Montevideo is the capital city of Uruguay and its largest city. It’s located on the southern coast of the country, on the northeastern bank of the Río de la Plata. Montevideo is among the most significant cities in Latin America and boasts a rich history and cultural heritage. It is the economic, transportation, and cultural centre of Uruguay. Since its establishment in the 18th century, Montevideo has been an influential city in the region. It is known for its picturesque beaches, beautiful colonial-era buildings, lively music scene, and its iconic landmarks like the Palacio Salvo, the Rambla, and the Carrasco neighborhood.

Census in Uruguay is conducted every 10 years and the last census was conducted in 2011. The next census is scheduled for 2021. According to the 2011 census, Montevideo had a population of 1,319,108. It is considered to be the most diverse city in Uruguay. According to the 2011 census, the majority of the population identify themselves as white (88.1%), followed by black or African (4.6%), and indigenous (2.4%). When it comes to religious beliefs, Montevideo is quite diverse, with the majority of the population identifying themselves as Roman Catholic. According to the 2011 census, 47.1% of people in Montevideo identified themselves as Roman Catholic, 23.2% as non-religious, 11.1% as Protestant, 0.6% as Jewish, and 17.2% as other or unspecified. Montevideo is a multilingual city, with a majority of residents speaking Spanish, followed by Portuguese, Italian, and English.

Montevideo's local government is divided into 18 decentralized municipalities, each presided over by a Mayor elected by the citizens. These municipalities are responsible for various aspects of local administration including culture, social services, local roads, and refuse collection. The Mayor of Montevideo, who has executive powers, heads the Intendencia de Montevideo. This administrative body is responsible for strategic planning, public transport, policing, fire service, and economic development. The Municipal Council of Montevideo, made up of representatives from political parties, scrutinizes the Mayor's decisions and can accept or reject his budget proposals.

Montevideo is the economic heart of Uruguay, contributing approximately half of the nation's GDP. The city thrives in trade and commerce and has a GDP of about $40 billion. It has a vibrant culture rooted in commerce and is home to most of the multinational corporations operating in Uruguay. The Port of Montevideo, located in the Bay of Montevideo, is one of the major ports of South America and plays a vital role in Uruguay's economy as it is one of the main means of exporting national products.

The Urban Plan of Montevideo 2030 outlines a strategy for infrastructural development in the city. The plan identifies a range of infrastructure priorities for Montevideo, including new water and sewerage infrastructure, enhanced digital connectivity, and new transport schemes. Some of the investment is provided by the private sector, with the government providing the rest. The city faces challenges in terms of digital infrastructure, with certain areas lacking access to superfast broadband.