Uruguay

Jermyn, Leslie. Urugay. Part of the Cultures of the World series. 1998. 144p. ISBN 9780761444824. Available at 989.5 JER on the library shelves.

The country of Uruguay is fairly unique in South America. It is one of the youngest countries, only founded in the 1810s following a short war of independence from Argentina. And, due to its flat nature and lack of sustainable forests, it was not inhabited by a large number of Native residents prior to the Spanish conquest. As a result, the country is fairly homogeneous, but with a sizable population which descends from the slaves who were brought it.

Wedged between Brazil and Argentina, the country is blessed with a temperate climate, but lacks resources to make it an industrial power. The country's culture centers around the Gaucho, the South-American cowboy who roamed the land in the 1800s, moving cattle on the plains. Music is also important, with Argentinian, Brazilian, and African influences. Uruguay went through a period of military dictatorship, but has returned to democracy in the 1980s. 

Those interested in learning more about this South-American country will enjoy reading this book, and will find many facets of Uruguay's culture and society fascinating!