MERCEDES, URUGUAY

'Mercedes' is the capital and largest city of the department of Soriano in Uruguay. The city is situated on the south bank of the Río Negro.
It has a population of about 42,032 (2004 census) and is an important center of commerce and commercial port. Its main industries are based on agriculture, dairy products, paper manufacturing and industrial activities. Mercedes was founded in 1788 by the priest Manuel Antonio de Castro y Careaga with the name of ''Capilla Nueva de las Mercedes''. The city became the capital of the department in 1857, replacing Villa Soriano.
Its beautiful "Rambla" (sea-side road) is one of the most beautiful and widest in the country.