Uruguay Population 2026: 3.5M People, Density & Key Facts
Uruguay is a country with vast stretches of largely empty land: 3.5M people across 176,215 km², giving a density of 20/km².
GDP per capita stands at $20,343: a figure above the global median. The capital, Montevideo, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About Uruguay's Population
With a population of 3.5M, Uruguay is home to a significant number of people within its 176,215 km² of territory. The population density of 20/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: a low density suggesting significant open space and rural areas across the country.
The capital city, Montevideo, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of Uruguay. Uruguay has a coastline of 660 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.
In economic terms, Uruguay has a total GDP of $71.2B, translating to $20,343 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Uruguayan Peso (UYU).
Uruguay gained independence in 1825 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is Spanish, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the South America region, Uruguay sits alongside Argentina (46.2M), Brazil (215.3M), Chile (19.5M). This regional context helps illustrate how Uruguay's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Uruguay's Population
What is the population of Uruguay in 2026?
The population of Uruguay is approximately 3.5M people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of Uruguay?
The capital city of Uruguay is Montevideo, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is Uruguay?
Uruguay has a population density of 20/km². This is a moderate population density.
What is the GDP per capita of Uruguay?
Uruguay has a GDP per capita of $20,343, with a total GDP of $71.2B. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in Uruguay?
The official language of Uruguay is Spanish.
How big is Uruguay?
Uruguay covers a total area of 176,215 km². With a population of 3.5M, that gives a density of 20/km².
When did Uruguay gain independence?
Uruguay gained independence in 1825.
What currency is used in Uruguay?
The official currency of Uruguay is the Uruguayan Peso (UYU).
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