Uruguayans are one of the most homogeneous populations of South American immigrants, and are overwhelmingly of ethnically European descent.
They are one of the more recent groups of immigrants to the United States. Before 1960, the standard of living in Uruguay was strong, with many job opportunities, good education and a good healthcare system. The few Uruguayans that left the country migrated to Hispanic countries such as Argentina.
However, after 1960, the standard of living dropped due to serious economic and political problems during the decades of the 1960s and 1970s. This led to a major Uruguayan immigration to the United States and elsewhere, which included large numbers of well-educated professionals and the young. The high value given to higher education in Uruguay has led many students to migrate to the United States to study in American Universities.
Most Uruguayans find it easy to adapt to life in large cities in the United States due to the cosmopolitan lifestyle they are used to in Uruguay. While their native tongue is Spanish, many have had exposure to English in Uruguay, and as such, language issues are not a major obstacle for adaptation in American society.
While more Uruguayans self-identify as Roman Catholic than anything else, many of these mix Catholicism with spiritist elements, and the number of people who do not identify with any religion or who are atheists is nearly as large.
Prayer Points
Pray for Uruguayans to see their need for a Savior.
Pray for God to open the eyes of Uruguayans to the fact that He wants them to have a vital, living relationship with them.
Pray for God to raise up workers to reach Uruguayans with the gospel.
Pray for Uruguayan believers to have a good testimony and to be bold in their witness to their countrymen as well as to other peoples.
Learning Resources
Learn more about "Learning Paths" Online Courses for embracing, encountering and engaging diaspora people. Work at your own pace. Begin anytime and complete the course according to your schedule. Interactive, Hands-On Application.
Learn more about "Reaching the Nations" This book delineates five disciplines Christians should develop in order to effectively reach the nations. More specifically, it will guide Christians to develop an engagement strategy in their locale.
Other Resources
Know God in 98 Languages A CRU resource with 9 different witnessing models (e.g. 4 Spiritual Laws, etc.) in 98 languages.