Uruguay  

Uruguay’s economy experienced an unemployment rate of 9% and an inflation rate of 8% in 2007, ranking the country 72nd and 74th according to these variables. These high inflation rates could be partially responsible for low domestic savings rates, equivalent to only 14% of GDP. In the credit sector, Uruguay boasts a default rate of 1.1%, although contrasted by a net interest margin of 6.2 percentage points, ranking the country 78th, according to this measure. Household expenditure ranks 62nd, globally, at 23% of GDP and the economy is highly dependent upon raw materials in its export sector, with a concentration level of 30%. Additionally, foreign direct investment is low, at just 4% of GDP, and the level of physical capital stock per worker ranks only 63rd, internationally. Furthermore, revenue from exports in comparison to the cost of imports is extremely poor, ranking the country amongst the 10 lowest in the world at 95th.

Entrepreneurs are required to undertake 10 formal procedures to form a new business in Uruguay. The country’s service sector is relatively competitive, with the value added accounting for 58% of GDP. Uruguay’s performance in technological sectors is weak as high-tech products form only 3% of manufactured exports and the ICT sector provides just 0.1% of total exports, placing Uruguay in the bottom quartile, worldwide, according to this variable. In terms of internet connectivity and security, Uruguay’s performance is moderate, with 31 secure servers per one million capita and a level of bandwidth that places the country within the top 60. The number of personal computers is also fairly low, at 13.6 per 100 capita, ranking the country 47th, globally. Expenditure on R&D ranks 52nd, equivalent to 0.5% of GDP, and income from royalties ranks only 72nd by international comparison. There were no figures available for the number of new businesses registered.

Citizens of Uruguay enjoy the political and civil rights of a fully functioning democracy. The executive is significantly constrained by the presence of checks and balances preventing arbitrary decision making and the elections of the executive are highly regulated and competitive. Uruguay has a multi-party legislature with the largest party obtaining less than 75% of the seats. The judiciary is not, however, independent of the executive branch, and with less than 25 years since the last regime change, the political system in Uruguay is relatively young, ranking the country 43rd, internationally, for political stability.

Primary school enrolment rates are 100% in Uruguay, with a ratio of 20 students to every teacher. Levels of secondary school enrolment are also high, ranking the country 18th worldwide, while enrolment in tertiary education ranks Uruguay 39th according to this variable, with 46% of the eligible population registered. While 4.9 years of secondary education per worker ranks Uruguay 69th, globally, tertiary education ranks 53rd, with 4.1 years per worker. Ranking the country 61st, internationally, the average level of educational expenditure per student is comparatively low, at roughly $1,000 at primary and secondary level.

Uruguay has a high level of doctors and nurses, at nearly four per 1,000 capita, ranking the country ninth, worldwide. However, the provision of hospital beds ranks much lower at 51st, with 24 per 10,000 capita. Health-adjusted life expectancy is high at 66 years and the level of undernourishment is very low at 3% of the population. The infant mortality rate ranks the country 43rd, but is still low at 12 deaths per 1,000 births. Uruguayans have full access to adequate sanitation, and 91% of the public are satisfied with the water quality, ranking the country 11th globally.* Roughly one quarter of the population report health problems and the same number report experiencing pain on the previous day.* A high 84% of respondents describe themselves to be in good health, and a high 72% are well rested, ranking the country solidly in the top 35, internationally.*

Uruguay experiences very few security challenges relating to refugees and displaced persons and only a minor problem with group or community conflicts. Human flight is a significant problem, however, and there is a minor danger of state-endorsed political violence and oppression. There were no casualties from civil or ethnic conflicts in 2008, and, at just over five per 100,000 capita, the homicide rate is relatively low, ranking the country 53rd in the world. In Uruguay, theft and assault rates are quite high as more than a fifth of citizens reported theft while almost one in 10 claimed to be assaulted or mugged in 2008, ranking Uruguay amongst the bottom 30 countries.* It is not surprising that only 48% of the population report feeling safe walking alone at night, suggesting a significant fear of crime.*

In Uruguay the rule of law is enforced universally. Similarly, government effectiveness in managing bureaucracy and implementing policy is very high, achieving a global ranking of 35. The quality of regulation with respect to investment and competition in business is also in line with global standards, ranking the country 53rd according to this variable. The ability of individuals to participate in fair and free political process is high. Accordingly, 82% of the population believes that elections are honest and fair, ranking the country 10th in the world for this measure.* While 62% of the public believe businesses to be corrupt, a comparatively low figure by international standards, only a minority 47% believe the same to be true for the local government, achieving a ranking of 12th in the world.* However, public confidence in the military and the judicial system is particularly low, with slightly more than half of the population indicating confidence in both institutions.*

Uruguayan citizens have extensive rights to freedom of expression, religion, and movement. A high 80% of the population are satisfied with the level of choice, ranking the country 37th, globally.* Attitudes towards immigrants and ethnic minorities are also extremely positive, with approximately 86% believing the country to be a good destination for ethnic minorities and immigrants, ranking Uruguay 11th and ninth, accordingly.*

A high proportion of citizens place importance on friendship, and 89% believe they can rely upon family and friends.* Public trust in others is slightly lower at 22%, ranking the country 44th, internationally.* Membership of clubs and organisations is relatively high, with an overall ranking of 27th, internationally.* Only a very small share of the Uruguayan population donates or volunteers time to charitable organisations: 17% donate money, while 14% of people volunteer their time.* However, a slightly higher percentage claims to help strangers, ranking Uruguay 65th according to this variable.*

* Data taken from the Gallup World Poll

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