Open Doors has released its 2026 Watchlist which ranks the top 50 countries according to the level of religious persecution against Christians. Open Doors reports that this ranking is based on “real-world data from experts on the ground in 100 countries” and “is measured with a comprehensive points system which tracks violence and pressure.”
According to this report, one in every seven Christians suffers persecution worldwide. That compares to one in every five Christians in Africa and two in every five Christians in Asia.
These are the ten worst countries ranked by the highest levels of persecution:
North Korea
Somalia
Yemen
Sudan
Eritrea
Syria
Nigeria
Pakistan
Libya
Iran
The Open Doors #WorldWatchList 2026 has been released.
— Open Doors UK (@OpenDoorsUK) January 14, 2026
Find out the countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution for their faith, and how you can pray for and support them. https://t.co/EokKL2Q2ur pic.twitter.com/9Gy60nMxjl
Open Doors states that Christianity has “no place” in North Korea and “even the slightest hint of worshipping Jesus can have devastating consequences.” Syria jumped from #18 to #6 this year, as Christians are suffering disproportionately from the civil war and the Christian population continues to dwindle.
The total number of Christians killed for their faith during the reporting period (from October 1, 2024 until September 30 2025) jumped from 4,476 last year to 4,849. The deaths of Christians, including many Catholics, in Nigeria makes up the majority of this figure.
Other notable countries include China, which ranks #17 on the list, Cuba at #24, and Mexico, which ranks #30. Despite the fact that Cuba’s and Mexico’s populations are primarily Christian, these countries rank within the top 50 because of the violence and government corruption.
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