Kosher and Jewish Life in Uruguay

Uruguay is a South American country known for its verdant interior and beach-lined coast. The capital, Montevideo, revolves around Plaza Independencia, once home to a Spanish citadel. It leads to Ciudad Vieja (Old City), with art deco buildings, colonial homes and Mercado del Puerto, an old port market with many steakhouses. La Rambla, a waterfront promenade, passes fish stalls, piers and parks. Uruguay is home to an estimated 3.42 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the metropolitan area of its capital and largest city, Montevideo. Uruguay was inhabited by the Charrúa people for approximately 4000 years before the Portuguese established Colonia del Sacramento, one of the oldest European settlements in the region, in 1680. Located entirely within a temperate zone, Uruguay has a climate that is relatively mild and fairly uniform nationwide. Nearly 95% of Uruguay's electricity comes from renewable energy. The dramatic shift, taking less than ten years and without government funding, lowered electricity costs and slashed the country's carbon footprint. Most of the electricity comes from hydroelectric facilities and wind parks. Uruguay no longer imports electricity. Montevideo, the country's capital, houses the most diverse selection of cultural activities. Historical monuments such as Torres Garcia Museum as well as Estadio Centenario, which housed the first world cup in history, are only a couple samples of the culture depth that tourists commonly seek. However simply walking the streets allows one to experience the colorful blend of culture the city has to offer. One of the main natural attractions in Uruguay is Punta del Este. Punta del Este is a prominent tourist destination on a small peninsula off the southeast shore of Uruguay. Its beaches are divided into Mansa, or meek, (river side) and Brava, or brave, (ocean side). These beaches offer versatility to the tourist experience, the Mansa being more ideal for sunbathing, snorkeling, & other low-key recreational opportunities, and the Brava being more ideal for adventurous water sport enthusiasts. Punta del Este is virtually connected to the city of Maldonado and eastward spread widely, encompassing La Barra and José Ignacio. It has 122 hotels, 80 restaurants, an international airport and a yacht port that can accommodate 500 boats.