Uruguay is a republic in east central South America, and the second smallest country on the continent. Montevideo is the country's capital, chief port, and economic center. Uruguay has a temperate climate. The average temperature for the warmest months, January and February, is 21.7° C (71° F), and for the coldest month, June, 10° C (50° F). During the winter months cold storms, known as pamperos, blow from the southwest.

A Western European tradition is widespread in Uruguay today. By the 19th century most of the Native Americans had been supplanted by Europeans, chiefly Spaniards and Italians. Since then the country has adopted the cultural institutions of these immigrants. As in Argentina, which has folk music and dances similar to those of Uruguay, the gaucho has been the subject of folklore and music. Both the government and the middle class support the theater, concerts, museums, and literary publications. Popular sports include soccer, polo, swimming, tennis, and golf. All the major libraries in Uruguay are in Montevideo. They include the National Library; the Library of the National Historical Museum, known for its collection of engravings, maps, coins, and native Uruguayan material; the National Congress Library; and the library of the National Archives. The principal museums include the National Historical Museum, the National Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Natural History, all in Montevideo. The Museo del Indo y del Gaucho, in Tacuarembó, has collections of Native American and gaucho art, weapons, and implements.