title: United Kingdom–Uruguay relations
text: # United Kingdom–Uruguay relations
  
  The United Kingdom has an embassy in Montevideo. Uruguay has an embassy in London.
  
  ## Country comparison
  
  | Common name | United Kingdom | Uruguay |
  | - | - | - |
  | Official name | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | Oriental Republic of Uruguay |
  | Coat of arms | | |
  | Flag | | |
  | Area | 242,495 $km^2$ (93,628 sq mi) | 176,215 $km^2$ (68,037 sq mi) |
  | Population | 68,820,870 | 3,505,144 |
  | Capital | London | Montevideo |
  | Largest metropolitan area | London – 1,485 km2 (13,709,000 km2 metro) | Montevideo - 201 km2 (1,640 km2 metro) |
  | Government | Parliamentary constitutional unitary | Presidential representative republic |
  | First leader | Robert Walpole | Fructuoso Rivera |
  | Current leader | Rishi Sunak | Luis Lacalle Pou |
  | Established | 1922 | August 25, 1825 |
  | Official languages | British English | Uruguayan Spanish |
  | Currency | Pound sterling | Uruguayan peso |
  
  ## History
  
  Both countries established diplomatic relations immediately after Uruguay's independence in 1825. Paramount to Uruguay's constitution as a state was the Preliminary Peace Convention of 1828, a piece of British diplomacy.
  
  The UK played an important role in Uruguay's history until the end of World War II, after which the United States played an increasing role.
  
  In 2022, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson invited Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou to talks at Downing Street. The two met on May 23rd and discussed deepening trade ties and removing trade barriers, as well as Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine. They also discussed security ties.
  
  