URUGUAY

HISTORY & BACKGROUND

Uruguay, the smallest country in South America, is located in the southern part of the continent, nestled between Brazil and Argentina along 220 kilometers of Atlantic coastline. The country is recognized as having one of the more eclectic societies in Latin America, showcasing a rich European heritage, a broad variety of artistic and cultural attractions, and one of the most progressive educational systems in the region. These characteristics, among others, have earned Uruguay the title, the "Switzerland of South America." Its mild climate, modest mountain ranges (Cuchilla de Haedo and Cuchilla Grande), and inviting tourist attractions make Uruguay popular among travelers from the Western Hemisphere and Europe.

Although Uruguay's land mass is small—only 187,000 square kilometers, compared to the much larger areas of Argentina and Brazil—the quality of life in this tiny nation is high. Approximately 90 percent of the country's 3.2 million people live in urban areas; most of these reside in the capital city of Montevideo. The country boasts one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world, a life expectancy rate paralleling that of the United States, and an impressive adult literacy rate of 97 percent among its relatively low population density. Although the country's economy has lagged behind its neighbors' occasionally in the past, its agricultural, hydropower, mineral, fishing, and tourism industries have sustained it through its slow times. Uruguay enjoys highly interactive economic and political relationships with its South American neighbors and with countries abroad, trading often with Brazil, Argentina, the United States, Germany and Italy. The national currency is the Uruguayan peso.

People of Uruguay (Uruguayans) have a unique cultural history. While many of the citizens identify themselves as "white," their lineages can be traced to a number of origins, including Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, mestizo, Amerindian, and African-Uruguayan. Spanish is the official national language, although Portuguese, Brazilero (a Spanish-Portuguese mix), English, French, German, and Italian are spoken widely in the Montevideo metropolitan area. This linguistic diversity is reflected in the wide range of artistic outlets found in Uruguay, including theatre, the visual arts, music, literature, and poetry. About two-thirds of the population is Roman Catholic; Judaism, Protestantism, and other religions account for the country's other religious preferences.

Like many other areas of South America, the land that was to become known as Uruguay was once occupied by indigenous populations, most notably the Charruas. When Spanish explorers, seeking a water route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, initially cast anchor in Uruguay in the 1500s, they were attacked and killed by the Charruas. Later arrivals of Spanish settlers along Uruguay's coastline subdued the Charruas and established lucrative farming and ranching sites in the area. The expansion of the Portuguese from Brazil, however, posed a threat to Spain's commercial interests, and the next several years would witness a continued military struggle between Spanish and Portuguese forces.

Uruguay was under the influence of a number of governments in its early years, including Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Brazil, and Great Britain. It was not until 1828, at the signing of the Treaty of Montevideo at Rio de Janeiro, that Uruguay finally achieved lasting independence. This treaty, negotiated by Great Britain, called for the permanent removal of Brazilian and Argentine forces from the country, although both neighboring countries still retained limited rights to intervene in Uruguay's civil affairs. A constitution was drafted, naming the new country the Republica Oriental del Uruguay, or The Republic of Uruguay (the term "Oriental" referred to the country's eastern position on the continent, not to anything associated with Asia). Today, Uruguay retains this official name, although it is most commonly referred to as "The Republic of Uruguay," or just "Uruguay." Each year, August 25 is celebrated as independence day in memorial of the 1828 treaty.

During the remainder of the nineteenth century, ranching-related immigration from Europe increased and Uruguay's population grew. At the onset of the industrial revolution, Uruguay initiated a series of social reforms, many of which were unprecedented at the time, especially related to employment conditions. The government also included reforms that abolished the death penalty, instituted child care laws, allowed for women's suffrage, and provided for other issues related to human rights. But this time of progressive change was also characterized by numerous political upheavals, insurrections, and economic crises that lasted throughout the first half of the twentieth century. Then, in 1966, a new constitution was created, later suspended, and then reformed in 1997, under which the current government operates.

