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Photo: Elemaki · CC BY 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale
Uruguay
Uruguay places highest on Participatory Democracy Index (top 1% worldwide) and lowest on Crop Production Index (bottom 7%).
Uruguay in the Nations Inquiry Country Index
At a glance
Population
3,388,081
people
since 1950
Land area
175,016
km²
since 1961
GDP per person
32,742
international $, PPP
since 1990
Life expectancy
78.14
years at birth
since 1950
Human development
0.862
HDI, 0–1
since 1990
Unemployment
7.516
% of the labour force
since 1991
The newest published figure for each, the year it describes and who published it, with a line showing how it has moved.
01The country
About Uruguay
Key facts about Uruguay
- Capital
- Montevideo
- Currency
- Uruguayan peso (UYU)
- ISO code
- URY · UY
- Domain · dialling
- .uy · +598
As Wikidata records them. Official languages are the least consistent — some countries list only a national language, others every regional one. Sources and licences.
02Country Index 2026
Where it stands, topic by topic
Strongest first. Each position is Uruguay’s place among the countries with a standing on that topic, built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things.
11thof 193
From 3 of 3 key statistics
14thof 177
From 4 of 4 key statistics
26thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
28thof 198
From 3 of 3 key statistics
31stof 194
From 4 of 4 key statistics
45thof 196
From 3 of 3 key statistics
56thof 200
From 4 of 4 key statistics
51stof 176
From 4 of 4 key statistics
joint56thof 183
From 4 of 4 key statistics
55thof 175
From 4 of 4 key statistics
63rdof 192
From 3 of 3 key statistics
62ndof 182
From 4 of 4 key statistics
53rdof 147
From 2 of 3 key statistics
joint72ndof 171
From 3 of 4 key statistics
71stof 159
From 2 of 2 key statistics
85thof 181
From 2 of 3 key statistics
Each standing is built from a few key statistics chosen to measure different things. Select a subject for Uruguay’s readings on it, or see every statistic held for Uruguay in the table further down this page.
03Highs and lows
Where Uruguay stands out
The two ends of its own record: every statistic on which Uruguay sits within ten places of the best or worst in the world, plus its strongest and weakest readings overall. Each is turned into a percentile — its place among every country measured — which is what lets a hunger score and a press-freedom rank be compared at all.
Where Uruguay does best12
In the top third of all countries measured. 12 are within ten places of the best in the world, in a field of at least 50 countries — marked with that place.
- 1stDeaths in Organized Violencetop 35%
Position · derived 59th of 59 · 1 = worst · 0 · 2025
world median 0
- 1st
Position · derived 1st of 86 · 100 · 2019
world median 98.8 (better) · ▲ 26 pts since 2009
- 1st
Position · derived 104th of 104 · 1 = worst · 2.5 · 2023
world median 5.2 (better) · ▼ 3 pts since 2013
- 2nd
Position · derived 2nd of 176 · 0.716 · 2025
world median 0.298 (better)
- 3rd
Position · derived 169th of 171 · 1 = worst · -3.126 · 2025
world median -0.661 (better) · ▲ 3 pts since 2015
- 4th
Position · derived 4th of 156 · 0.804 · 2023
world median 0.678 (better) · ▲ 39 pts since 2013
- 6th
Position · derived 6th of 150 · 21.26 · 2024
world median 0.725 (better) · ▲ 5 pts since 2014
- 9th
Position · derived 9th of 190 · 98.88 · 2024
world median 35.66 (better) · ▲ 5 pts since 2014
- 9th
Position · derived 9th of 190 · 98.88 · 2024
world median 31.14 (better) · ▲ 4 pts since 2014
- 10th
Position · derived 10th of 176 · 0.784 · 2025
world median 0.339 (better)
- 10th
Position · derived 49th of 58 · 1 = worst · 0.17 · 2023
world median 0.93 (better) · ▲ 12 pts since 2013
- 10th
Position · derived 10th of 176 · 0.862 · 2025
world median 0.497 (better)
Where Uruguay struggles most5
In the bottom third of all countries measured.
- Crop Production Indexbottom 7%
Position · derived 182nd of 195 · 79.71 · 2022
world median 106.23 (worse) · ▼ 70 pts since 2012
- Agriculture Orientation Indexbottom 13%
Position · derived 113th of 132 · 0.11 · 2024
world median 0.305 (worse) · ▼ 8 pts since 2014
- Youth Unemployment Ratebottom 15%
Position · derived 28th of 182 · 1 = worst · 25.15 · 2025
world median 12.83 (worse) · ▼ 13 pts since 2015
- Upper Secondary Attainmentbottom 17%
Position · derived 79th of 95 · 34 · 2023
world median 65.76 (worse) · ▲ 2 pts since 2013
- Palma Ratiobottom 20%
Position · derived 13th of 60 · 1 = worst · 1.943 · 2023
world median 1.332 (worse) · ▼ 4 pts since 2013
A band is a place among the countries each publisher scores, so Uruguay can move because other countries moved. See the Country Index for the full method.
04Over time
Which way it is moving
The published rank in widely quoted reports, edition by edition — each end with the size of that year’s field — and the statistics, not already named above, on which it has gained or lost the most ground.
Human Development Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
46th
of 141 · 1990
48th
of 193 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Corruption Perceptions Index
Transparency International
20th
of 173 · 2012
17th
of 181 · 2025
Ranked in 14 of 14 editions
Gender Inequality Index
UNDP Human Development Report Office
39th
of 79 · 1990
56th
of 172 · 2023
Ranked in 34 of 34 editions
Global Innovation Index
World Intellectual Property Organization
64th
of 132 · 2022
68th
of 139 · 2025
Ranked in 4 of 4 editions
Economic Complexity Index
Growth Lab at Harvard University
52nd
of 140 · 1995
74th
of 145 · 2024
Ranked in 30 of 30 editions
Government AI Readiness Index
Oxford Insights
42nd
of 172 · 2020
55th
of 195 · 2025
Ranked in 6 of 6 editions
Gaining ground
Where Uruguay has climbed against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- PISA Reading Performance+30 pts since 2012
- PISA Science Performance+29 pts since 2012
Losing ground
Where Uruguay has slipped against the rest of the world, in percentile points.
- Food Production Index-49 pts since 2012
- Military Dimension Index-27 pts since 2015
05In context
Uruguay and its neighbours
A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place in the world ranking of 178, not within the region.
Shares a land border with
Placed either side in the Country Index 2026
06The evidence
Every statistic we hold for Uruguay
Grouped by topic. Each row gives the newest edition’s rank or position, the published value and the year the numbers describe — select a row for the world median, the best in the world and the trend.
