For the first time, the book introduces the Russian reader to the history of Uruguay, one of the most noteworthy countries in Latin America. Russian diplomats who worked in Uruguay in the 50s - 60s. often said: "If there is a paradise in the world, it's definitely Uruguay!" This phrase is a free translation of the popular Uruguayan proverb "Como en Uruguay no hay!" Political and military battles, the intricacies of great power diplomacy in the creation of this country; the insidious plans of the British Empire, which made Uruguay a Latin American "bone of contention"; the problems of dismembering vast areas and artificially creating nations; the bold social and economic experiments that won her the title of "Latin American Switzerland";