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Uruguay: Government

Key Figures

Chief of State:
President Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou
Head of Government:
President Luis Alberto Lacalle Pou

Overview

Government Name:
Oriental Republic of Uruguay
Constitution:
Adopted: 1967; Has been amended in 1989, 1994, 1996, and 2004. Topics include: the nation and its sovereignty, rights, duties, and guarantees, citizenship and suffrage, the form of government and its various powers, sections of the general assembly, provisions common to both chambers, and the permanent commission; introduction, and relations between the executive and legislative power.
Government Type:
Constitutional Republic
Oriental Republic of Uruguay Flag
Coat of Arms of Oriental Republic of Uruguay

Index of Economic Freedom

Grades each country on a scale of 0 to 100, based on ten freedoms, with 100 representing the greatest amount of economic autonomy from government intervention. Source: Heritage Foundation (2023)

Country Risk Rating

A4
A somewhat shaky political and economic outlook and a relatively volatile business environment can affect corporate payment behavior. Corporate default probability is still acceptable on average. Source: Coface (2023)

Government Branches

Main Powers Election Process Election Cycle 1
Executive

Powers include command of all armed forces, promulgation of all laws, issuing special regulations necessary for its implementation, right to veto laws, and negotiation of treaties with the ratification of the legislature.

President is elected by absolute majority vote through a two-round system.

5 years
Judicial

An independent power of the state that heads both civilian and military courts.

Appointed by executive branch.

10 years
Legislative

Bicameral General Assembly enacts laws and regulates the administration of justice.

Chamber of Senators (Cámara de Senadores) are elected through a closed-list proportional representation system, and 1 member is filled ex officio. Chamber of Representatives (Cámara de Representantes) are elected through a closed-list proportional representation system.

5 years

Regional Trade Blocs
Mercosur

International Organization Participation [2]

Environmental Agreements [3]

Tax Information [2]

Tax Authority:
Directorate General of Taxes
Tax Name:
VAT

Sources:

  1. ElectionGuide http://www.electionguide.org/
  2. EY, http://www.ey.com
  3. CIA World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
  4. U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/