Uruguay is a Country in the MoriAtlas geographic dataset. It is used as a structured place record for organizing nearby regions, countries, and protected-area discovery, and where relevant it can also act as part of the broader geographic area of South America.

How large and how populated is Uruguay?

Uruguay covers approximately 176,215 square kilometers and has an available population figure of 3,499,451, recorded for 2,023. Taken together, these numbers give a much better sense of the location’s real scale than either figure would on its own.

Which countries or regions are associated with Uruguay?

Uruguay is associated with the following country or countries: Uruguay. Where more detailed internal geography is available, it is also associated with the following region or regions: Artigas Department, Canelones, Canelones Department, Cerro Arequita, Cerro Largo, Cerro Largo Department, Colonia Department, Departamento de Rocha. This helps show whether the location is narrowly bounded or connected to a wider network of places.

What are the official and native names of Uruguay?

The official name of Uruguay is Oriental Republic of Uruguay, and its native name is República Oriental del Uruguay. These naming forms add useful legal, linguistic, and local context beyond the shorter common name used in English interfaces.

What language and time zone information is associated with Uruguay?

Uruguay is associated with the following language codes: es, and with the time zone America/Montevideo. These are practical metadata points that help the place profile work better across localization, search, and international geographic browsing.

What geographic character defines Uruguay?

Uruguay is classified in the dataset as a coastal location. Coastal geography often shapes climate patterns, settlement history, access routes, and the broader natural identity of a place.

What are the main country facts for Uruguay?

For Uruguay, the capital is Montevideo, the largest city is Montevideo, and the associated currency code is UYU. Together, these facts provide a quick practical snapshot of the country beyond its place on the map.

What codes identify Uruguay in geographic datasets?

Uruguay is identified by the ISO code UY and the country code UY. These standard identifiers are especially useful when connecting MoriAtlas place records to other structured geographic or statistical systems.

Which regions are associated with Uruguay?

Uruguay is associated with the following region or regions: Artigas Department, Canelones, Canelones Department, Cerro Arequita, Cerro Largo, Cerro Largo Department, Colonia Department, Departamento de Rocha. This is useful for moving from a country-level overview into more detailed regional park discovery.

Countries

Browse mapped landscapes and protected lands across Uruguay's diverse geography.

Uruguay National Parks and Protected Areas Atlas: A Geographic Discovery Platform

Uruguay's protected natural areas are presented within a comprehensive geographic atlas, offering insights into their distribution and landscape context. This platform facilitates the exploration of national parks and reserves, allowing users to understand where these vital conservation areas are situated across the country's diverse terrain. Navigate through mapped park boundaries and regional geography to deepen your understanding of Uruguay's natural heritage.

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Uruguay National Parks and Protected Areas Atlas: A Geographic Discovery Platform

Park system

Uruguay Protected Area Profile and National Park System Records

Comparing conservation scale, historical age, designation mix, and coastal habitat distributions

Natural reserve systems and national parks in Uruguay can be evaluated through geographic metrics compiled from documented conservation zones. Standardizing known records simplifies comparing typical park sizes, historic ages, protection categories, and environmental distributions across different departments and coastal biomes.

Known protected area

15,682 km²

Area data available for 21 of 24 parks.

Median park size

82.6 km²

Median across 21 parks with known area.

Oldest known park

Parque Nacional Aarón de Anchorena

Established in 1908.

Largest known park

Bañados del Este Biosphere Reserve

Recorded area: 12,500 km².

Designation distribution

National park10

Protected landscape7

Wildlife reserve4

Biosphere reserve1

Natural monument1

1 more category represented

Habitat distribution

Riverine habitat13

Wetland13

Coastal habitat12

Grassland11

Marine habitat5

8 more categories represented

Climate distribution

Subtropical9

Temperate8

About

Browse the geographic spread of Uruguay's protected areas, covering diverse landscapes from its Atlantic coast to inland regions.

