Uruguay is a country in South America, Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2025 it has about 3.4 million people (UN estimate), the 131st most people of the 193 UN member states.
UN member since 1945Population: 131st
Uruguayウルグアイ
Region
South America, Latin America and the Caribbean
Population
about 3.4 million (131st)
Area
173,626 km² (87th)
UN member since
December 18, 1945
Ranks are among the 193 UN member states, from most people and from largest area.
Uruguay in numbers
In 2025 the population is about 3.4 million, the 131st most people of the 193 UN member states. That is about 1/36 of Japan’s (about 123 million).
The area is 173,626 km², the 87th largest of the 193. That is about 1/2 of Japan’s area.
If we work out the number of people per square kilometer (population density), it is about 19.
Joining the United Nations
Uruguay joined the United Nations on December 18, 1945.
It was a member before Japan joined in 1956.
Think about it
Q1Compare Uruguay’s population rank and area rank. What do you notice?
Q2Find Uruguay on a map or globe. Which countries are around it?
Q3Choose one thing you want to know more about Uruguay, and look it up.
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — There are 12 UN member states in South America. The one with the most people is Brazil.