Uruguay remained neutral during the Second World War yet it
couldn’t remain immune to the international economic depression that soon
followed. As prices for its much-admired wool fell drastically, the country was
itself plunged into financial hardship, leading to the rise of a socialist
guerrilla movement, the Tupamaros.
The complex consequences of the guerrilla movement (which
included the kidnapping of the then British Ambassador) resulted in a military
coup in 1973, and the new instated military dictatorship would see the country
face its darkest historic period yet. Uruguay suffered under this brutal rule
for just over a decade and, at one point, was voted the country with the highest
number of political prisoners per capita and dubbed ‘The Torture Chamber of
Latin America’.
Much as in Argentina and Chile, Uruguay also suffered the
loss of thousands of ‘disappeared’ citizens. Despite democracy being eventually
reinstated in the mid-1980s, it would take until the turn of the new millennium
before the country once again found its economic footing and political
stability. Today, the country is in the process of arresting and sentencing
leaders which were instrumental in the 1973 military coup and subsequent human
rights violations.
Uruguay today – Stronger than ever
With a strong collective social conscientiousness, ample
individual rights and policies which are inclusive and immensely tolerant,
Uruguay is indeed considered one of the world’s most ethical and
environmentally-friendly nations.
As the country continues to implement incredible
environmental policies it has reached impressive levels of sustainability:
today, almost 95% of Uruguay’s energy today comes from renewable sources. Socially,
the country is also to be admired. Same-sex marriage, legalized in 2013, is one
of the many ways the country upholds LBGTQ rights and the country in general is
very receptive to the public voice. Protests and strikes are not uncommon in
Uruguay and are usually driven by a perceived unfairness for minorities (women
or the less-affluent, for example) but, in this country, the protests actually
lead to lasting reforms.
A splendid country with ease-of-access from Buenos Aires,
charming colonial towns, glitzy seaside resorts and a countryside that’s
relaxing, unique and captivating, Uruguay really is one of Latin America’s
hidden secrets and offers a wealth of things to do. Visit our Uruguay Tours
page for inspiration and do contact us for more info on how to best add-on a
stint in Uruguay to your South American travel plans.
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