Governance & Institutions28
Agriculture Orientation Index113th of 132position · derived0.11Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)2024
bottom 13% of 132 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agriculture orientation index (1.0 = spending matches sector size)
Uruguay 0.11 · world median 0.305 (worse)
Best in the world 5.38 (Singapore)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2014
Central Bank Independence Indexbottom 35%0.522CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)2023
bottom 35% of 191 countries measured
Ana Carolina Garriga, University of Essex · CBI index (0–1, where 1 is the most statutory independence)
Uruguay 0.522 · world median 0.608
Highest 0.974 (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Civic Space Ratings30th of 198position · derived84.46Civic space score (0–100)2025
top 15% of 198 countries measured
CIVICUS · Civic space score (0–100)
Uruguay 84.46 · world median 50.46 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
Climate Readiness (ND-GAIN)52nd of 192rank0.488ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)2024
top 27% of 192 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Readiness (0–1, where 1 is the most ready)
Uruguay 0.488 · world median 0.387 (better)
Best in the world 0.749 (Singapore)
No real change since 2014
Completeness of Birth Registrationtop 34%99.8Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)2025
top 34% of 185 countries measured
UNICEF · Children under 5 whose birth is registered (%)
Uruguay 99.8 · world median 98.4 (better)
Best in the world 100 (53 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Control of Corruption17th of 211position · derived1.556Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 8% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Control of Corruption (−2.5 to 2.5)
Uruguay 1.556 · world median -0.197 (better)
Best in the world 2.259 (Denmark)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Corruption Perceptions Index17th of 181rank73CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)2025
top 9% of 182 countries measured · 182 share 181 positions
Transparency International · CPI score (0–100, where 100 is very clean)
Uruguay 73 · world median 39 (better)
Best in the world 89 (Denmark)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
General Government Consumption57th of 132position · derived17.6General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)2025
top 43% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · General government final consumption expenditure (% of GDP)
Uruguay 17.6 · world median 16.21
Highest 38.94 (Ukraine)
▲ +26 percentile points since 2015
Government AI Readiness Index55th of 195rank58.47AI readiness score (0–100)2025
top 28% of 195 countries measured
Oxford Insights · AI readiness score (0–100)
Uruguay 58.47 · world median 40.19 (better)
Best in the world 88.36 (United States)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2020
Government Effectiveness49th of 209position · derived0.863Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)2025
top 23% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Governance estimate (−2.5 weak to 2.5 strong)
Uruguay 0.863 · world median 0.101 (better)
Best in the world 2.092 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Government Funding per Primary Student53rd of 68position · derived12.82Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)2022
bottom 22% of 68 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government funding per primary student (% of GDP per capita)
Uruguay 12.82 · world median 17.81 (worse)
Best in the world 34.57 (South Korea)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Government Spending on Education36th of 123position · derived4.765Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)2023
top 29% of 123 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)
Uruguay 4.765 · world median 3.709 (better)
Best in the world 16.39 (Kiribati)
▲ +23 percentile points since 2013
GovTech Maturity Index23rd of 196position · derived0.908GTMI score (0–1)2025
top 11% of 196 countries measured
World Bank Group · GTMI score (0–1)
Uruguay 0.908 · world median 0.63 (better)
Best in the world 0.997 (South Korea)
No real change since 2022
Judicial Constraints on the Executive Index15th of 175position · derived0.951Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)2025
top 8% of 176 countries measured · 176 share 175 positions
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Judicial constraints on the executive index (0–1)
Uruguay 0.951 · world median 0.676 (better)
Best in the world 0.988 (Australia)
No real change since 2015
Liberal Democracy Index13th of 176position · derived0.79Liberal democracy index (0–1)2025
top 7% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Liberal democracy index (0–1)
Uruguay 0.79 · world median 0.353 (better)
Best in the world 0.884 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Open Data Inventory99th of 168rank54ODIN overall score (0–100)2024
bottom 40% of 168 countries measured
Open Data Watch · ODIN overall score (0–100)
Uruguay 54 · world median 59 (worse)
Best in the world 90 (2 countries tied)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2015
Political Corruption Index157th of 176position · derived · 1 = worst0.055Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)2025
top 11% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Political corruption index (0–1; higher = more corrupt)
Uruguay 0.055 · world median 0.518 (better)
Best in the world 0.004 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Public Sector Employment62nd of 135position · derived16.99Public sector employment (% of total employment)2022
top 46% of 135 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector employment (% of total employment)
Uruguay 16.99 · world median 15.01
Highest 47.1 (Maldives)
No earlier reading to compare
Public Sector Wage Bill139th of 168position · derived4.519Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)2022
bottom 17% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · Public sector wage bill (% of GDP)
Uruguay 4.519 · world median 7.975
Highest 42.65 (Nauru)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2012
Regulatory Quality57th of 209position · derived0.552Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 27% of 209 countries measured
World Bank Group · Regulatory Quality (−2.5 to 2.5)
Uruguay 0.552 · world median -0.093 (better)
Best in the world 2.113 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Rule of Law43rd of 211position · derived0.939Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 20% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Rule of Law estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Uruguay 0.939 · world median -0.102 (better)
Best in the world 2.012 (Finland)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2015
Statistical Performance Indicators65th of 188position · derived80.15SPI overall score (0–100)2024
top 34% of 188 countries measured
World Bank Group · SPI overall score (0–100)
Uruguay 80.15 · world median 69.3 (better)
Best in the world 94.14 (Norway)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2016
Trade Union Density23rd of 139position · derived30.1Employees who are trade union members (%)2020
top 16% of 139 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employees who are trade union members (%)
Uruguay 30.1 · world median 16.68 (better)
Best in the world 91.42 (Iceland)
No earlier reading to compare
V-Dem Electoral Democracy Index10th of 176position · derived0.862Electoral democracy index (0–1)2025
top 5% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Electoral democracy index (0–1)
Uruguay 0.862 · world median 0.497 (better)
Best in the world 0.913 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Voice and Accountability23rd of 206position · derived1.214Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 11% of 206 countries measured
World Bank Group · Voice and Accountability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Uruguay 1.214 · world median -0.022 (better)
Best in the world 1.825 (Norway)
No real change since 2015
Women, Business and the Law52nd of 190position · derived88.75WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)2024
top 28% of 190 countries measured
World Bank Group · WBL Index (0–100, where 100 is full legal parity)
Uruguay 88.75 · world median 81.25 (better)
Best in the world 100 (14 countries tied)
No real change since 2014
Economy & Innovation34
Account Ownership at a Financial Institution68th of 139position · derived73.75Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 49% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults with an account (% of population aged 15+)
Uruguay 73.75 · world median 72.83 (better)
Best in the world 99.85 (Iceland)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2014
Adjusted Net Savings35th of 118position · derived13.91Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)2021
