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 .