The economy seems finally to be picking up, though unemployment stands at 13 per cent and many people mourn the loss of the welfare state they once enjoyed. But Uruguayans remain confident they will find a democratic solution to their problems. President Julio Maria Sanguinetti. There is no predominant religion though the largest minority practises Catholicism. Afro-Brazilian cults are strong and growing steadily.
Agnosticism is important in big cities, especially Montevideo.
No extreme poverty. Welfare state, once good relative to Latin America, is being dismantled. Fairly well developed state-education system and a growing private one. A big trade deficit and heavily dependent on oil imports. During the last 12 years the country has recovered its liberal tradition.