{"id":17259,"date":"2018-02-12T04:48:57","date_gmt":"2018-02-12T09:48:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/?page_id=17259"},"modified":"2020-03-19T09:26:42","modified_gmt":"2020-03-19T13:26:42","slug":"uruguay","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/uruguay\/","title":{"rendered":"Uruguay"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\t\t\t\tLive, Invest, Work, and Retire in Uruguay<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t
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\"Uruguay\"<\/p>\n

Uruguay is South America\u2019s second smallest country, after Suriname. It borders Brazil and Argentina, two very large and popular countries, and it can get lost in the excitement that surrounds it. However, it is a hidden slice of paradise for those looking for the perfect retirement haven. It is quiet and offers properties for those looking to live in a city, on a nicely-sized square of land, or on the beachfront.<\/span><\/p>\n

History<\/b><\/p>\n

Europeans discovered Uruguay in the 1500s, and until then it was widely populated by hunters-gatherer and fishing communities. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to claim ownership of Uruguay, but the Spanish and Portuguese fought over the area into the 1600s. The Spanish introduced cattle to the country in 1603 and began the agriculture tradition that still thrives today.<\/span><\/p>\n

Montevideo was founded by the Spanish in the early 1700s and was established as a military stronghold. Much of Uruguay\u2019s history from the 16<\/span>th<\/span> to the 19<\/span>th<\/span> centuries is made up of different European countries fighting for control. The British, Spanish, and Portuguese were involved in this great fight until Uruguay itself entered the struggle with a revolt led by their very own Jose Gervasio Artigas in 1811. After a great deal of continued fighting, a treaty was signed that granted Uruguay its independence.<\/span><\/p>\n

From the time of independence and into the 1980s, Uruguay saw civil war, political unrest, and rule under a military state. It wasn\u2019t until 1984 that it was able to return to democracy, which makes its stable economy and peaceful culture today all the more impressive. It has become a very progressive country, and former president Jose Pepe Mujica (2010 \u2013 2015) donates 90 percent of his income to charity, earning him the nickname, \u201cthe world\u2019s poorest president.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Culture<\/b><\/p>\n

With such a heavy European influence in its history, it\u2019s no wonder Uruguay\u2019s culture today is very European. About 90 percent of the population of the country has ties back to Italy and\/or Spain. Uruguay is a secular nation with no national religion, which makes it the least religious country in Latin America. The majority of the population, however, identifies with the Roman Catholic religion. <\/span><\/p>\n

Uruguay keeps freedom of religion sacred and therefore gives different names to some Christian holidays. For example, the Roman Catholic holiday of Mardi Gras\/Fat Tuesday and the tradition of Lent is all celebrated, with festivities that include costumes, parades, and outdoor theater, but the week is called Carnival. Christmas is called Family Day, and so on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Soccer is Uruguay\u2019s most popular sport, and this country is a world leader when it comes to winning titles in the sport. Basketball, rugby, and boxing are also very popular. Finally, the tango, which originated in Argentina, is a widely known dance for celebrations and fun.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Residency<\/b><\/p>\n

For those looking to live abroad in Uruguay, there are temporary and permanent residencies. Residents from most countries aren\u2019t likely to need tourist visas, and anyone with a permanent residency status can stay in the country indefinitely, work, and carry a passport and driver\u2019s license.<\/span><\/p>\n