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Uruguay
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Location:
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Map references:
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Area:
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Land boundaries:
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Coastline:
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Maritime claims:
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International disputes:
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Climate:
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Terrain:
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Natural resources:
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Land use:
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Irrigated land:
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Environment:
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Southern South America, bordering the South Atlantic Ocean, between
Argentina and Brazil
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South America
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total area:
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176,220 sq km
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land area:
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173,620 sq km
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comparative area:
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slightly smaller than Washington State
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total 1,564 km, Argentina 579 km, Brazil 985 km
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660 km
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continental shelf:
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200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
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territorial sea:
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200 nm; overflight and navigation guaranteed beyond 12 nm
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short section of boundary with Argentina is in dispute; two short sections
of the boundary with Brazil are in dispute - Arroyo de la Invernada (Arroio
Invernada) area of the Rio Cuareim (Rio Quarai) and the islands at the
confluence of the Rio Cuareim (Rio Quarai) and the Uruguay River
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warm temperate; freezing temperatures almost unknown
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mostly rolling plains and low hills; fertile coastal lowland
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soil, hydropower potential, minor minerals
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arable land:
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8%
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permanent crops:
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0%
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meadows and pastures:
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78%
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forest and woodland:
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4%
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other:
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10%
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1,100 sq km (1989 est.)
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current issues:
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substantial pollution from Brazilian industry along border; one-fifth of
country affected by acid rain generated by Brazil; water pollution from meat
packing/tannery industry; inadequate solid/hazardous waste disposal
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natural hazards:
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seasonally high winds (the pampero is a chilly and occasional violent wind
which blows north from the Argentine pampas), droughts, floods; because of
the absence of mountains, which act as weather barriers, all locations are
particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in weather fronts
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international agreements:
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party to - Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity,
Climate Change, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous
Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands; signed, but not ratified - Marine Dumping, Marine Life
Conservation