Capybara
The world's largest rodent, the capybara looks like a giant guinea pig and wades through Uruguay's wetlands in calm, social herds.
Flag of Uruguay
Field Report
Uruguay is a small, mostly flat country tucked between Brazil and Argentina on the southeastern coast of South America, right where the wide Río de la Plata meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is a land of open grasslands, cattle ranches, and beach towns where most people live in cities rather than the countryside. Most Uruguayans speak Spanish and share a culture that feels very tied to their food, their music, and the slow, social ritual of sharing mate tea with the people they love.
From the Field Notebook
Capybara
The world's largest rodent, the capybara looks like a giant guinea pig and wades through Uruguay's wetlands in calm, social herds.
Rhea
This tall, flightless bird sprints across Uruguay's grasslands at speeds that would leave most kids far behind.
Southern Right Whale
Every year these enormous whales travel to Uruguay's Atlantic coast to nurse their calves in the warmer shallow waters.
Asado
A slow-grilled beef feast cooked over wood or charcoal that Uruguayans gather around for hours with family and friends.
Chivito
Uruguay's beloved national sandwich stacks tender beef, ham, cheese, egg, and olives into one very satisfying handheld meal.
Mate
This bitter herbal drink is sipped through a metal straw from a small gourd and shared so constantly that Uruguayans carry their mate kit nearly everywhere they go.
Uruguay is the second-smallest country in South America, yet it has more cattle and sheep per person than almost any other nation on earth.
The capital city, Montevideo, sits on the northern shore of the Río de la Plata, one of the widest rivers in the world — so wide it looks like an ocean from the shore.
Uruguay was the first country in Latin America to legalize and regulate the entire cannabis market through the government, a decision that stirred significant debate around the world.
About 88 out of every 100 Uruguayans live in a city or town, making Uruguay one of the most urbanized countries on its continent.
Uruguay has no mountains — its highest point, Cerro Catedral, rises only about 514 meters, which is shorter than many hills in other countries.
Daily Life
78
Years life expectancy
99%
Can read and write
99%
Kids go to school
Missions Field Report
Uruguay is home to 24 distinct people groups — 2 of them haven’t yet heard about Jesus.
A majority of Uruguay's people follow Christianity (66.3%). Evangelical Christians make up about 7.3% of the population.
What People Believe
Unreached People Groups
These are communities of people who haven’t had the chance to hear about Jesus yet. They need missionaries — and they need kids like you to pray for them.
Jewish, Spanish-speaking
16,000 people
Deaf
7,000 people
Prayer Journal
Tick each one as you pray. God hears every word.