URUGUAY

republic, S. America Rio de la Plata; bounded n.z. by Brazil, s.p. by Atlantic, s. by the river Plate, and w. by Argentina. Surface is flat gra land, with low ridges of hills, reaching an extreme height of c. 2,000 ft.; drained by Rio Negro and other tributaries of the Uruguay. Climate is healty; mean annual temp. industry is rearing of cattle and sheep; extensive exports of meat, wool, and animal products. Wheat is chief crop; grapes, olives, amd tobacco are grown. Minerals include gold, copper, lead, silver, lignite. Railway mileage, 1,654; mercantile marine, 20,298 tons. Hducation is free and obligatory; univ. at Monte video (cap.); other chief towns, Uruguay was discovered by Spanish explorers early in 16th cent.;was included an Spanish dominions until 1811; subsequently seized by Portuguese; remained a prov. of Brazil until 1825, when it proclaimed itself independent; was formally recognized three years later. Amended constitution came into force on March 1, 1919. Legislative power is vested in a Senate of 19 members and House of Representatives of 90 members. Executive power is president and national administrative council of nine. Area, 72,153 sq. m.; pop. 1,430,000. See map SoutH AMERICA.