Uruguay

Uruguay is located in the southeastern part of South America, and has an estimated 3.46 million population. It has a low birth rate and expansive education and social welfare systems.

Divorce and blended families are common, and cohabitation among middle-class couples is growing. The average mother in Uruguay has 1.94 children. Middle-class families have been small for 100 years, with more births in poorer families. The birth rate is rising for teens and poor unmarried women, and many mothers of young children are employed. Family members often provide care for young children, and although men are sharing childcare, women remain responsible for the household even if they are [Page 1237]employed. The proportion of elderly is high due to the low birthrate and out-migration of young, educated ...