Uruguay is a multiethnic society, which means that it is home to people of many different ethnical backgrounds. Therefore, Uruguayan people usually treat their nationality as a citizenship rather than an ethnicity.

Uruguay is, along with other areas of new settlement like Canada, Australia or the United States a melting pot of different peoples — with the difference that it has traditionally maintained a model that promotes cultural assimilation, hence the different cultures have been absorbed by the mainstream.

Uruguay has one of the most homogeneous populations in South America and the most common ethnic backgrounds are Italian, Spaniard, Galician, Castilian and Basque.

Contemporary Uruguayan culture is diverse in its nature since the nation’s population is one of multicultural origins. The country has an impressive legacy of artistic and literary traditions, especially for its small size.

The contribution of its alternating conquerors, Spain and Portugal, and diverse immigrants — Italians, Germans, Swiss, Russians, Jews and Armenians, among others — has resulted in traditions that integrate this diversity with Native American elements.

Uruguay has centuries-old remains and fortresses of the colonial era. Its cities have a rich architectural heritage and an impressive number of writers, artists, and musicians.

Carnival and candombe are the most important examples of African influence by slaves, as well as Umbanda religious beliefs and practices. Guarani traditions can be seen in mate, the national drink. The folk and popular music of Uruguay shares with Argentina, not only its gaucho roots, but also the tango.