Explore Uruguay National Parks and Protected Areas: Mapped Landscapes of Southern South America

Delve into the national parks and protected areas of Uruguay, a comprehensive atlas showcasing conservation landscapes across this South American nation. Access detailed park geography and understand the regional distribution of protected sites, providing a valuable starting point for exploring the country's natural heritage.

Uruguay is a unitary presidential republic located in southeastern South America. It covers approximately 176,215 km² and has a population of nearly 3.5 million people. The capital and largest city is Montevideo, where roughly 2 million people live in the metropolitan area. Uruguay gained independence between 1825 and 1828 following territorial disputes involving Portugal, Spain, Brazil, and the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata.

Uruguay, officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, is a sovereign nation in the Southern Cone of South America. The country emerged from colonial territorial disputes between Portuguese and Spanish powers in the 17th and 18th centuries, achieving independence after a four-way struggle. Today it operates as a democratic constitutional republic with a president serving as both head of state and government. Uruguay has been recognized for its advanced welfare state, stable politics, and high human development index.

Largest city:Montevideo

Currency code:UYU

ISO code:UY

Parks count

Capital

Montevideo

Area

176,215 km²

Population

3,499,451 (2,023)

Coastal

Island

Mountainous

Landlocked

Park atlas24 parks

Mapped Geography of Uruguay's Coastal Protected Areas and Inland Reserves

Discover National Parks in Uruguay, a Southern Cone Protected Areas Atlas

Browse a curated list of national parks and protected areas in Uruguay, encompassing Atlantic coast parks, unique coastal forests, and significant inland reserves found across this South American nation. Explore the geographic distribution and specific features of Uruguay's conservation landscapes, tracing their locations within the country's diverse terrain for deeper park discovery.

National parkRío Negro Department

Parque nacional Esteros de Farrapos e Islas del Río Uruguay: Protected Wetland Geography

Exploring the fluvial island and riverine terrain of Río Negro

This protected area represents an essential riverine ecosystem along the western frontier of Uruguay. The landscape comprises a complex layering of flood-prone plains, riparian forest edges, and silty soil formations that characterize the regional geography of the Río Uruguay basin.

Area: 215.65 km²
Established: 2008
Relief: Lowland
Scope: Terrestrial

Parque nacional Esteros de Farrapos e Islas del Río Uruguay Map

Protected landscapeRocha Department

Laguna de Rocha Protected Landscape: Mapping Coastal Uruguay and its Dynamic Wetland Geography

Explore the unique barrier lagoon system and diverse coastal habitats of Rocha Department.

Laguna de Rocha functions as a vital coastal lagoon and wetland complex in southeastern Uruguay. Characterized by its shallow water and temporary sandbar breaches, the area supports a distinct mosaic of habitats, including dunes, reedbeds, and mudflats. Its status as a biosphere reserve and Important Bird Area underscores the ecological importance of this regional geography in providing a sanctuary for migratory waterbirds along the Atlantic coast.

Area: 220 km²
Established: 2010
Relief: Lowland
Climate: Temperate

Laguna de Rocha Protected Landscape Atlas

National parkColonia Department

Parque Nacional Aarón de Anchorena: Protected Geography and Riverine Landscape

An expansive arboretum and presidential estate in Colonia

Parque Nacional Aarón de Anchorena is a protected territory in southwestern Uruguay, defined by its position on the Río de la Plata estuary. The area encompasses an extensive arboretum, ornamental gardens, and riparian habitats that house unique animal populations. The site serves as a vital geographic anchor for the region, combining historic architecture with the broad, reflective horizons of the river coast.

Area: 13.69 km²
Established: 1908
Relief: Lowland
Climate: Temperate

Explore Parque Nacional Aarón de Anchorena Geography

National parkRocha Department

Santa Teresa National Park: Mapped Coastal Forest and Beach Protected Landscape

Explore Rocha Department's unique protected Atlantic coast geography.

Santa Teresa National Park, a designated national park in Uruguay's Rocha Department, offers a compelling example of a protected coastal environment. Its landscape is characterized by a distinctive blend of dense forests that reach down to the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean, a rare feature in the region's protected areas. This page provides detailed geographic context and map-based exploration for understanding this unique seaside national park and its place within Uruguay's conservation atlas.

