mate consumption per capita. A thermos and a calabaza are almost part of the national outfit.
An Unexpected Record
In 2024, Montevideo set a Guinness World Record when 928 people took an ice bath simultaneously. The event took place on April 13 and was organized by local enthusiasts with the support of sponsors. Before entering the pools, participants spent 20 minutes on breathing exercises and meditation, followed by 3 minutes in ice-cold water.
Let us know if we missed something important.
With a population of just 3.5 million, Uruguay has several times more cattle than residents. It’s no surprise that asado here is not just food, but a social ritual.
World Leader in Mate Consumption
Uruguay ranks first in the world for mate consumption per capita. A thermos and a calabaza are almost part of the national outfit.
An Unexpected Record
In 2024, Montevideo set a Guinness World Record when 928 people took an ice bath simultaneously. The event took place on April 13 and was organized by local enthusiasts with the support of sponsors. Before entering the pools, participants spent 20 minutes on breathing exercises and meditation, followed by 3 minutes in ice-cold water.
Let us know if we missed something important.