Montevideo
Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, lies on the country's southern coast on the Rio de la Plata. It is the largest city in the country, home to more than 1.3 million people. Founded in 1726 by the Spaniard Bruno Mauricio de Zabala, it became a key administrative and economic centre. It hosts the headquarters of Mercosur and of the Latin American Integration Association. Montevideo is known for its sandy beaches, colonial architecture and rich cultural offering. It is best visited in spring or autumn, when the weather is mild.