top 29% of 118 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adjusted net savings, including particulate emission damage (% of GNI)
Uruguay 13.91 · world median 8.389 (better)
Best in the world 32.18 (Bangladesh)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2011
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Value Added (% of GDP)82nd of 158position · derived6.38Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 48% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Agriculture, forestry and fishing value added (% of GDP)
Uruguay 6.38 · world median 6.572
Highest 47.59 (Niger)
No real change since 2015
Container Port Traffic65th of 103position · derived1,115,000Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)2024
bottom 37% of 103 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Container port traffic (TEU, twenty-foot equivalent units)
Uruguay 1,115,000 · world median 1,827,788
Highest 299,703,800 (China)
▼ -22 percentile points since 2014
Crop Production Index182nd of 195position · derived79.71Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 7% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Crop production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Uruguay 79.71 · world median 106.23 (worse)
Best in the world 189.93 (Senegal)
▼ -70 percentile points since 2012
Digitally-Deliverable Services Exports26th of 170position · derived55.23Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)2024
top 15% of 170 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · Digitally-deliverable services exports (% of services exports)
Uruguay 55.23 · world median 25.42 (better)
Best in the world 87.15 (Ireland)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
Economic Complexity Index74th of 145rank0.122ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)2024
bottom 49% of 145 countries measured
Growth Lab at Harvard University · ECI score (standardised, roughly −3 to +3)
Uruguay 0.122 · world median 0.131 (worse)
Best in the world 1.729 (Japan)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Exports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)92nd of 138position · derived27.07Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
bottom 34% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Uruguay 27.07 · world median 36.34
Highest 199.76 (Hong Kong)
▲ +7 percentile points since 2015
Firms with a Bank Loan or Line of Credit15th of 179position · derived64.13Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)2025
top 8% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a bank loan or line of credit (%)
Uruguay 64.13 · world median 35.95 (better)
Best in the world 88.52 (Israel)
No earlier reading to compare
Food Production Index154th of 195position · derived97.82Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
bottom 21% of 195 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Food production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Uruguay 97.82 · world median 106.08 (worse)
Best in the world 177.49 (Senegal)
▼ -49 percentile points since 2012
Foreign Direct Investment Inflowsbottom 23%0.818FDI inflows (% of GDP)2025
bottom 23% of 202 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · FDI inflows (% of GDP)
Uruguay 0.818 · world median 1.968
Highest 2,221 (British Virgin Islands)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2015
GDP Growth140th of 186position · derived1.785GDP growth (annual %)2025
bottom 25% of 186 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP growth (annual %)
Uruguay 1.785 · world median 3.396 (worse)
Best in the world 19.34 (Guyana)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2015
GDP per Capita (PPP)57th of 185position · derived32,742GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
top 30% of 185 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Uruguay 32,742 · world median 17,265 (better)
Best in the world 139,593 (Singapore)
No real change since 2015
Gini Index13th of 60position · derived · 1 = worst40.87Gini index (0 = perfect equality, 100 = perfect inequality)2023
bottom 20% of 60 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gini index (0 = perfect equality, 100 = perfect inequality)
Uruguay 40.87 · world median 33.72 (worse)
Best in the world 23 (India)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Global Innovation Index68th of 139rank28.84GII score (0–100)2025
top 49% of 139 countries measured
World Intellectual Property Organization · GII score (0–100)
Uruguay 28.84 · world median 28.52 (better)
Best in the world 65.96 (Switzerland)
No real change since 2022
GNI per Capita (PPP)26th of 102position · derived29,795GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)2025
top 25% of 102 countries measured
World Bank Group · GNI per capita (constant 2021 international $, PPP)
Uruguay 29,795 · world median 14,273 (better)
Best in the world 116,633 (Singapore)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2015
Gross Capital Formation (% of GDP)112th of 131position · derived16.18Gross capital formation (% of GDP)2025
bottom 15% of 131 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross capital formation (% of GDP)
Uruguay 16.18 · world median 22.93
Highest 45.27 (Algeria)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2015
Gross Savings (% of GDP)115th of 146position · derived15.06Gross savings (% of GDP)2024
bottom 21% of 146 countries measured
World Bank Group · Gross savings (% of GDP)
Uruguay 15.06 · world median 22.06
Highest 47.82 (Macau)
No real change since 2014
ICT Services Exports20th of 118position · derived19.49ICT services exports (% of services exports)2024
top 16% of 118 countries measured
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · ICT services exports (% of services exports)
Uruguay 19.49 · world median 7.474 (better)
Best in the world 56.25 (Ireland)
▲ +27 percentile points since 2014
Imports of Goods and Services (% of GDP)116th of 138position · derived22.65Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)2025
bottom 16% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Imports of goods and services (% of GDP)
Uruguay 22.65 · world median 41.72
Highest 196.89 (Hong Kong)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Industry Value Added including Construction (% of GDP)130th of 158position · derived16.89Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 18% of 158 countries measured
World Bank Group · Industry, including construction, value added (% of GDP)
Uruguay 16.89 · world median 24.65
Highest 75.09 (Guyana)
▼ -41 percentile points since 2015
Liner Shipping Connectivity Index55th of 175rank96.38LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)2026
top 33% of 167 countries measured · 167 share 175 positions
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) · LSCI (index, average Q1 2023 = 100)
Uruguay 96.38 · world median 56.21 (better)
Best in the world 1,319 (China)
No real change since 2016
Livestock Production Index86th of 194position · derived109.58Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)2022
top 44% of 194 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock production index (2014–2016 = 100)
Uruguay 109.58 · world median 107.06 (better)
Best in the world 190.08 (Malawi)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2012
Logistics Performance Index61st of 139rank3LPI score (1–5)2023
top 45% of 139 countries measured
World Bank Group · LPI score (1–5)
Uruguay 3 · world median 2.9 (better)
Best in the world 4.3 (Singapore)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2014
Manufacturing Value Added (% of GDP)78th of 132position · derived9.957Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)2025
bottom 41% of 132 countries measured
World Bank Group · Manufacturing value added (% of GDP)
Uruguay 9.957 · world median 11.26
Highest 43.97 (Puerto Rico)
▼ -25 percentile points since 2015
Palma Ratio13th of 60position · derived · 1 = worst1.943Palma ratio (income share of the richest 10% ÷ share of the poorest 40%)2023
bottom 20% of 60 countries measured
World Bank Group · Palma ratio (income share of the richest 10% ÷ share of the poorest 40%)
Uruguay 1.943 · world median 1.332 (worse)
Best in the world 0.771 (Slovakia)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Research and Development Spending46th of 84position · derived0.702Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)2023
bottom 46% of 84 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Gross domestic expenditure on R&D (% of GDP)
Uruguay 0.702 · world median 0.814 (worse)
Best in the world 6.346 (Israel)
▲ +20 percentile points since 2013
Researchers per Million Inhabitants63rd of 145position · derived937.57Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)2024
top 43% of 145 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent)
Uruguay 937.57 · world median 701.95 (better)
Best in the world 18,130 (Liechtenstein)
No earlier reading to compare
Tariff Rate, Applied, Weighted Mean, All Productstop 42%4.85Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)2022
top 42% of 143 countries measured
World Bank Group · Applied tariff rate, trade-weighted mean (%)
