Introduction
Throughout its existence, Uruguay has always been a country connected to activities relative to agriculture and livestock raising, and has maintained close commercial links with Europe and the countries of its own region. The country offers countless opportunities for investing in both the primary and the secondary sectors. Our purpose here is to inform potential investors as to the advantages that Uruguay offers, founded not only on the generous natural conditions of the place but also on a legal framework that includes incentives along with the regulations applicable to investments based on an open economic system. With its 176,215 sq. km., Uruguay is the smallest country in South America. Its sea jurisdiction was extended to 200 miles in 1969, totaling 125,057 km. of territorial sea.
The main characteristic of the country’s topography are its mild undulations varying from 100 to 500 meters in height. The hydrographic structure, including 1,127 km. of navigable water courses is well distributed. The climate is warm and mild throughout the year, with an average temperature of 17º C, and average rain precipitation of 1,200 mm per year. An outstanding feature is the availability of land suitable for agricultural and livestock-raising activities. While in the main agricultural countries the area suitable for this type of activity is between 50 and 60%, in Uruguay, 90% of its land can be used for farming and livestock exploitation. Only 10% of the country’s area is intended for other uses. The country offers over 6 productive hectares per inhabitant, a figure matched by Argentina and only surpassed by Australia.
