Uruguayan Peso flag

Uruguayan Peso

Peso uruguayo

Currency Code

UYU

ISO 858

Symbol

UYU

Native: $

Decimal Digits

2

Rounding: 0

Countries

UY

Using this currency

Currency Units

Major Unit

Name: peso

Symbol: $

Minor Unit

Name: centésimo

Symbol:

Value: 0.01

Banknotes

Frequently Used

$20$50$100$200$500$1000$2000

Coins

Frequently Used

$1$2$5$10

Plural Forms

English Plural

Uruguayan pesos

Native Plural

Pesos uruguayos

Overview

The Uruguayan Peso is the currency of Uruguay, managed by the Central Bank of Uruguay. It serves one of South America's most stable and prosperous economies, known for its strong institutions and social development.

Economy

  • Uruguay is a member of Mercosur, OAS, UNASUR, CELAC.
  • Main industries include: Food processing, Electrical machinery, Transportation equipment, Petroleum products, Textiles, Chemicals, Beverages.
  • Uruguay is part of the World Trade Organization.
  • Imports are refined oil, crude oil, passenger cars, cellular phones, electricity.
  • Major exports include beef, soybeans, cellulose, rice, wheat, wood, dairy products, wool.
  • GDP: $71.2 billion (2023 est.).
  • GDP per capita: $20,551 (2023 est.).
  • Unemployment rate: 8.3% (2023 est.).
  • Inflation rate: 5.1% (2023 est.).
  • Main trading partners: China, Brazil, Argentina, United States, Germany, Netherlands.
  • Trade agreements: Mercosur agreements, Various bilateral agreements.

History

  • Previous currencies used: Nuevo peso uruguayo, Historical peso variants, Real de plata.
  • The current peso was introduced in 1993, replacing the nuevo peso. Uruguay has a history of currency stability compared to many other Latin American countries.
  • 1862: First peso introduced
  • 1975: Nuevo peso introduced (1000:1)
  • 1993: Current peso introduced, replacing nuevo peso
  • 2002: Regional financial crisis impact
  • 2005: Inflation targeting adopted
  • Exchange rate peg: Free floating.

General Information

  • ISO 4217 Code: UYU
  • Symbols: UYU/$
  • Currency Subunits: 100 centésimos
  • Central Bank: Central Bank of Uruguay
  • Monetary Policy: Inflation targeting with flexible exchange rate. Focus on price stability while supporting economic growth and employment.
  • Bills: 20 UYU, 50 UYU, 100 UYU, 200 UYU, 500 UYU, 1000 UYU, 2000 UYU
  • Coins: 1 peso, 2 pesos, 5 pesos, 10 pesos, 50 pesos
  • USD Exchange Rate: Variable (approximately 39-40 UYU per USD)
  • Pegged To: None (Floating)
  • Capital: Montevideo
  • Population: 3,423,108 (2023 est.)
  • Area: 176,215 km²
  • Languages: Spanish (official), Portunol, Brazilero
  • Time Zones: UTC-3 (Uruguay Standard Time)
  • Government Type: Presidential republic
  • Head of Government: President (head of state and government)
  • Independence: August 25, 1825 (from Brazil)
  • Ethnic Groups: White 87.7%, Black 4.6%, Indigenous 2.4%, Other 0.3%, None or unspecified 5%
  • Religions: Roman Catholic 47.1%, Non-denominational 23.2%, Protestant 11.1%, Jewish 0.3%, Other 0.7%, None 17.2%, Unspecified 0.4%
  • Literacy Rate: 98.7% (2018 est.)
  • Transport: Carrasco International Airport, good road network, railways, Rio de la Plata ports
  • Communications: Advanced telecommunications, 89% internet penetration, comprehensive mobile coverage
  • Energy: Hydroelectric 55%, Wind 35%, Biomass 7%, Thermal 3%
  • Countries Using This Currency: Uruguay
  • Data Sources: Central Bank: Central Bank of Uruguay (bcu.gub.uy), Economic Data: National Institute of Statistics Uruguay, World Bank, IMF, Trade Data: Uruguay Customs, Demographic Data: National Institute of Statistics Uruguay, Geographic Data: Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology, Historical Data: Central Bank of Uruguay archives
  • Last Updated: 2025