CONSTITUTIONAL & LEGAL FOUNDATIONS

The Republic of Uruguay follows a Democratic-Republic system of government, not unlike that of the United States. Three branches of the government operate separately from each other and are based on principles established by the Magna Carta. The executive branch is comprised of the president and vice president (who are elected by electoral and popular votes every five years) and the ministers of the Cabinet. The legislative branch consists of the General Assembly, which includes two bodies, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. The judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court, made up of five members, and by lower courts, which are called Tribunals and Courts of Law. There are 19 departmentos, or states, which maintain local, autonomous law enforcement. Voting is compulsory for all adult Uruguayans.

Several political parties exist in Uruguay, two of which are historically prominent: the Colorado Party and the Blanco (National) Party. Within each of these parties are groups characterized by special interests. Two other general parties, both of which tend to be more leftist in nature, have emerged since the 1967 constitution: the Frente Amplio ("Broad Front") and the Nuevo Espacio ("New Space") Party. All parties contain representation in the country's government.

EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM—OVERVIEW

Public education in Uruguay is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 14. The country has traditionally boasted high levels of compliance with required education, as well as a large number of students who enroll in secondary school. As a result, Uruguay holds an impressive position in the Latin America community for its high literacy rate of approximately 96 percent.

All Uruguayan children are required by law to enter school at age six. From ages 6 to 12, they attend primary school. At age 12, they enter the first stage of secondary school, which lasts for 2 years. During this time, they are instructed in the "basics," such as language, mathematics, sciences, and history.

At age 15, students may opt for several advanced tracks, depending on their choice of vocation. For the next three to four years, students complete the bachellerito, which is similar to a high school diploma in the United States. Following completion of the bachellerito, graduates may proceed either to one of the country's three universities or attend special institutes related to their specific interests. All instruction in Uruguayan schools is delivered in Spanish, although English and Portuguese are often taught at the secondary levels, and students attending the universities may be trained in a number of international languages.

During the mid-1990s, a number of educational reforms were proposed by the Administracion Nacional de la Educacion Publica (National Administration of Public Education). These reforms, which had not been passed as of 2001, would provide for new school facilities, a broader curriculum including more science, math, critical thinking, and English and Portuguese language instruction, as well as more attention to technology. Additionally, the World Bank approved a $28 million (U.S.) loan to improve primary education for Uruguayan children. The monies from this loan were dedicated to improving educational facilities, hiring more teachers, integrating technology into the classroom, and other instructionbased student initiatives.

Another development that is seriously affecting education in Uruguay—as in countries everywhere—is Mercosur. Mercosur is a free trade market agreement among six South American countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay, that was created in the 1990s. Its implications for the economy extend to the classroom since the agreement will impact political relations, globalization, and technology.

All aspects of education in Uruguay fall under the auspices of the Ministerio de Educacion y Cultura (The Ministry of Education and Culture). A substantial portion of government expenditures are allocated to secular education.

PREPRIMARY & PRIMARY EDUCATION

Children completing the first 6 years (ages 6 to 12) of compulsory education in Uruguay are awarded a Certificado de Suficiencia Escolar Para Continuar Estudios, which certifies their preparation for secondary education.

SECONDARY EDUCATION

Students completing secondary education may receive different types of certifications and diplomas, depending on the length of study and their choices of study. All students from ages 12 to 15 complete the Ciclo Basico, which offers general education courses. At age 15, students have three options. One is to study under the Circlo Diversificado, a program which leads to a Bachillerator Diversificado de Secundaria (similar to a high school diploma), and includes courses in humanities, science, law, business, and medicine, among other subjects. A second alternative is the Bachillerato Tecnico/Diversificado, which prepares students for careers in technical fields but also includes courses in the humanities. The Bachillerato in both areas—Ciclo Diversificado and Technico Diversificado—requires three years of additional study. The third option for secondary students is the Bachillerato Tecnico, which focuses on technical skills only, and requires up to four years of study.

Secondary students are graded on a uniform scale of 1 to 12, on which 12 is the highest possible mark and 3 is a minimum passing grade. Approximately 70 percent of children enroll in secondary schools, one of the highest secondary school enrollment rates within Latin America.