IUCN: II
Relief: Lowland
Climate: Subtropical
Access: Easy access

Santa Teresa National Park Protected Landscape

National parkRocha

Parque nacional Cabo Polonio: Coastal Geography and Marine Protected Area Atlas

Examining dune systems, coastal lagoons, and marine habitats

Analyze the geography of Parque nacional Cabo Polonio, a protected area in Uruguay's Rocha region. This atlas entry details the mosaic of transverse dunes, interdunal wetlands, rocky outcrops, and oceanic islands that define this significant coastal-marine protected landscape.

Area: 258.2 km²
Established: 2009
Relief: Lowland
Climate: Subtropical

Parque nacional Cabo Polonio Protected Area Map

National parkDepartamento de Rocha

Parque nacional San Miguel: Mapped Protected Landscapes of Departamento de Rocha

Volcanic hills, native woodlands, and seasonal wetlands

Parque nacional San Miguel serves as a vital protected area, showcasing the distinctive topography of the Sierra de San Miguel. The terrain transitions from rocky volcanic slopes to expansive low-lying wetlands, creating a layered environment of native forests and open prairies that define this essential segment of the regional geography in Departamento de Rocha.

Area: 15.42 km²
Established: 1937
Relief: Upland
Climate: Temperate

Parque nacional San Miguel Geography

Protected landscapeTreinta y Tres Department

Paisaje protegido Quebrada de los Cuervos y Sierras del Yerbal: Protected Landscape Atlas

Geographic analysis of gorge formations and eastern hill ecosystems.

Spanning ancient metamorphic terrain in Treinta y Tres Department, this protected landscape is defined by the steep-walled Quebrada de los Cuervos. The site offers an opportunity to study the intersection of stream-carved gorges, subtropical gallery forests, and high-elevation grasslands in a formal conservation setting.

Area: 193.95 km²
Established: 2008
Relief: Upland
Climate: Subtropical

Paisaje protegido Quebrada de los Cuervos y Sierras del Yerbal Map

National parkCanelones Department

Isla de Flores National Park: Geographic Map and Protected Landscape Overview

Tidal island geography within the Río de la Plata estuary.

Located in the Canelones Department, Isla de Flores National Park represents a significant protected maritime area. Its landscape consists of a low-lying island reaching only two meters above sea level, featuring a protected maritime buffer that supports the integrity of this historic Río de la Plata site. Examine the mapped boundaries and the unique interplay between the estuary currents and this shifting coastal terrain.

Area: 0.31 km²
Established: 2018
Relief: Lowland
Climate: Temperate

Isla de Flores National Park Geography

Watercolor painting showing a hill with green landscape and distant mountains

National parkUruguay

Arequita National Park: Uruguay's National Park Protected Landscape and Geography

Mapped boundaries and regional natural terrain context for a key protected area.

Delve into Arequita National Park, a designated national park contributing to Uruguay's protected land inventory. This resource explores the park's unique geographic setting, its mapped boundaries, and its significance within the natural landscape of the Southern Cone. Gain structured insight into its role as a protected area and its contribution to the regional geography of South America.

Scope: Terrestrial
Water: No major water

Arequita National Park Uruguay Atlas

Wildlife reserveDepartamento de Rocha

Área de manejo de hábitats y/o especies Cerro Verde e Islas de la Coronilla Protected Landscape

Coastal and marine wildlife reserve in Departamento de Rocha

Spanning both land and sea, this reserve protects a rare combination of granite coastal hills, relict forests, and oceanic islands along the Uruguayan Atlantic. Learn about its integrated role within the Banos del Este biosphere and its importance as a habitat for endangered green sea turtles and migrating southern right whales.

