Uruguay tops the list of 15 countries prepared by Latin Business Chronicle, which measures how it tourism impacts in the country.

The index, based on data recorded during 2009, uses information provided by the World Tourism Organization and the International Monetary Fund.

Last year Uruguay saw an increase of 7% in tourist arrivals to the country, which resulted in 2 million more visits over the previous year. This represents 61.4% of the population of Uruguay.

The highest amount of tourism occurs in the summer, with a very high visit rate in the Punta del Este area.