United States. Central Intelligence Agency

“ Unemployment rose to nearly 20% in 2002, inflation surged, and the burden of external debt doubled. Cooperation with the IMF and the US has limited the damage. The debt swap with private creditors carried out in 2003, which extended the maturity dates on nearly half of Uruguay's $11.3 billion in public debt, substantially alleviated the country's amortization burden in the coming years and restored public confidence. ”

“ Economy Uruguay Economy - overview: Uruguay's well-to-do economy is characterized by an export-oriented agricultural sector, a well-educated workforce, and high levels of social spending. After averaging growth of 5% annually during 1996-98, in 1999-2002 the economy suffered a major downturn, stemming largely from the spillover effects of the economic problems of its large neighbors, Argentina and Brazil. For instance, in 2001-02 massive withdrawals by Argentina of dollars deposited in Uruguayan banks led to a plunge in the Uruguyan peso and a massive rise in unemployment. ”

“ Investment (gross fixed) : 9.7% of GDP (2003) Population below poverty line: 23.7% (2002) Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 3.7%
highest 10%: 25.8% (1997) Distribution of family income - Gini index: 44.8 (1999) Inflation rate (consumer prices) : 19.4% (2003 est.) Labor force: 1.56 million (2003) Labor force - by occupation: agriculture 14%, industry 16%, services 70% Unemployment rate: 16% (2003) Budget: revenues: $2.934 billion
expenditures: $3.425 billion, including capital expenditures of $193 million (2003) Agriculture - products: rice, wheat, corn, barley ”