Montevideo

Montevideo is the capital and largest city of Uruguay, located on the southern coast at the Río de la Plata. It serves as the country’s political and administrative center and is a major economic and cultural hub. The city proper has about 1.3 million residents, with a metropolitan population around 2.3 to 2.5 million.

The city was founded in 1724 by Bruno Mauricio de Zabala on the eastern bank of the River Plate to establish a strategic fortress against encroaching powers. The name Montevideo is commonly linked to a hillside overlooking the bay, with etymologies referring to a hill or to the phrase “I see a mountain.” Montevideo became the capital of Uruguay after independence and remains the seat of government.

Geography and climate: Montevideo lies along the northern shore of the estuary, with a long waterfront promenade known as the Rambla. The climate is temperate, with mild winters and warm summers moderated by sea breezes. The metropolitan area includes diverse neighborhoods such as Ciudad Vieja, Pocitos, and Punta Carretas.

Economy and infrastructure: The Port of Montevideo is a major hub for cargo and passenger traffic in the region. The economy is dominated by services, commerce, and public administration, with finance, education, and tourism playing significant roles. The city is served by Carrasco International Airport and a network of regional roads.

Culture and landmarks: Montevideo hosts Teatro Solís, the National Congress, and the Cabildo. The Ciudad Vieja preserves historical architecture, and the Estadio Centenario is a landmark theater of sport, built for the 1930 FIFA World Cup. The city is known for its music and Carnival, with the candombe tradition along the Rambla as a notable cultural feature.