Uruguay 4.85 · world median 3.66
Highest 29.52 (Bermuda)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2012
Total Natural Resources Rents (% of GDP)93rd of 180position · derived1.928Natural resources rents (% of GDP)2021
top 47% of 197 countries measured · 197 share 180 positions
World Bank Group · Natural resources rents (% of GDP)
Uruguay 1.928 · world median 1.708
Highest 61.03 (Libya)
▲ +13 percentile points since 2011
Trade (% of GDP)106th of 138position · derived49.72Exports plus imports (% of GDP)2025
bottom 23% of 138 countries measured
World Bank Group · Exports plus imports (% of GDP)
Uruguay 49.72 · world median 79.68
Highest 396.65 (Hong Kong)
▲ +9 percentile points since 2015
World Energy Trilemma Index21st of 99rank75.9Trilemma score (0–100)2023
top 21% of 126 countries measured · 126 share 99 positions
World Energy Council · Trilemma score (0–100)
Uruguay 75.9 · world median 63.8 (better)
Best in the world 83.2 (Denmark)
No earlier reading to compare
Work & Labour19
Average Weekly Hours Worked147th of 182position · derived33.68Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person2025
bottom 19% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Average weekly hours actually worked per employed person
Uruguay 33.68 · world median 38.89
Highest 54.7 (Bhutan)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Employment in Agriculture115th of 182position · derived8.071Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)2025
bottom 37% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in agriculture (% of total employment)
Uruguay 8.071 · world median 14.38
Highest 85.34 (Burundi)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Industry95th of 182position · derived18.78Employment in industry (% of total employment)2025
bottom 48% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in industry (% of total employment)
Uruguay 18.78 · world median 18.88
Highest 39.44 (Oman)
No real change since 2015
Employment in Services44th of 182position · derived73.15Employment in services (% of total employment)2025
top 24% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employment in services (% of total employment)
Uruguay 73.15 · world median 59.51
Highest 92.17 (Djibouti)
No real change since 2015
Employment-to-Population Ratio70th of 182position · derived60.1Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)2025
top 38% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed share of the population aged 15+ (%)
Uruguay 60.1 · world median 57.72 (better)
Best in the world 86.9 (Qatar)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Female Labour Force Participation Rate64th of 182position · derived57.26Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 35% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Uruguay 57.26 · world median 53.36 (better)
Best in the world 82.91 (Madagascar)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Female Share of Senior and Middle Management53rd of 86position · derived33.76Women in senior and middle management (% of managers)2024
bottom 39% of 86 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Women in senior and middle management (% of managers)
Uruguay 33.76 · world median 35.86 (worse)
Best in the world 56.69 (Nauru)
▼ -14 percentile points since 2014
Firms with a Female Top Manager90th of 179position · derived19.16Firms with a female top manager (%)2025
top 50% of 179 countries measured
World Bank Group · Firms with a female top manager (%)
Uruguay 19.16 · world median 19.16
Best in the world 62.9 (Kiribati)
No earlier reading to compare
GDP per Person Employed59th of 168position · derived66,348GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)2025
top 35% of 168 countries measured
World Bank Group · GDP per person employed (constant 2021 international $)
Uruguay 66,348 · world median 47,384 (better)
Best in the world 262,554 (Luxembourg)
No real change since 2015
Informal Employment Rate54th of 97position · derived · 1 = worst32.51Informal employment (% of total employment)2025
top 45% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Informal employment (% of total employment)
Uruguay 32.51 · world median 36.83 (better)
Best in the world 0.857 (Hungary)
No earlier reading to compare
Labour Force Participation Rate59th of 182position · derived64.99Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)2025
top 32% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Population aged 15+ in the labour force (%)
Uruguay 64.99 · world median 61.66 (better)
Best in the world 87.01 (Qatar)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Labour Productivity per Hour Worked57th of 182position · derived38Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)2025
top 31% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Output per hour worked (constant 2021 international $ at PPP)
Uruguay 38 · world median 22.16 (better)
Best in the world 164.65 (Ireland)
No real change since 2015
Self-Employment Rate103rd of 182position · derived27.97Self-employed (% of total employment)2025
bottom 44% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Self-employed (% of total employment)
Uruguay 27.97 · world median 31.84
Highest 91.56 (Chad)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Unemployment Rate54th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst7.516Unemployment (% of labour force)2025
bottom 29% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment (% of labour force)
Uruguay 7.516 · world median 5.084 (worse)
Best in the world 0.13 (Qatar)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2015
Vulnerable Employment102nd of 182position · derived · 1 = worst24.37Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)2025
top 44% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Vulnerable employment (% of total employment)
Uruguay 24.37 · world median 28.67 (better)
Best in the world 0.456 (Qatar)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Working Poverty Ratetop 15%0.1Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)2025
top 15% of 113 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Employed people living in extreme poverty (%)
Uruguay 0.1 · world median 4.885 (better)
Best in the world 0.007 (Bhutan)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2015
Youth Not in Education, Employment or Training52nd of 97position · derived · 1 = worst14.03Youth not in education, employment or training (%)2024
top 47% of 97 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Youth not in education, employment or training (%)
Uruguay 14.03 · world median 14.31 (better)
Best in the world 3.975 (Iceland)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
Youth Unemployment Rate28th of 182position · derived · 1 = worst25.15Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)2025
bottom 15% of 182 countries measured
International Labour Organization (ILO) · Unemployment, ages 15-24 (% of youth labour force)
Uruguay 25.15 · world median 12.83 (worse)
Best in the world 0.457 (Niger)
▼ -13 percentile points since 2015
Education & Knowledge16
Academic Freedom Index15th of 176position · derived0.91Academic freedom index (0–1)2025
top 8% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Academic freedom index (0–1)
Uruguay 0.91 · world median 0.619 (better)
Best in the world 0.978 (Czechia)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2015
Adult Literacy Rate32nd of 172position · derived98.91Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)2024
top 18% of 172 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%)
Uruguay 98.91 · world median 93.99 (better)
Best in the world 100 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Expected Years of Schooling21st of 195position · derived17.48Expected years of schooling2023
top 10% of 195 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Expected years of schooling
Uruguay 17.48 · world median 13.34 (better)
Best in the world 21.69 (Monaco)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2013
Female Share of Researcherstop 14%51.04Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)2024
top 14% of 153 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity)
Uruguay 51.04 · world median 38.17
Highest 76.54 (Myanmar)
No earlier reading to compare
Harmonized Test Scores64th of 172position · derived437.7Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)2020
top 37% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment)
Uruguay 437.7 · world median 414.32 (better)
Best in the world 575.27 (Singapore)
▲ +14 percentile points since 2010
Learning Poverty55th of 125position · derived · 1 = worst43.6210-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)2023
bottom 44% of 125 countries measured
World Bank Group and UNESCO Institute for Statistics · 10-year-olds who cannot read and understand a simple text (%)
Uruguay 43.62 · world median 34.02 (worse)
Best in the world 2.331 (Ireland)
No earlier reading to compare
Learning-Adjusted Years of School71st of 172position · derived8.551Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)2020
