0890 URUGUAY - Map and flag of the country

Crammed between the huge Brazil and Argentina, the tiny but prosperous Uruguay is home to 3.3 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the metropolitan area of its capital and largest city, Montevideo, founded as a military stronghold by the Spanish in the early 18th century. The country won its independence between 1811 and 1828, following a four-way struggle between Spain, Portugal, Argentina and Brazil. It remained subjected to foreign influence throughout the 19th century, with the military playing a recurring role in politics until the late 20th century.

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