A new report from Open Doors’ World Watch List reveals that approximately one in seven Christians worldwide is experiencing high-level persecution in 2025. The detailed study maps the most perilous countries for Christians, highlighting regions where faith-related discrimination, violence, and restrictions are most severe.
The report underscores the global scale of Christian persecution, with certain nations exhibiting extreme hostility toward believers. Most notably, countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia dominate the list, reflecting ongoing conflicts, authoritarian regimes, and societal intolerance that threaten Christian communities. Despite this widespread persecution, two Middle Eastern countries—Israel and the UAE—are notably absent from the list, indicating relatively better protections or freedoms for Christians in those nations.
Experts from Open Doors emphasize that religious persecution remains a pressing international issue, calling for increased awareness and support for affected communities. The report aims to inform policymakers, religious organizations, and human rights advocates to prioritize protections and efforts to combat religious intolerance worldwide.
As religious freedom continues to face challenges globally, the findings serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Christians in many parts of the world. Addressing these issues requires concerted international action to ensure safety and religious liberty for minority faith communities.