Which South American capital is Uruguay's chief port?

Montevideo is the South American capital that serves as Uruguay’s chief port. The city lies on the northeastern shore of the Río de la Plata, whose broad, sheltered waters helped make its bay a valuable natural harbor.

Montevideo was founded by the Spanish in the early 18th century as a strategic counterweight to Portuguese expansion and to Buenos Aires across the estuary. Its harbor soon became central to regional trade and naval activity. In 1776, Spain made Montevideo a major naval base for the South Atlantic, strengthening the city’s maritime importance.

The Port of Montevideo remains Uruguay’s principal commercial port and a key gateway for imports, exports, containers and passenger ferries. The port’s location also explains a common mix-up: Buenos Aires is another major Río de la Plata port, but it is Argentina’s capital. Montevideo is Uruguay’s capital, largest city and chief port.