Area: 16.88 km²
Established: 2011
Relief: Lowland
Climate: Temperate

Explore Cerro Verde e Islas de la Coronilla Protected Area

Natural monumentFlores

Grutas del Palacio Natural Monument: Geological Landscape Map and Protected Area Context

Protected sandstone formations within the Flores region of central Uruguay

Grutas del Palacio represents a critical protected landscape in Flores, Uruguay, famous for its vaulted sandstone architecture and column-supported cavern structure. As an established natural monument, the site provides essential insights into Cretaceous sedimentary history and geoconservation. This record maps the natural features and territorial boundaries of this inland landmark, offering a structured look at its role in regional geography and geological heritage preservation.

Area: 0.45 km²
Established: 2013
Relief: Lowland
Climate: Subtropical

Explore Grutas del Palacio Protected Area

Protected landscapeRivera

Valle del Lunarejo Protected Landscape: Mapped Geography and Terrain in Rivera, Uruguay

A rugged river valley protected area in the Uruguayan north.

Valle del Lunarejo represents a unique geological contact zone in Rivera, Uruguay, characterized by dramatic basaltic cliffs, dense gallery forests, and a network of stream-fed waterfalls. This protected landscape offers a detailed look at the interplay between Mesozoic volcanic flows and sandstone deposits, shaping a distinct terrain that diverges from the surrounding plains. The area provides essential context for understanding northern Uruguayan topography and the distribution of diverse habitats within the National System of Protected Areas.

Area: 292.86 km²
Established: 2001
Relief: Mixed relief
Climate: Subtropical

Valle del Lunarejo Protected Landscape

View All Uruguay National Parks

Landscape and environment

Understand how Uruguay is shaped by terrain, ecosystems, and seasonal conditions

Uruguay geography, nature, climate, and landscape context for park-focused travel research

Explore the physical geography, natural setting, and climate patterns of Uruguay through a location-first overview built for travel research, national park discovery, and broader regional context. This section helps explain how landscapes, habitats, and environmental conditions shape what people search for, where they travel, and how they experience protected areas in Uruguay.

Uruguay geography and landscape

Uruguay is situated in the southeastern part of South America, bordering Argentina to its west and southwest, Brazil to its north and northeast, the Río de la Plata estuary to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast. The terrain consists primarily of rolling plains and low hills, with the highest point being Cerro Catedral at approximately 514 meters. The country has several rivers including the Uruguay River, Paraná River, and Negro River.

Uruguay nature and environment

Uruguay's landscape is characterized by grasslands, forests, and coastal ecosystems. The Atlantic coastline features beaches and wetlands, while the interior contains plains used for agriculture and livestock. The country has several protected areas and nature reserves supporting diverse wildlife.

Uruguay climate and seasonal conditions

Uruguay has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and winters are mild. The country receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, with precipitation fairly evenly distributed across the seasons.

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Ways to explore Uruguay

Useful phrases, related topics, and discovery prompts connected to Uruguay.

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Park map

Trace the geographic spread of Uruguay's protected landscapes and conservation areas on a detailed atlas map.

Uruguay National Parks Map: Explore Protected Areas and Park Locations

Browse the mapped geography of national parks and other protected areas across Uruguay, revealing their distribution throughout this South American coastal nation. Preview where key conservation landscapes are positioned and open the full country map for a comprehensive, zoomable view of all mapped park entities.

Open Full Uruguay Parks Map

Key insights into Uruguay's mapped park geography, protected landscape distribution, and country-level conservation efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding Uruguay's National Parks and Protected Areas

Explore frequently asked questions about the national parks and protected areas within Uruguay, gaining clarity on their geographic distribution and conservation profiles. Understand the country's diverse natural landscapes and their regional context for a comprehensive atlas-style discovery of protected spaces.

Other countries

Compare South American Protected Landscapes and Regional Conservation Atlas

Discover National Parks and Protected Areas in Countries Near Uruguay

From Uruguay, continue your park discovery by exploring the national parks and protected areas across other nearby South American countries, tracing their varied geographies and conservation landscapes. Browsing these related country pages offers valuable geographic context and allows for direct comparison of park distribution and environmental priorities across the Southern Cone region.