top 41% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14)
Uruguay 8.551 · world median 7.941 (better)
Best in the world 12.81 (Singapore)
▲ +10 percentile points since 2010
Mean Years of Schooling82nd of 193position · derived10.54Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)2023
top 42% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+)
Uruguay 10.54 · world median 9.933 (better)
Best in the world 14.3 (Germany)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2013
Outbound Mobility Ratio, Tertiarybottom 27%2.759Outbound mobility ratio, tertiary (% of tertiary enrolment at home)2023
bottom 27% of 117 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Outbound mobility ratio, tertiary (% of tertiary enrolment at home)
Uruguay 2.759 · world median 5.279
Highest 1,724 (Cook Islands)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
PISA Mathematics Performance52nd of 79position · derived408.71Mean mathematics score2022
bottom 35% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean mathematics score
Uruguay 408.71 · world median 442.09 (worse)
Best in the world 574.66 (Singapore)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2012
PISA Reading Performance43rd of 79position · derived430.36Mean reading score2022
bottom 46% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean reading score
Uruguay 430.36 · world median 440.35 (worse)
Best in the world 542.55 (Singapore)
▲ +30 percentile points since 2012
PISA Science Performance44th of 79position · derived435.38Mean science score2022
bottom 45% of 79 countries measured
OECD · Mean science score
Uruguay 435.38 · world median 446.93 (worse)
Best in the world 561.43 (Singapore)
▲ +29 percentile points since 2012
Primary Completion Rate82nd of 165position · derived97.93Primary completion rate (%)2025
top 49% of 165 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Primary completion rate (%)
Uruguay 97.93 · world median 97.43 (better)
Best in the world 100 (5 countries tied)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2015
Upper Secondary Attainment79th of 95position · derived34Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)2023
bottom 17% of 95 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Adults 25+ who completed upper secondary or higher (%)
Uruguay 34 · world median 65.76 (worse)
Best in the world 97.89 (Belarus)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2013
Upper Secondary Completion Rate104th of 164position · derived42.64Upper secondary completion rate (%)2025
bottom 37% of 164 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · Upper secondary completion rate (%)
Uruguay 42.64 · world median 64.87 (worse)
Best in the world 99.27 (South Korea)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2015
Youth Literacy Ratetop 37%99.0215–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)2024
top 37% of 174 countries measured
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%)
Uruguay 99.02 · world median 98.22 (better)
Best in the world 100 (6 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Health & Wellbeing16
Births Attended by Skilled Health Staff1st of 86position · derived100Births attended by skilled health staff (%)2019
top 6% of 86 countries measured
UNICEF · Births attended by skilled health staff (%)
Uruguay 100 · world median 98.8 (better)
Best in the world 100 (11 countries tied)
▲ +26 percentile points since 2009
Dietary Energy Supply52nd of 155position · derived3,281Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)2024
top 33% of 155 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Dietary energy supply (kcal per person per day)
Uruguay 3,281 · world median 2,982 (better)
Best in the world 3,962 (United States)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Exclusive Breastfeeding Under Six Months41st of 136position · derived51.34Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)2024
top 30% of 136 countries measured
UNICEF · Infants under 6 months exclusively breastfed (%)
Uruguay 51.34 · world median 40.74 (better)
Best in the world 83.3 (Burundi)
No earlier reading to compare
Gender Inequality Index56th of 172rank0.218GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)2023
top 32% of 172 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · GII (0 = full equality, 1 = maximum inequality)
Uruguay 0.218 · world median 0.351 (better)
Best in the world 0.003 (Denmark)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2013
Global Violent Deaths57th of 206position · derived · 1 = worst10.89Violent deaths per 100,000 people2021
bottom 27% of 209 countries measured · 209 share 206 positions
Small Arms Survey · Violent deaths per 100,000 people
Uruguay 10.89 · world median 4.02 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (4 countries tied)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2011
Human Capital Index70th of 172position · derived0.599HCI score (0–1)2020
top 40% of 172 countries measured
World Bank Group · HCI score (0–1)
Uruguay 0.599 · world median 0.564 (better)
Best in the world 0.879 (Singapore)
▲ +11 percentile points since 2010
Human Development Index48th of 193rank0.862HDI score (0–1)2023
top 25% of 193 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · HDI score (0–1)
Uruguay 0.862 · world median 0.762 (better)
Best in the world 0.972 (Iceland)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Infant Mortality Rate142nd of 200position · derived · 1 = worst6.166Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 29% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age one (per 1,000 live births)
Uruguay 6.166 · world median 12.26 (better)
Best in the world 1.214 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
Life Expectancy at Age 6554th of 222position · derived18.94Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates2023
top 24% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Further years a 65-year-old would live at current death rates
Uruguay 18.94 · world median 16.39 (better)
Best in the world 23.21 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Life Expectancy at Birth65th of 222position · derived78.14Years a newborn would live at current death rates2023
top 29% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Years a newborn would live at current death rates
Uruguay 78.14 · world median 74.63 (better)
Best in the world 86.37 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Maternal Mortality Ratio134th of 195position · derived · 1 = worst15.31Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births2023
top 31% of 195 countries measured
UN Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-Agency Group (MMEIG) · Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
Uruguay 15.31 · world median 46.65 (better)
Best in the world 0.11 (Cook Islands)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Pesticide Use per Hectare38th of 178position · derived7.45Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)2024
top 21% of 181 countries measured · 181 share 178 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Pesticide use (kg per hectare of cropland)
Uruguay 7.45 · world median 1.73
Highest 37.72 (Antigua and Barbuda)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Prevalence of Severe Food Insecurity86th of 127position · derived · 1 = worst2.7Population in severe food insecurity (%)2023
top 34% of 133 countries measured · 133 share 127 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population in severe food insecurity (%)
Uruguay 2.7 · world median 4.7 (better)
Best in the world 0 (7 countries tied)
No real change since 2018
Prevalence of Undernourishment104th of 104position · derived · 1 = worst2.5Population undernourished (%)2023
top 19% of 165 countries measured · 165 share 104 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Population undernourished (%)
Uruguay 2.5 · world median 5.2 (better)
Best in the world 2.5 (62 countries tied)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Stunting Prevalence in Children Under Five123rd of 162position · derived · 1 = worst6.93Children under 5 who are stunted (%)2024
top 24% of 162 countries measured
UNICEF, WHO and World Bank Group (Joint Malnutrition Estimates) · Children under 5 who are stunted (%)
Uruguay 6.93 · world median 13.8 (better)
Best in the world 0.518 (Latvia)
No earlier reading to compare
Under-Five Mortality Rate142nd of 200position · derived · 1 = worst7.447Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)2024
top 29% of 200 countries measured
UN Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) · Deaths before age five (per 1,000 live births)
Uruguay 7.447 · world median 14.54 (better)
Best in the world 1.26 (San Marino)
No real change since 2014
Development & Human Capital11
Access to Electricitytop 28%100Population with electricity access (%)2024
top 28% of 215 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population with electricity access (%)
Uruguay 100 · world median 100
Best in the world 100 (122 countries tied)
▲ +19 percentile points since 2014
Cereal Yield49th of 179position · derived4,594Cereal yield (kg per hectare)2023
