The Republic of Uruguay, South America: Its Geography, History, Rural Industries, Commerce, and General Statistics; With Maps

The Uruguayan Consulate in London published this guide to Uruguay in 1883 - today, it offers a unique and detailed history of the early years of the Republic as told by well-informed government officials.

In an attempt to inform interested persons about its qualities, the Uruguayan Embassy produced this book. The United Kingdom was then the largest trading partner of the country, with migration and trading voyages ongoing. At the time the capital Montevideo was the urban district of main significance; the consular officials describe it, and the burgeoning rural economies of the countryside. The rich landscape is tempered somewhat by older farming methods, yet Uruguayan produce was consistently abundant enough to afford several public works such as a modern port and public roads.

We learn how the commercial endeavors of Uruguay resulted in tax revenues that expanded its influence and resulted in a prosperous class of merchants and tradespeople. The population is very diverse; vast quantities of migrants from Italy, Germany, Britain, France and other nations are recorded. Meanwhile counts of cows, oxen, mares, sheep, pigs and other creatures are kept as authorities endeavor to organize national agriculture.

In all, this summary of Uruguay is historically valuable, shedding light into its nascent culture and economy.