Okay, no country is perfect, but Uruguay seems to come pretty close. Uruguay has the most progressive politics in the world, breathtaking landscapes, and a dedication to protecting the planet like no one else. Considering a different lifestyle? Here’s why you should consider Uruguay for your next move.
Safety and Security
Uruguay is the second safest country in Latin America. That doesn’t mean crime doesn’t happen, DV is a concern in Uruguay, as well as petty crime in the capital city. Statistically, Uruguay has more safer areas than not.
Listen, I was raised in Corona, NY. I know what safety looks like, especially as a female traveler who has gone to 10 countries alone. There will always be places that are safer than others and places to avoid, especially for tourists. There will be places in Montevideo to avoid, but that doesn’t mean Montevideo is unsafe. It’s a big city, it’s common and it’s best to learn situational awareness. Crime happens, it’s the amount, and frequency of crimes that should be a concern, like mass continuous shootings with no gun reform.
Pair that with the most stable democracy and you have a highly deserved safety ranking. (Sources: World Population Review, Global Peace Index, U.S. Dept. of State, Guruguay)
Highest Internet Access
Uruguay is the most connected country in Latin America, and 4th in the world, with 90% of residents having access to fiberoptic internet and the government investing heavily in its infrastructure to make sure that number reaches 100%. This aligns with their huge tech sector and the investments being done to ensure Uruguay is one of the top hubs in Latin America. (Sources: International Trade Administration, Uruguayan Government, Uruguay Communications Regulation Office)
Free Education and Laptops
Uruguay has a free and secular education system through university. It was also the first country to introduce the One Child, One Laptop program (known as the Ceibal project) which does exactly what you think. Every single child in the public school system is given a free laptop to assist with their studies. Making knowledge and access to the internet a right for every citizen. Bilingual education is also seen as valuable and has been rolling out to more schools. (Sources: World Bank, The Borgen Project, Ceibal)
Free and Accessible Healthcare
Before you say nothing is free, obviously. Uruguayan taxes go back into paying for free universal healthcare for all residents and citizens of Uruguay. This means no one will go into unnecessary debt for receiving necessary medical care. Something the U.S. knowns nothing about considering U.S. citizens owe over $220 billion in medical debt, or roughly 41% of households. (Source: U.S. Census, Health System Tracker, U.S. National Library of Medicine)
The biggest complaint, much like in the EU, is wait times to receive medical care. There is a private medical system that Uruguayans can pay into, that costs roughly $180 USD a month. While it is not cheap, it is a fraction of what Americans pay for their private, or even employer-backed healthcare plans. (Sources: Living in Uruguay, International Trade Administration, InternationalHealth.com)
98% of Energy is Renewable
Uruguay has taken sustainability to another level, in less than a decade they have been able to transition to 98% renewable energy sources generated from a mix of wind, solar, biomass, and hydropower. As a result, they cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 90% from 2023 to 2024, and energy prices are fixed for its citizens. They also switched to a carbon-neutral beef exportation model, making their highest export sustainable. (Sources: 360.org, NPR, Earth.org, International Monetary Fund, Dialogue Earth)
💡 Did you know, in Uruguay there are more cows than people? Roughly 3 cows to each of its 3.5 million residents!
Progressive Politics, Women’s and LGBTQ Rights
Uruguay has long been a leader in progressive policies, not just in Latin America, but in the world. They have also had the most stable democracy in Latin America since the political restructuring and return to democracy in the 1980s.
While same-sex marriage was only legalized in 2013, same-sex relationships were legal since the 1930s and same-sex couples have had the right to adopt since 2009. Uruguay is a leader in protecting gender identity. (Sources: iglta.org, World Bank, Equaldex)
Uruguay was one of the first countries in the world to grant women’s universal suffrage in 1917 and legalized the right to terminate in 2009. While gender inequalities and violence still disproportionately affect women in Uruguay, 88.9% of legal frameworks promote, enforce and monitor gender equality. (Sources: UN Women, Amnesty International)
Progress, not Perfection
Like I said, no country is perfect. Uruguay is the most expensive country in Latin America, import tariffs lead to a high cost of consumer and household goods, inequality exists and DV is a big concern. However, Uruguay has a dedication both to its citizens and natural world that is rarely seen in the Americas.
There are, of course, tax benefits to moving there as a foreigner as well. Pair that with incredible beaches, sunsets, food, and people, Uruguay is a prime location to raise a family or settle as an adult.
What do you think? Does Uruguay align with your idea of a dream destination?
Let me know in the comments, and follow along on instagram to see more of our adventures as a family abroad in Uruguay.
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