Uruguay: History

1726

Spain took control of Uruguay from the Portuguese, which had established territory in 1680.

1810

May Revolution marked the end of Spanish rule in the region.

1828

Brazil and Argentina renounce claims to the territory which becomes the Eastern Republic of Uruguay. 

2003

The World Bank approves loans over $250 million to help Uruguay stay away from Argentina's financial crisis.

2005

An energy deal is signed with Venezuela, to guarantee an oil supply.

2006 Uruguay pays off its billion-dollar debt to the International Monetary Fund.

2008

The discovery of large natural gas fields off Uruguay's Atlantic coast. 

2011

Congress votes to revoke an amnesty law that protected military officers from prosecution for crimes committed under military rule in 1975-1983.

2018

Uruguay becomes the first country in the world to legally produce and sell marijuana for recreational use.