Bolivia National Parks and Protected Areas: Geographic Atlas and Landscape Explorer

Access a structured atlas to explore Bolivia's national parks and protected areas. Understand the geographic distribution and mapped boundaries of conservation landscapes, from the high Andes to the Gran Chaco and Amazonian plains. This resource details Bolivia's regional geography, providing essential context for its natural protected areas.

54 parks

Bolivia National Parks Atlas

Argentina National Parks and Protected Areas: A Comprehensive Geographic Atlas

Gain a structured overview of Argentina's national parks and protected areas. This atlas view details the geographic spread and placement of conservation landscapes throughout the country, offering a clear understanding of the nation's commitment to preserving its diverse natural environments. Facilitates exploration from a continental perspective down to individual park boundaries.

43 parks

Argentina National Parks and Protected Areas

Chile National Parks and Protected Areas: Geographic Atlas Explorer

Access a structured atlas view of Chile's national parks and protected natural areas. This geography-centric resource details the distribution and mapped boundaries of conservation landscapes, providing essential context for understanding the country's diverse terrain. Navigate through the protected areas to uncover their geographic significance and regional patterns within South America.

43 parks

Chile National Parks and Protected Areas

Peru National Parks and Protected Areas: Browse the Geographic Atlas and Mapped Landscapes

Access a structured overview of Peru's national parks and protected areas, designed for geographic exploration and atlas-style discovery. Understand the distribution of conservation landscapes from the coast to the Amazon, examining their mapped boundaries and regional significance. This resource facilitates a deeper appreciation of Peru's natural terrain and its role in preserving biodiversity across diverse ecosystems.

34 parks

Peru National Parks and Protected Areas

Paraguay National Parks and Protected Areas: An Atlas for Geographic Discovery

Delve into the structured geography of Paraguay's protected areas and national parks. This atlas-style entry point offers a comprehensive overview of natural landscapes, allowing for detailed exploration of park boundaries and their distribution. Understand the unique regional context and mapped terrain across the country, providing a foundation for discovering Paraguay's conservation areas through geographic data.

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Paraguay National Parks and Protected Areas

Montenegro National Parks and Protected Areas: Browse Mapped Landscapes and Regional Geography

MoriAtlas facilitates a structured exploration of Montenegro's national parks and protected areas. Understand the geographic distribution of these significant natural landscapes, examine their mapped boundaries, and gain context within Montenegro's broader regional geography. This atlas-focused approach allows for a deep dive into the nation's conserved territories and their natural terrain.

10 parks

Montenegro National Parks Atlas

Suriname National Parks and Protected Areas: Browse Geographic Atlas

Access a structured view of Suriname's national parks and protected areas, focusing on their geographic placement and landscape context. This atlas entry helps you understand the distribution of conservation lands within the country's vast rainforest territory, facilitating exploration of its unique natural terrain and protected regions.

2 parks

Suriname National Parks Atlas

French Guiana Protected Areas and National Park Geographic Atlas

Access a structured inventory of protected areas across French Guiana, including major reserves and national park boundaries. The platform offers precise mapping of ecological terrain, from dense Amazonian rainforests to coastal wetlands and maritime sanctuaries, for effective geographic study.

1 park

French Guiana National Parks Atlas

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Protected area types

Continue Exploring Uruguay's Park Designation Landscape and Classification Pathways

To deepen your understanding of Uruguay's conservation efforts, continue by exploring the specific details of each represented park designation. Discover the geographic spread and characteristics that define these protected areas. MoriAtlas provides a structured path to comprehending how classification systems organize and inform the exploration of national park and protected land geography.

Uruguay Park Designations and Types

MoriAtlas Explorer

Continue Your Global Geographic Exploration with MoriAtlas Park Discovery

Dive deeper into the world's protected landscapes and national parks through MoriAtlas's structured atlas interface. Discover how continents and countries are organized, and how individual park geography fits into the broader map. Our platform is built for understanding the distribution and context of protected areas worldwide, facilitating your journey through global natural geography.

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