Uruguay - Country history and economic development

10,000-20,000 B.C. Uruguay is settled by Native Americans.

1516. An indigenous tribe, the Charrua, kill the Spanish explorer Juan Diaz de Solis and members of his party as they explore the coast of Uruguay.

1600s. The Charrua develop trade relations with the Spanish.

1680. The Portuguese establish a settlement at Colonia on the Rio de la Plata in order to counterbalance the Spanish colony of Buenos Aires.

1811. Jose Gervasio Artigas launches a revolution against Spain that ultimately results in independence and a regional federation with Argentina.

1821. Uruguay is annexed to Brazil by Portugal.

1825. Rebels initiate an independence movement against Brazil.

1828. Uruguay becomes independent.

1830. The nation's first constitution is adopted.

1838-51. Supporters of a federal union with Argentina conduct a war against nationalist forces. The 2 groups ultimately form Uruguay's main political factions, the liberal Colorados and the conservative Blancos.

1903. Jose Batlle y Ordonez is elected president; during his 2 terms (1903-07 and 1911-15), he initiates a series of reforms that give Uruguay one of the most advanced social welfare systems in the hemisphere.

1960s. The nation's prosperity declines as state-owned companies become inefficient and corrupt and the nation's industries cannot compete on the world market.

1967. An urban guerrilla movement, the Tupamaros, initiates an armed struggle against the government. A new constitution is put in place.

1971. Because of the armed insurrection, the military is invited to join the government. As a result, the Tupamaros are effectively destroyed.

1973. Congress is suspended by the military.

1978. In an effort to control inflation, the government initiates a program of currency devaluation.

1982-84. Uruguay experiences a severe economic recession.

1984. After national elections, the military relinquishes power to a new civilian government.

1985. After a lengthy period of economic stagnation, Uruguay begin a modest period of recovery.

1991. Uruguay joins MERCOSUR.

1992. Voters reject a government proposal to privatize ANTEL, the nation's telecommunications company.

1999. Uruguay undergoes a significant recession.