Uruguay at a glance

Uruguay stands out for its very high level of human development, its democratic and institutional stability, and its sustained track record of public policies aimed at social inclusion, equity and environmental sustainability.

The country has consolidated a welfare model based on economic growth, universal social protection and equitable access to basic services. At the macroeconomic and fiscal levels, Uruguay maintains a strong position, underpinned by institutional stability, fiscal prudence, the credibility of its monetary policy and strong international integration.

Agrifood system

Uruguay’s agrifood system stands out for its contribution to economic output, trade, employment, land use and the country’s rural identity. In 2023, primary activities—agriculture, livestock and fisheries—accounted for 6.6 percent of GDP; when their industrial and service linkages are taken into account, their total contribution is estimated at between 14 and 16 percent. More than 66 percent of goods exports originate from the agrifood system, with beef, soybeans and dairy products accounting for a significant share.

Uruguay’s agricultural production is supported by high-value natural resources. The country has 17.6 million hectares, of which 11.5 million are covered by natural grasslands and native pastures containing some 400 species of grasses and legumes. These pastures support 12 million head of cattle.

Family farming plays a key role in the supply of fresh food, social cohesion and the development of rural territories. However, the sector faces gaps in access to financing, technology, infrastructure, technical assistance, value addition and climate adaptation. Agroecology, supported by the National Agroecology Plan, offers a pathway for strengthening more sustainable and resilient production systems that are closely rooted in local territories.

Food security and nutrition

In the area of food security and nutrition, Uruguay has made sustained progress, although inequalities related to income, gender and territory persist. Moderate or severe food insecurity affects 13.2 percent of households and 14.3 percent of the population, with a higher incidence among lower-income households, households with women, and those with young children. At the same time, the rise in overweight and obesity—which affected 33.3 percent of adults in 2022—poses new challenges for promoting healthy diets and appropriate food environments.

Environmental sustainability

Uruguay has developed important tools to support the environmental sustainability of the agricultural sector, including Soil Use and Management Plans, the National Agricultural Information System, satellite monitoring of more than 16 million hectares of agricultural land, and individual traceability across the entire cattle herd. This is complemented by a highly renewable electricity mix: 99 percent of electricity comes from clean sources, mainly hydropower, wind, biomass and solar energy. These advances coexist with challenges related to water management, pesticide use, soil conservation, biodiversity and climate change adaptation.

Employment, social inclusion and equity

In the areas of employment, social inclusion and equity, Uruguay has made significant progress in social protection, access to services and the reduction of inequalities compared with other countries in the region. Nevertheless, gaps persist, particularly affecting children and adolescents, women, young people and lower-income households. Men’s average monthly income is 25 percent higher than women’s, while young people are almost five times more likely to be unemployed than adults. In addition, 17 percent of young people aged 14 to 29 are neither in education nor in employment.

These factors present Uruguay with a strategic opportunity to strengthen the sustainability, inclusiveness and resilience of its agrifood system by integrating innovation, sustainable production, territorial development, family farming, gender equality, youth participation, responsible natural resource management and equitable access to healthy food.