Hypothetically (my favorite kind of question), if I wanted to move
from California to another country for a year or two, would Uruguay be
a good (or at least interesting) choice? The primary purpose would be
for a radical change of pace/scenery, to clear my head, and to "tape
over" some painful memories. (This is absolutely not an escape from
legal, financial, family or even moral obligations.) I've done a
little research, and at least as far as other South American countries
go, Uruguay "seems" to have fewer downsides than its neighboring
countries in terms of politics, economy, crime, corruption, etc. I'm
simply looking for some broad strokes as an answer (or comment) -
maybe 3 to 5 plus's and minus's with very brief support of each.
Employment and/or living expense info may be helpful, but it's not a
top priority for me. (Money is not happiness; learned that the hard
way, but I digress...) Personal opinions are encouraged too. Many
thanks!

Here:
http://www.aneki.com/facts/Uruguay.html

But I donīt recomend to you because of clima - temperature 25 C in
december and many diceases(tetanus, hepatitis, dift....)

What robertobezaj-ga said about diceases is not true,  Uruguay is one
of the healthiest countries in southamerica, there is nothing like
that. I live in Uruguay and i can tell you its ok.
if you are looking for relax, i'd recomend going east of Montevideo, 
more to Punta del Este or further to the East. Very nice open places
excellent people, great view, peaceful,  very nice,   i live in
Montevideo and it always has been my dream to move to Punta del Este
or nearby...


P.D: i have a question:  how do i answer a question? i can only give a
comment and nothing more....