The citizens of Uruguay today celebrated their Independence Day.
Uruguay is known for its low levels of corruption. It ranked by Transparency International as the second least corrupt country in Latin America. Its political and labour conditions are good as well. Reader’s Digest ranked Uruguay as ninth “Most livable and greenest” country in the world, and first in all the Americas, according to Wikipedia.
US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, speaking in Washington, DC, extended the congratulations of President Obama and the people of the United States, to the people of Uruguay on their National Day.
Ms. Clinton stressed that the relationship between the United States and Uruguay is firmly rooted in their work to expand democratic ideals, human rights and individual freedoms in our hemisphere and throughout the world. She added that Uruguay has led by example with a strong commitment to the rule of law, human rights and economic development.
She highlighted that United States and Uruguay are contributing to the recovery efforts in Haiti and to peacekeeping missions across the globe. She said countries are more peaceful and prosperous because of their work together.
“As you celebrate this special day, know that the United States looks forward to continuing to strengthen this relationship. I wish all Uruguayans a safe and happy independence day.” -Ms. Clinton
Uruguay was noted to be the first South American country to legalize same-sex and different-sex civil unions at a national level. It also allows gay adoption. Uruguay became the first nation in the world to provide every school child with a free laptop and internet in 2009.
