Mission guide

Uruguay Montevideo West Mission

The Uruguay Montevideo West Mission serves in a country known for its coastal capital, deep history, and Spanish-speaking communities.

  • Spanish
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Uruguay Montevideo West Mission Heart Map design

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I Glory in My Jesus, in the language of this mission

2 Nephi 33:6 as it reads in the Book of Mormon for each language spoken here.

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About the mission

The Uruguay Montevideo West Mission is part of the Church's work in Uruguay, with Montevideo as the main city. Montevideo is the country's capital and largest city, located along the Río de la Plata.

Spanish is the primary language for missionaries and members. Simple, friendly Spanish phrases can help missionaries build trust and serve people well.

At a glance

Country
Uruguay
Main city
Montevideo (1,287,452 people, 2023)
Language
Spanish
Time zone
Uruguay Time (UTC-3)
Climate
Humid subtropical, with mild temperatures and rainfall throughout the year
Church in Uruguay
112,449 members, 18 stakes, 132 congregations

A short history of the area

A Portuguese garrison was established at the site of Montevideo in November 1723. Spanish forces took control of the area in January 1724, and families from Buenos Aires and the Canary Islands helped settle the city. Bruno Mauricio de Zabala's diary gives December 24, 1726, as the city's foundation date.

Montevideo became Uruguay's capital after the country was consolidated as an independent state in 1828. The city hosted every match of the first FIFA World Cup in 1930, including Uruguay's 4–2 final victory over Argentina.

The Church here

  1. 1940Uruguay's first contact with the Church occurred at the South American basketball championship game in Montevideo, where missionary Rolf Larson played for Argentina.
  2. 1944The first congregation in Uruguay was organized for North Americans working in the country.
  3. 1947The Uruguay Mission was organized, with Frederick S. Williams as president.
  4. 1948A mission and 14 congregations had been organized in Uruguay by the end of the year.
  5. 1952The government granted legal recognition to the Church in Uruguay.
  6. 1957Nearly 500 converts joined the Church annually in Uruguay.
  7. 1967The first stake in Montevideo was organized.
  8. 1977Four stakes were organized in the interior of Uruguay.
  9. 1997The Uruguay Montevideo West Mission was created as Uruguay's second mission.

Temples nearby

Montevideo Uruguay Temple

Dedicated March 18, 2001 · Near Montevideo

Buenos Aires Argentina Temple

Dedicated January 17, 1986 · About 115 miles from Montevideo

Buenos Aires City Center Argentina Temple

Announced · About 115 miles from Montevideo

The Book of Mormon here

Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.

Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Before you go

Phrases to learn

  • HolaHello
  • ¿Cómo está?How are you?
  • GraciasThank you
  • Por favorPlease

Foods to try

  • Chivito (a sandwich made with sliced beefsteak)
  • Torta frita (a circular pan-fried cake)
  • Asado (grilled meat, central to local cooking)
  • Gnocchi (traditionally eaten in Uruguay on the 29th of each month)

Fun facts

  • Montevideo's Rambla runs along the coastline for 27 kilometers, making it one of the longest esplanades in the world.
  • The Palacio Salvo stands 100 meters high, including its antenna, on the former site of the café where the tango "La Cumparsita" was written in 1917.
  • The 158-meter ANTEL Telecommunications Tower is the tallest building in Uruguay.

Just got the call?

Turn the opening into a game: family and friends guess where the missionary is going before the reveal.