Uruguay

Montevideo is Uruguay’s capital and largest city, home to the president, parliament (Palacio Legislativo), and the country’s main port. On the north shore of the Río de la Plata, it’s the political, economic, and cultural heart of the nation, with roughly half of Uruguay’s population in its metro area. Founded by the Spanish in 1724, it became the capital after independence in 1828. Memory tip: Montevideo = “mount-view,” named for the city’s hill (Cerro de Montevideo) overlooking the bay. Don’t confuse it with the distractors: Punta del Este is a famous beach resort, Salto is an inland city known for hot springs, and Colonia del Sacramento is a UNESCO-listed colonial town. The seat of government, however, is Montevideo.