top 27% of 179 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Cereal yield (kg per hectare)
Uruguay 4,594 · world median 3,072 (better)
Best in the world 29,147 (Oman)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2013
Child Marriage52nd of 143position · derived · 1 = worst24.6Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)2025
bottom 35% of 145 countries measured · 145 share 143 positions
UNICEF · Women 20–24 married before 18 (%)
Uruguay 24.6 · world median 17.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Coefficient of Human Inequality109th of 169position · derived · 1 = worst12.86Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)2023
top 36% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Coefficient of Human Inequality (%)
Uruguay 12.86 · world median 17.05 (better)
Best in the world 4.865 (Slovenia)
No real change since 2013
Gender Development Index60th of 184position · derived1.017Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)2023
top 32% of 184 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · Gender Development Index (1.000 = parity)
Uruguay 1.017 · world median 0.971 (better)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
▼ -2 percentile points since 2013
Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index53rd of 169position · derived0.747IHDI (0–1)2023
top 31% of 169 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · IHDI (0–1)
Uruguay 0.747 · world median 0.609 (better)
Best in the world 0.923 (Iceland)
No real change since 2013
Planetary pressures-adjusted HDI4th of 156position · derived0.804PHDI (0–1)2023
top 2% of 156 countries measured
UNDP Human Development Report Office · PHDI (0–1)
Uruguay 0.804 · world median 0.678 (better)
Best in the world 0.827 (United Kingdom)
▲ +39 percentile points since 2013
Poverty Gap at $3.00 a Day48th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst0.06Poverty gap at $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%)2023
top 19% of 60 countries measured · 60 share 59 positions
World Bank Group · Poverty gap at $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%)
Uruguay 0.06 · world median 0.345 (better)
Best in the world 0 (2 countries tied)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2013
Poverty Headcount Ratio at $3.00 a Day49th of 58position · derived · 1 = worst0.17Population below $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%)2023
top 19% of 60 countries measured · 60 share 58 positions
World Bank Group · Population below $3.00 a day, 2021 PPP (%)
Uruguay 0.17 · world median 0.93 (better)
Best in the world 0 (3 countries tied)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2013
Poverty Headcount Ratio at $8.30 a Day31st of 59position · derived · 1 = worst6.59Population below $8.30 a day, 2021 PPP (%)2023
top 49% of 60 countries measured · 60 share 59 positions
World Bank Group · Population below $8.30 a day, 2021 PPP (%)
Uruguay 6.59 · world median 7.82 (better)
Best in the world 0.07 (2 countries tied)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2013
Prosperity Gap33rd of 60position · derived · 1 = worst1.462Average factor incomes must rise by to reach $28 a day2023
top 46% of 60 countries measured
World Bank Group · Average factor incomes must rise by to reach $28 a day
Uruguay 1.462 · world median 1.754 (better)
Best in the world 0.406 (Luxembourg)
▼ -15 percentile points since 2013
Environment & Sustainability22
Agricultural Emissions52nd of 193position · derived29,324Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)2023
top 26% of 198 countries measured · 198 share 193 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Farm-gate emissions (kt CO₂eq)
Uruguay 29,324 · world median 8,635
Highest 1,044,508 (India)
No real change since 2013
Agricultural Irrigated Land78th of 121position · derived1.571Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)2023
bottom 36% of 121 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Irrigated share of agricultural land (%)
Uruguay 1.571 · world median 3.66
Highest 89.04 (Bangladesh)
No earlier reading to compare
Agricultural Land4th of 209position · derived81.35Agricultural land (% of land area)2023
top 1% of 209 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Agricultural land (% of land area)
Uruguay 81.35 · world median 37.96
Highest 86.48 (Côte d’Ivoire)
No real change since 2013
Arable Land per Person12th of 206position · derived0.649Arable land (hectares per person)2023
top 5% of 206 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Arable land (hectares per person)
Uruguay 0.649 · world median 0.109
Highest 1.459 (Kazakhstan)
No real change since 2013
Carbon Intensity of Electricity176th of 193position · derived · 1 = worst68.81Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)2024
top 9% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Carbon intensity (gCO₂e per kWh generated)
Uruguay 68.81 · world median 468.81 (better)
Best in the world 23.49 (Ethiopia)
No real change since 2014
Climate Vulnerability (ND-GAIN)56th of 190rank0.394ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)2024
top 30% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Vulnerability (0–1, where 1 is the most vulnerable)
Uruguay 0.394 · world median 0.45 (better)
Best in the world 0.263 (Norway)
No real change since 2014
CO₂ Emissions per Capita122nd of 210position · derived · 1 = worst2.354Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)2024
top 42% of 210 countries measured
Global Carbon Project · Fossil CO₂ (tonnes per person)
Uruguay 2.354 · world median 3.21 (better)
Best in the world 0.054 (DR Congo)
No real change since 2014
Energy Intensity of GDP (PPP)top 33%2.165Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)2024
top 33% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per dollar of GDP (thousand Btu per US$ at PPP)
Uruguay 2.165 · world median 2.738 (better)
Best in the world 0.666 (Chad)
▼ -6 percentile points since 2014
Fertilizer Consumption per Hectare48th of 188position · derived174.38Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)2023
top 25% of 191 countries measured · 191 share 188 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Fertilizer consumption (kg per hectare of arable land)
Uruguay 174.38 · world median 87.36
Highest 2,926 (Malaysia)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2013
Forest Area152nd of 210position · derived11.96Forest area (% of land area)2023
bottom 29% of 213 countries measured · 213 share 210 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Forest area (% of land area)
Uruguay 11.96 · world median 31.08
Highest 94.45 (Suriname)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2013
Internal Displacements by Disaster58th of 160position · derived · 1 = worst20,000New displacements by disaster (people)2024
bottom 36% of 160 countries measured
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) · New displacements by disaster (people)
Uruguay 20,000 · world median 4,750 (worse)
Best in the world 1 (Serbia)
▼ -16 percentile points since 2014
Land Under Cereal Production84th of 179position · derived857,133Land under cereal production (hectares)2023
top 46% of 180 countries measured · 180 share 179 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Land under cereal production (hectares)
Uruguay 857,133 · world median 689,278
Highest 103,715,108 (India)
No real change since 2013
Livestock Density72nd of 188position · derived0.68Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land2023
top 38% of 188 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Livestock units per hectare of agricultural land
Uruguay 0.68 · world median 0.535
Highest 43.97 (Singapore)
No real change since 2013
Low-Carbon Share of Electricity Generation9th of 190position · derived98.88Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)2024
top 4% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Low-carbon sources (% of electricity generated)
Uruguay 98.88 · world median 35.66 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
ND-GAIN Country Index52nd of 190rank54.67ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)2024
top 27% of 190 countries measured
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN), University of Notre Dame · ND-GAIN Index (0–100, where 100 is best placed to adapt)
Uruguay 54.67 · world median 47.44 (better)
Best in the world 71.85 (Norway)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2014
Organic Agricultural Area6th of 150position · derived21.26Organic share of agricultural land (%)2024
top 3% of 156 countries measured · 156 share 150 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Organic share of agricultural land (%)
Uruguay 21.26 · world median 0.725 (better)
Best in the world 86.38 (Samoa)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2014
Renewable Internal Freshwater Resources per Capita23rd of 181position · derived27,190Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)2022
top 12% of 181 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Renewable internal freshwater (cubic metres per person)
