Uruguay was a Spanish colony, so most white Europeans are of Spanish descent. Others came as immigrants in the 1800s from France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Several generations have passed, and white Uruguayans identify as Uruguayan rather than European. This is not to downplay the influence of Europe among white Uruguayans. For example, Europe’s impact is felt through art deco architecture in the capital of Montevideo. Despite their identity as being Uruguayan, designers and architects still imitate European styles.
Today, white Uruguayans represent over 85 percent of the nation’s ethnic composition and they speak Spanish. A large number if white Uruguayans also live in Argentina, Spain, and the United States. They have small populations in Mexico and Canada.
Urban Uruguayan family units are typically small. White Uruguayan women have achieved more equality than in most Latin American countries.
Typically, Uruguayans in urban settings have much more economic wealth and power than rural areas. Those who live in the country make their living from cattle and sheep-raising/ranching. White Uruguayan gauchos, “cowboys,” still wear traditional clothing while working.
With the high value placed upon religious freedom by the government early in its formation, Uruguay is considered to be the most secular nation in Latin America. For example, Uruguay has officially renamed Christmas as Family Day and Holy Week leading up to Easter as Criollo Week. Secularization has replaced cultural Roman Catholicism in many ways. About half of the White Uruguayans identify as Roman Catholic, but a high percentage do not practice any organized religion. Many are either atheists or agnostics.
Lower-class White Uruguayans may not have the time or exposure to hear the gospel. There is a great need for rural evangelists in Uruguay. Middle and Upper-Class White Uruguayans often allow their wealth to dull their spiritual hunger.
Roman Catholic
Pray for white Uruguayans to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord so that they can be freed from the shackles of sin and death.
Pray for white Uruguayans to embrace the abundant life only Jesus Christ can offer and share it with others.
Pray for strength to arise within biblically based Uruguayan Church leadership to show others the way to sound faith in the only savior.
Pray that God would move freely throughout Uruguayan universities and workplaces so that many secularly inclined people will consider their need for God’s guidance.
Scripture Prayers for the Uruguayan, White in Uruguay.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uruguayans
https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/uruguayans
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
