Artigas, Uruguay

Capital City

With a population of just 40,658, Artigas is a sleepy outpost, far removed from the hustle and bustle of Uruguay's capital Montevideo. The city's economy revolves around trading grain crops with Argentina and Brazil, and the mining of local precious stones like amethyst. However, the bureaucratic headaches involved in doing business here are a persistent challenge. Artigas' humid subtropical climate also brings its fair share of frosts and fog, a far cry from the country's idyllic beach towns. Overall, this isolated border city is best suited for those seeking a quiet, provincial lifestyle, far from the crowds and complexities of urban Uruguay.