Uruguay 27,190 · world median 2,528 (better)
Best in the world 445,023 (Iceland)
No real change since 2012
Renewable Share of Electricity Generation9th of 190position · derived98.88Renewables (% of electricity generated)2024
top 4% of 193 countries measured · 193 share 190 positions
Ember · Renewables (% of electricity generated)
Uruguay 98.88 · world median 31.14 (better)
Best in the world 100 (7 countries tied)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2014
Water Stress83rd of 177position · derived · 1 = worst11.63Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)2023
bottom 47% of 177 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawal as a share of available resources (%)
Uruguay 11.63 · world median 10 (worse)
Best in the world 0.03 (Republic of the Congo)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2013
Water Withdrawal by Sector55th of 171position · derived77.19Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)2022
top 31% of 173 countries measured · 173 share 171 positions
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Freshwater withdrawn for agriculture (% of total)
Uruguay 77.19 · world median 62.14
Highest 99.48 (Somalia)
▼ -3 percentile points since 2012
Wind and Solar Share of Electricity Generationtop 4%42.78Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)2024
top 4% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Wind and solar (% of electricity generated)
Uruguay 42.78 · world median 5.769 (better)
Best in the world 69.12 (Denmark)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2014
World Risk Index82nd of 193position · derived · 1 = worst5.21WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)2025
bottom 42% of 193 countries measured
Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV), Ruhr University Bochum · WorldRiskIndex score (0–100, where 100 is the most at risk)
Uruguay 5.21 · world median 4.17 (worse)
Best in the world 0.18 (Monaco)
No real change since 2015
Gender & Equality4
Sex Ratio at Birthtop 39%105.5Male births per 100 female births2023
top 39% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Male births per 100 female births
Uruguay 105.5 · world median 105.1
Highest 116.3 (Liechtenstein)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2013
Social Institutions and Gender Index89th of 140position · derived · 1 = worst19.4SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)2023
top 36% of 140 countries measured
OECD · SIGI score (0 = no discrimination, 100 = absolute)
Uruguay 19.4 · world median 25.2 (better)
Best in the world 6.7 (Norway)
No earlier reading to compare
Women's Political Empowerment Index41st of 176position · derived0.875Women's political empowerment index (0–1)2025
top 23% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Women's political empowerment index (0–1)
Uruguay 0.875 · world median 0.772 (better)
Best in the world 0.954 (Denmark)
▼ -8 percentile points since 2015
Democracy & Civil Liberties8
Deliberative Democracy Index10th of 176position · derived0.784Deliberative democracy index (0–1)2025
top 5% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Deliberative democracy index (0–1)
Uruguay 0.784 · world median 0.339 (better)
Best in the world 0.867 (Denmark)
No real change since 2015
Egalitarian Democracy Index25th of 176position · derived0.693Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)2025
top 14% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Egalitarian democracy index (0–1)
Uruguay 0.693 · world median 0.321 (better)
Best in the world 0.876 (Denmark)
▼ -7 percentile points since 2015
Freedom of Expression and Alternative Sources of Information Index15th of 176position · derived0.931Freedom of expression index (0–1)2025
top 8% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom of expression index (0–1)
Uruguay 0.931 · world median 0.693 (better)
Best in the world 0.98 (Denmark)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2015
Government Censorship of the Media27th of 176position · derived1.903Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship2025
top 15% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3 to +3.5); higher = less censorship
Uruguay 1.903 · world median 0.565 (better)
Best in the world 3.489 (Belgium)
▼ -10 percentile points since 2015
Government Internet Shutdowns26th of 176position · derived1.847Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns2025
top 14% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −4 to +2); higher = fewer shutdowns
Uruguay 1.847 · world median 1.023 (better)
Best in the world 2.081 (Spain)
▲ +26 percentile points since 2015
Military Dimension Indexbottom 29%0.2Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)2025
bottom 29% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Military dimension index (0–1; higher = larger military role)
Uruguay 0.2 · world median 0.1 (worse)
Best in the world 0 (76 countries tied)
▼ -27 percentile points since 2015
Participatory Democracy Index2nd of 176position · derived0.716Participatory democracy index (0–1)2025
top 1% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Participatory democracy index (0–1)
Uruguay 0.716 · world median 0.298 (better)
Best in the world 0.785 (Switzerland)
No real change since 2015
Physical Violence Index12th of 176position · derived0.977Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)2025
top 7% of 176 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Freedom from political killings and torture (0–1)
Uruguay 0.977 · world median 0.79 (better)
Best in the world 0.989 (2 countries tied)
▲ +16 percentile points since 2015
Peace & Security6
Deaths in Organized Violence59th of 59position · derived · 1 = worst0Deaths in organized violence (people)2025
top 35% of 196 countries measured · 196 share 59 positions
Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) · Deaths in organized violence (people)
Uruguay 0 · world median 0
Best in the world 0 (138 countries tied)
No real change since 2015
Global Militarisation Index41st of 149rank · 1 = worst136.32GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)2023
bottom 27% of 149 countries measured
Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies (BICC) · GMI score (higher means a heavier military weight)
Uruguay 136.32 · world median 100.66 (worse)
Best in the world 3.512 (Haiti)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
INFORM Risk Index148th of 191position · derived · 1 = worst2.5INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)2025
top 21% of 191 countries measured
European Commission Joint Research Centre, with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee · INFORM Risk score (0–10, where 10 is the highest risk)
Uruguay 2.5 · world median 3.7 (better)
Best in the world 0.7 (Singapore)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2016
Political Stability and Absence of Violence17th of 211position · derived1.3Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)2025
top 8% of 211 countries measured
World Bank Group · Political Stability estimate (−2.5 to 2.5)
Uruguay 1.3 · world median 0.171 (better)
Best in the world 1.563 (Andorra)
▲ +6 percentile points since 2015
Political Violence by Non-State Actors169th of 171position · derived · 1 = worst-3.126Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence2025
top 1% of 171 countries measured
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · Original latent estimate (≈ −3.5 to +4); higher = more violence
Uruguay -3.126 · world median -0.661 (better)
Best in the world -3.182 (Luxembourg)
▲ +3 percentile points since 2015
Refugees by Country of Originbottom 28%126Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)2025
bottom 28% of 202 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate from this country, end of year (people)
Uruguay 126 · world median 1,272
Highest 5,224,131 (Ukraine)
▲ +2 percentile points since 2015
Risk & Resilience2
Asylum-Seekers by Country of Asylumtop 18%27,288Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)2025
top 18% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Asylum-seekers awaiting a decision, end of year (people)
Uruguay 27,288 · world median 1,836
Highest 3,718,945 (United States)
▲ +56 percentile points since 2015
Refugee Population by Country of Asylumbottom 38%3,195Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)2025
bottom 38% of 177 countries measured
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency · Refugees under UNHCR's mandate hosted, end of year (people)
Uruguay 3,195 · world median 12,269
Highest 2,655,191 (Germany)
▲ +12 percentile points since 2015
Mobility & Trade3
Average Time to Clear Exports Through Customs130th of 174position · derived · 1 = worst2.934Average time to clear exports through customs (days)2025
top 26% of 175 countries measured · 175 share 174 positions
World Bank Group · Average time to clear exports through customs (days)
Uruguay 2.934 · world median 4.456 (better)
Best in the world 1 (2 countries tied)
No earlier reading to compare
Cereal Import Dependency Ratiobottom 9%-60.5Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)2022
