The
Open Doors World Watch List 2025 reveals that violence and authoritarian restrictions against Christians have risen globally during the past year, most notably in Central Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. No country stood out more than
Kyrgyzstan, which rose sharply on the World Watch List, the annual ranking of the countries where it is most difficult to live as a Christian.
For the third straight year and for the 23rd time since the first World Watch List in 1993,
North Korea ranked at the top of the list. Since 2002, the DPRK has been No. 1 every year but 2022, when it ranked second to
Afghanistan in the wake of its fall to the Taliban.
WWL 2025 selected numbers
|
WWL 2025
1 Oct. 2023 to 30 Sept. 2024 |
WWL 2024
1 Oct. 2022 to 30 Sept. 2023 |
| Christians killed worldwide for their faith |
4,476 |
4,998 |
| Attacks on Christian homes, shops or businesses for faith-related reasons |
28,368 |
21,431 |
| Christians in Sub-Saharan Africa forcibly displaced due to violence |
16 million |
16.2 million |
| Christians worldwide who face high levels of persecution |
380 million |
365 million |
Along with the suffocating oppression that has long been endured by North Korea’s underground Christians, the 2025 list continues to document other trends that have spanned the years, such as the continuing deadly violence across much of the African continent. If there is a new development for 2025, it is found in Central Asia.
Central Asia: Authoritarianism on the rise
Kyrgyzstan’s World Watch List score rose 7.5 points — the most of any country on the list — which was enough to elevate it 14 spots to rank 47th, its first appearance in the top 50 since 2013.
“Before the current president, [Sadyr] Japarov, came to power in January 2021, Kyrgyzstan was known as the least authoritarian country in the Central Asia region,” said World Watch Research analyst Rolf Zeegers. “Since then,” he said, “a whole range of more restrictive legislation was introduced. We have been noting an increase of religious freedom restrictions.”
The country saw a sharp uptick in violence against churches, including stone-throwing incidents and raids on worship services.
Similarly, tightening government controls in neighbouring
Kazakhstan increased its World Watch List score by 3 points, which helped to push it up 9 places to 38th. Researchers logged reports of police raids on worship meetings, as well as of sexual abuse of Christian women.
"The threat from authoritarian regimes in Central Asia has intensified to the point where many Christians in the region feel increasingly fearful," says Frans Veerman, Managing Director of Open Doors World Watch Research. "Christians are purposefully targeted or extra vulnerable in countries beset by increasingly autocratic regimes and radical elements."
Sub-Saharan Africa: Ongoing Violence
Sudan’s score rose 3 points, which helped to move the country up 3 spots to 5th, driven by intensification of civil war. The country saw increases in Christians killed, sexually assaulted, and attacks on Christian homes and businesses. 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 dangerous places for Christians, ranking 7th. 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.
Other notable findings
Civil War:
Yemen’s World Watch List score rose a robust 4.6 points, which elevated the country to 3rd on the list. The ongoing civil war, and the increasing influence of the Houthis rebels, has forced dozens of Christian house churches to cease their meetings. In addition, a Christian convert was killed by family members. The fighting between
Myanmar's army and a host of opposition militias drove its score into the “Extreme persecution” category, which encompasses the top 13 countries on the World Watch List.
The disappearing Church: In countries like
Algeria,
Libya, and Afghanistan, the visible Christian presence is diminishing, forcing believers into isolation or underground worship.
What is the World Watch List?
The World Watch List is an annual ranking of countries where Christians face the highest levels of persecution. This research, conducted by Open Doors, is based on evidence gathered about violence, government restrictions, and societal hostility. Findings are verified by the International Institute for Religious Freedom.
How does Open Doors support persecuted Christians?
Open Doors supports Christians in their call to be steadfast witnesses to the Gospel of Jesus where they live, especially where it is most difficult. Open Doors promotes their right to freely believe, worship, and practice their faith alone or with others, free from intolerance and discrimination.
