Uruguay’s history helps explain why Uruguay is becoming a favorite retiree destination.
After it won its independence from Spain in 1828, Uruguay’s history is a potboiler of intrigue, shifting alliances, and foreign manipulations and interventions.
Even a short list of the major players is confusing: Portugal, Spain, England and France have all either laid claim to parts of modern Uruguay or have backed major political factions. Two general parties vied for dominance throughout most of the modern area and still wield wide influence… the Blancos (Whites) are generally the party of the conservative rural population, and the Colorados (Reds) are generally the party of urban centers and business. (Party names come from the color of arms bands that identify members of the parties.)
During this time, immigration from Europe boomed, mostly from Italy and Spain, giving Uruguay the basis for its current national identity as one of the most European of Latin American countries.
A mainly democratic government ruled over Uruguay’s economic boom in the early 20th Century and an economic crash in the 1960s. The crash, along with militant guerilla activity throughout the country, spawned a military dictatorship that lasted until 1984, when protests forced national elections. This ushered in an era of liberal and political and economic reforms and the inclusion of Uruguay in MURCOSUR, the Southern Cone Common Market trade organization.
Uruguay today is a stable, forward-looking participant in the South American community. Thanks to its combination of European character and low cost of living, its fast becoming a hot spot for expats looking for comfortable retirements or second homes.
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