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Switzerland–Uruguay relations
Bilateral relations / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Switzerland–Uruguay relations are foreign relations between Uruguay and Switzerland. Both countries share a long history of mutual economic relations, and they established diplomatic relations in 1828.[1][2] Uruguay became a popular destination for Swiss migrants starting in the 1860s.[3] In the 20th century, Uruguay has looked to Switzerland as a model for government, historical and cultural ties go back to at least the 19th century.[4] There were 956 people with Swiss passports residing in Uruguay in 2008.[5] Uruguay was described as the "Switzerland of the Americas" in a 1951 New York Times article for its popularity as a haven for capital fleeing Europe at the time and its adoption of Swiss-inspired banking laws.[6] Thomas J. Knight also wrote that "Uruguay has for most of its history been the 'Switzerland' of South America."[7]