bottom 9% of 161 countries measured
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) · Share of the cereal supply that is imported (%)
Uruguay -60.5 · world median 42.8
Highest 100 (16 countries tied)
▲ +8 percentile points since 2012
Net Migration Ratebottom 42%-0.443Net migrants per 1,000 population2023
bottom 42% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Net migrants per 1,000 population
Uruguay -0.443 · world median -0.133
Highest 39.62 (South Sudan)
▲ +4 percentile points since 2013
Poverty & Inequality3
Median Daily Income or Consumption per Person29th of 60position · derived25.88Median income or consumption per person, 2021 PPP dollars a day2023
top 47% of 60 countries measured
World Bank Group · Median income or consumption per person, 2021 PPP dollars a day
Uruguay 25.88 · world median 22.76 (better)
Best in the world 89.49 (Luxembourg)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2013
Poverty Headcount at National Poverty Linesbottom 33%17.3Population below the national poverty line (%)2025
bottom 33% of 160 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population below the national poverty line (%)
Uruguay 17.3 · world median 21.8
Highest 82.3 (South Sudan)
No earlier reading to compare
Societal Poverty Rate21st of 60position · derived · 1 = worst21.18Population below the societal poverty line, 2021 PPP (%)2023
bottom 34% of 60 countries measured
World Bank Group · Population below the societal poverty line, 2021 PPP (%)
Uruguay 21.18 · world median 17.2 (worse)
Best in the world 7 (Slovenia)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Energy5
Net Electricity Imports (share of generation)top 21%8.601Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)2024
top 21% of 193 countries measured
Ember · Net electricity imports (% of domestic generation)
Uruguay 8.601 · world median 0
Highest 707.07 (Palestine)
▲ +71 percentile points since 2014
Nuclear Share of Electricity Generationbottom 41%0Nuclear (% of electricity generated)2024
bottom 41% of 183 countries measured
Ember · Nuclear (% of electricity generated)
Uruguay 0 · world median 0
Highest 67.4 (France)
No real change since 2014
Primary Energy Consumption per Capitatop 47%53.91Energy use per person (million Btu)2024
top 47% of 192 countries measured
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Energy use per person (million Btu)
Uruguay 53.91 · world median 49.5
Highest 766.07 (Qatar)
No real change since 2014
RISE Energy Efficiency Policy Scoretop 29%61.82Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)2023
top 29% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Energy efficiency policy score (0–100)
Uruguay 61.82 · world median 48.23 (better)
Best in the world 95.93 (South Korea)
No real change since 2013
RISE Renewable Energy Policy Scoretop 27%53.81Renewable energy policy score (0–100)2023
top 27% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group (ESMAP) · Renewable energy policy score (0–100)
Uruguay 53.81 · world median 33.26 (better)
Best in the world 89.52 (Denmark)
No real change since 2013
Digital & Technology2
Mobile Phone Ownership49th of 140position · derived94.64Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 35% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults who own a mobile phone (% of population aged 15+)
Uruguay 94.64 · world median 91.68 (better)
Best in the world 100 (Libya)
No earlier reading to compare
Smartphone Ownership14th of 140position · derived91.28Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)2024
top 9% of 140 countries measured
World Bank Group · Adults whose main mobile phone is a smartphone (% of population aged 15+)
Uruguay 91.28 · world median 78.78 (better)
Best in the world 97.36 (Sweden)
No earlier reading to compare
People & Population10
Crude Birth Ratebottom 27%9.871Births per 1,000 population2023
bottom 27% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Births per 1,000 population
Uruguay 9.871 · world median 13.79
Highest 46.36 (Central African Republic)
▼ -12 percentile points since 2013
Crude Death Ratetop 21%9.783Deaths per 1,000 population2023
top 21% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Deaths per 1,000 population
Uruguay 9.783 · world median 7.303
Highest 25.58 (Vatican City)
▲ +5 percentile points since 2013
Median Age of the Populationtop 37%35.78Median age (years)2023
top 37% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Median age (years)
Uruguay 35.78 · world median 31.52
Highest 59.63 (Vatican City)
▼ -4 percentile points since 2013
Population Aged 65 and Overtop 27%15.81Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)2023
top 27% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 65 and over (%)
Uruguay 15.81 · world median 8.32
Highest 44.7 (Vatican City)
▼ -9 percentile points since 2013
Population Densitybottom 14%19.56People per square kilometre of land2023
bottom 14% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People per square kilometre of land
Uruguay 19.56 · world median 96.92
Highest 26,145 (Monaco)
No real change since 2013
Population Growth Ratebottom 21%-0.036Population growth (% per year)2023
bottom 21% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Population growth (% per year)
Uruguay -0.036 · world median 0.888
Highest 5.862 (South Sudan)
▼ -5 percentile points since 2013
Population Under Age 15bottom 37%18.69Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)2023
bottom 37% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Share of the total population aged 0–14 (%)
Uruguay 18.69 · world median 22.71
Highest 49.17 (Central African Republic)
No real change since 2013
Sex Ratio of the Total Populationbottom 19%94.15Males per 100 females2023
bottom 19% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Males per 100 females
Uruguay 94.15 · world median 98.48
Highest 251.08 (Qatar)
No real change since 2013
Total Dependency Ratiobottom 39%52.67People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–642023
bottom 39% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · People aged 0–14 and 65+ per 100 people aged 15–64
Uruguay 52.67 · world median 54.73
Highest 105.18 (Central African Republic)
▼ -20 percentile points since 2013
Total Fertility Ratebottom 19%1.409Live births per woman2023
bottom 19% of 222 countries measured
UN DESA Population Division · Live births per woman
Uruguay 1.409 · world median 1.962
Highest 6.132 (Somalia)
▼ -24 percentile points since 2013
Not currently covered
The newest edition of these reports does not include Uruguay. Usually the publisher does not cover it; sometimes it has dropped out of a ranking it used to appear in.
- Business Ready: Operational Efficiency
- Business Ready: Public Services
- Business Ready: Regulatory Framework
- Children with Functional Difficulties
- Cost of Sending Remittances
- Country Policy and Institutional Assessment
- Debt Service on External Debt
- Ecological Footprint
- External Debt Stocks (% of GNI)
- Fatal Occupational Injuries · last seen 2018
- Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence
- Global Multidimensional Poverty Index
- Global Report on Food Crises
- Household Consumption · last seen 2015
- ICT Goods Exports · last seen 2023
- Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary · last seen 2023
- INFORM Severity Index
- Net Official Development Assistance Received · last seen 2017
- Out-of-School Rate, Primary · last seen 2023
- Pre-Primary Net Enrolment Rate · last seen 2023
- School Life Expectancy · last seen 2023
- Secondary School Enrolment · last seen 2023
- Short-Term Share of External Debt
- Tertiary Enrolment Ratio · last seen 2023
- Violent Discipline of Children
07Keep reading
Explore further
08Method
Sources and how to read them
How to read this page
- The scores and ranks belong to their publishers. Nothing is adjusted, rescaled or re-ranked; each is reproduced from the edition named beside it. Where a row says position · derived, the publisher ranks nobody on that measure and the position is ours, made by ordering the published score.
- Each statistic shows its newest edition, which is not always the edition the Country Index uses: the index pins every source to one data year so its average compares like with like.
How a standing is built from percentiles, why Uruguay can move because other countries moved, and why publishers measure between 120 and 215 countries each are set out in full in how a standing is made and what a standing cannot tell you.
Sources
- Statistics: 34 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.
- Capital, languages, currency, codes: Wikidata, public domain (CC0).
- Map and land borders: Natural Earth, public domain. Borders are de facto — where administration actually changes — not claimed.
Photographs
The photograph of Uruguay on this page comes from Wikimedia Commons and is shown in greyscale. The photographer and the licence are named beside each one.
Cite this page
Nations Inquiry (2026). Uruguay: country statistics, rankings and trends. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/uruguay