The 2025 World Watch List from Open Doors identifies North Korea, Somalia, and Yemen as the most difficult places to be a Christian. The list also includes other countries where Christians face persecution, including:
- Libya
- Sudan
- Eritrea
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Iran
- Afghanistan
- India
- Saudi Arabia
- Myanmar
Why these countries are difficult for Christians.
- It's nearly impossible for Christians to practice their faith openly. Conversion from Islam is punishable by death.
- Converts attend underground churches at great risk. They can face arrest, imprisonment, and pressure from their families and communities.
- In 2023, at least 10,000 churches closed in China. Churches are under pressure to display signs that read "Love the Communist Party, love the country, love the religion".
Other countries where Christians face major persecution Burma, Russia, Syria, and Vietnam.
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom considers these countries to be "countries of particular concern".
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