People profile

Located off the coast of Venezuela and just outside the South Caribbean hurricane belt, Curacao has been a constituent nation in the Kingdom of the Netherlands since 2010 and is the largest populated island in the area.

The discovery of oil in the Maracaibo Basin in 1914 transformed Curaçao into a major refinery location, altering its economic landscape.

Curacao has a free port and is home to the largest ship repair dock in the Americas. It also has one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean. With its semi-arid climate, consistently warm temperatures, and a rainy season that supports sparse vegetation, the island is well suited to tourism, which accounts for 84% of the economy.

Strategic prayer

  • 90% of the population proclaim Christianity, but only 7% are part of an evangelical church.
  • The Papiamento Bible was most recently translated in 2013 (Dutch and English are available as well). It is available in hard copy and online. Pray for impact on Papiamento speakers.
  • Widespread misunderstanding of the Gospel message persists, as evidenced by growing marginal sects, nominalism, and superstition. Bible literacy and discipleship are key to renewing the Christian population.