HIGHER EDUCATION

There are three universities in Uruguay: the Universidad de la Republica, the only state institution of higher learning; the Universidad Catolica del Uruguay Damaso A. Larangaga, a Catholic university; and the Universidad ORT, a private secular university. There are also several postsecondary technical schools offering credentials in selected fields. Attendance at the Universidad de la Republica is free for Uruguayan citizens.

Instruction in Uruguayan universities is conducted in Spanish. The academic year begins in March and runs through December, with summer vacation in January and February. Programs of study are organized into different levels:

1. An "Intermediate Diploma," similar to a bachelor's degree in the United States, is awarded after two to four years of study in fields such as business, health professions, engineering, and public administration.
2. The Licenciatura is considered a higher level qualification and is given after a minimum of four years of study. A student may be awarded this credential for continued study in medicine, law, dentistry, psychology, sociology, and architecture. A licenciatura may take up to six years of full-time study to achieve, not unlike many similar programs at U.S. institutions.
3. A student in Uruguay may also seek the equivalent of a graduate degree, or maestrias, which takes two years of study beyond the licenciatura. A related option is the especialzacione, or one-year specialization, which is offered as a level between the maestrias and the licenciatura.
4. The highest level of study, the doctorado, is a research-based degree and requires a minimum of three years of study beyond the maestrias. The U.S. equivalent of this degree is the doctorate.

A number of existing bilateral agreements allow for the acceptance and exchange of students from recognized programs of study at institutions in other countries. Non-Uruguayan students wishing to study in the country are required to provide documentation of their previous course work and apply for a study visa.

TEACHING PROFESSION

Prospective Uruguayan teachers are required to complete one of several programs of study to receive their teaching credentials. To teach at the primary level, it is necessary to complete a three to four-year course of study, offered at an institute, leading to the title, Maestro de Educacion. Secondary teachers are trained at a separate institute specifically for secondary teachers. This training program lasts four years. University instructors complete their studies at the Instituto Superior de Docentes.

ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE, & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH

Educational research in Uruguay focuses on many topics, which are reflected by projects at all three universities in the country. Because of the large number of Uruguayan students who study the various health professions, a great deal of research (investigacion) is dedicated to medical and scientific study. Other current research projects address issues such as software engineering, sociology, communication, education, mathematics, labor relations, and other related topics.

SUMMARY

Uruguay possesses one of the most educated, socially conscious cultures in Latin America and in the world. Its historical concern for human development, even in the face of political and military adversity, has enabled it to become an enlightened, open-minded center of learning and peaceful relations. Like most other countries, however, Uruguay's educational system is in need of continual upgrading, most notably in the areas of physical facilities and technology. No doubt its high literacy rate and its commitment to self-improvement will help it overcome problems presented by lack of resources.

In short, South America's smallest country leads its neighbors in progressive thinking and educational reform. The quality of life enjoyed by Uruguayans is a reflection of its classroom achievements and its diverse cultural heritage.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bernhardson, Wayne. Argentina, Uruguay & Paraguay. Melbourne: Lonely Planet Publications, 1999.

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Devine, Elizabeth & Nancy L. Braganti. The Traveler's Guide to Latin American Customs & Manners. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2000.

"Embassy of Uruguay Washington D.C." Embassy of Uruguay to the United States Website. Available from http://www.embassy.org/uruguay.

"Mercosur and Its Origins." Embassy of Uruguay to the United States Webpage. Available from http://www.embassy.org/.

Universidad ORT Uruguay website. Available from http://www.ort.edu.uy/.

Universidad de Catolica website. Available from http://www.ucu.edu.uy/.

Universidad de la Republica website. Available from http://www.rau.edu.uy/.

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"Uruguay: Education." In GeoCities. Available from http://www.geocities.com/.

"Uruguay-Education System." In World Higher Education Database 2000. International Association of Universities. Available from http://www.usc.edu/.

"World Bank Finances Second Education Project in Uruguay." The World Bank Group News Release, July 31, 1998. Available from http://www.worldbank.org/.

—William Wardrope