Uruguay’ s most successful industry is food processing. People from all around the world invest in Uruguay’ s food processing. They also manufacture products such as leather from their agricultural processing. Food production accounts for 25 % of total production and beverages 11 % of production. Their exports of processed food accounts for $ 1.06 billion or 40 % of all exports. Their main exports are prepared rice, chocolate, meat, cookies, and pasta. Frozen foods are a growing part of the economy. Industries such as textiles, clothing, chemicals, and metal products have suffered declines. Uruguay also has mining as a important industry. They mine gold and have 5.06 metric tons of it in their gold reserves. They also mine marble, stone, granite, and bauxite.
Uruguay has a high literacy rate. It is mandatory for children to attend school until 11 th grade. The schooling is free at all levels. The people are influenced by indigenous culture. The gaucho which is like a cowboy is an important part of folklore and they have theatre and music. The average amount of children per family is 2.04. They are very family oriented and have many family activities.