The small South American nation of Uruguay, with just over 3 million citizens, has always been wealthier and with a higher standard of education than its neighbouring nations. Sitting on the South Atlantic ocean and bordering Argentina and Brazil, the country is known for being the first in South America to set up a welfare state and for its liberal views.
In contrast to many nations in Latin America, Uruguay boasts hundreds of independent media outlets and the media, as well as journalists, enjoy a safe environment of freedom of speech and freedom of information. In 2013, under the presidency of Jose Mujica, and as a measure to tackle drug cartel crime in the country, Uruguay became the first country in the world to legalise the cultivation, sale and consumption of marijuana for recreational use.
