Uruguayan, White in United States

Introduction / History

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.

As mentioned earlier, Uruguay was a recipient of immigrants. Uruguayans didn’t arrive in the U.S. until the 1960s and beyond. They came because of unemployment and political problems in Uruguay. Most of them were young and well-educated.

What Are Their Lives Like?

White Uruguayans have contributed to the United States in many areas. This includes sports, entertainment, art, and academics.

Urban Uruguayan family units are typically small. They are used to an urban environment, so they have gravitated to cities in the eastern U.S.

What Are Their Beliefs?

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.

What Are Their Needs?

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

Prayer Points

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.

Text Source:   Joshua Project