North Korea remains the most dangerous country for Christians for the third straight year.
Open Doors has released World Watch List 2025 (WWL), which ranks countries by the severity of persecution and discrimination endured by Christians living there.
The 2025 list highlights the plight of Christians in central Asia, with Kyrgyzstan adding seven points to its persecution score, instability in Yemen and Myanmar due to the civil war, continued violence across sub-Saharan Africa – and confirms that North Korea remains the most dangerous country for Christians for the third straight year.
World Watch List 2025 highlights
- 4,476 Christians were killed worldwide in faith-related attacks
- 28,368 attacks on Christian homes, shops or businesses for faith-related reasons
- 380 million Christians face high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith – up from last year’s figure of 365 million
Central Asia: authoritarianism on the rise
Kyrgyzstan’s World Watch List score rose more than any other country – to rank #47, its first appearance in the top 50 since 2013. The country saw a sharp uptick in violence against churches and raids on worship services.
“Before the current president, Japarov, came to power in January 2021, Kyrgyzstan was known as the least authoritarian country in Central Asia,” said Rolf Zeegers, World Watch Research Analyst. Since then, he said, “a whole range of more restrictive legislation was introduced. We have been noting an increase of religious freedom restrictions.”
Similarly, tightening government controls in neighbouring Kazakhstan increased its World Watch List score due to logged reports of police raids on worship meetings, as well as of sexual abuse of Christian women.
Sub-Saharan Africa: ongoing violence
Sudan rose to #5 due to the intensification of civil war. More than 7.7 million people were internally displaced by mid-2024, making it the largest displacement crisis in the world.
Nigeria remains one of the most violent places for Christians, ranking #7. Attacks by Fulani militia and jihadist groups continue, with Christians disproportionately affected.
The Open Doors Arise Africa campaign is a multi-year response to the persistent violence waged upon Christians in the region. Working with Christian leaders throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, the campaign intends to enable the African church to stand in faith where persecution is most extreme.
Latin America: Mexico stands out
Mexico is the only Latin American country in the top 50 to rise in rankings, primarily due to violence. Organized crime is a prominent concern, and cartels battling each other often target church leaders and Christian organizations, especially those who attempt to broker peace.
The disappearing church
The 2025 World Watch List shows a pattern of Christian isolation and church diminishment in a number of countries like Algeria, China, Libya, and Afghanistan. In these countries, the visible Christian presence is diminishing, forcing believers into isolation or underground worship.
Open Doors speaks up
Open Doors International has produced a 28 page Advocacy Report. The cover image shows Uchat Rifkatu, who survived an attack on her village in Nigeria in May 2023. Her husband was killed; she and her family are now displaced.
Open Doors’ supports Christians by protecting and promoting their right to freely believe, worship, and practice their faith alone or with others, free from intolerance and discrimination.
Open Doors calls on governments to provide protection from violent aggressors and ensure justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators. The organization asks governments to prioritize these in foreign policy and diplomatic engagement.
“The World Watch List is important because it shows us where God is at work. Wherever the gospel is being shared, persecution will exist,” said Gary Stagg, Executive Director, Open Doors Canada.
“The list reminds us that we shouldn’t be trying to end persecution. Instead, we should be prepared to stand firm in courageous obedience and support our brave brothers and sisters in Christ.”
There will be a Special Presentation of the 2025 World Watch List for Canadian Members of Parliament in Ottawa. Because Parliament has been prorogued until March 24, the event that was originally planned for March 19 has been postponed.
The event is co-sponsored by Hon. John McKay and MP Kelly Block. It is a crucial opportunity to inform the Canadian government about the current realities for more than 380 million Christians worldwide and engage them in championing policies that promote freedom of religion and protect persecuted believers.
Canadians can invite their Member of Parliament to attend here.
About the World Watch List
The World Watch List is an annual report published by Open Doors, which ranks the countries where it is most difficult to profess and practice the Christian faith. The list is based on levels of violence, the degree of government restrictions, and the amount of social hostility towards Christians and is intended to raise awareness about the persecution of Christians around the world and to encourage people to support those who are suffering.
Released at the beginning of each year, the list uses extensive research, data from Open Doors field workers, their in-country networks, external experts, and persecution analysts to quantify and analyze persecution worldwide. The International Institute for Religious Freedom audits the methodology.
This year’s list covers October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024. Learn more at www.opendoorscanada.org/worldwatchlist
About Open Doors Canada
Open Doors Canada is affiliated with Open Doors International, a global ministry that has supported and strengthened persecuted Christians in over 70 countries for over 70 years. Open Doors provides practical support to persecuted Christians, such as food, medicines, trauma care, legal assistance, safe houses, and schools, as well as spiritual support through Bibles and Christian literature, training, and resources. For more information, visit www.opendoorscanada.org
About Rev. Gary Stagg
For more than 30 years, Gary has been involved in full-time ministry with an emphasis on revitalizing Christian communities and establishing systems for assimilation and discipleship. Gary studied education and theology and has used that training to structure his passion for helping people stand firm in their faith and embrace a missional lifestyle.