Mercedes, Uruguay

Capital City

With a population of just under 42,000, Mercedes is a sleepy provincial capital that doesn't offer much excitement. As the tenth largest city in Uruguay, it serves primarily as a commercial port and agricultural hub, with a handful of tourism attractions like its wide riverside promenade. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city was only designated the capital of Soriano department in 1857. For those seeking a quiet, slow-paced lifestyle in a small Uruguayan town, Mercedes may fit the bill - but it's hardly a glamorous relocation destination.