Open Doors’ World Watch List 2025 identifies the most dangerous countries for Christians worldwide, with over 380 million believers facing persecution and discrimination for their faith. The organization ranks North Korea as the #1 most dangerous place to be a Christian for the 23rd consecutive year.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Countries for Christians
The 2025 World Watch List ranks these countries as the most perilous for Christian believers :
1. North Korea – Being discovered as a Christian can result in immediate execution or deportation to labor camps, with entire families punished even if they aren’t believers themselves. An estimated 400,000 Christians worship in complete secrecy.
2. Somalia – Al-Shabab militants actively hunt and kill Christians on sight, while families and communities violently target converts from Islam. Being Muslim is considered essential to Somali identity, making conversion extremely dangerous.
3. Yemen – Civil war has divided the country among three powers unsympathetic to Christians, with Houthis gaining control and increasing persecution. Relief aid discriminates against non-Muslims, and possessing a Bible can be fatal.
4. Libya – Christians with Muslim backgrounds face violent family pressure to renounce faith, while sub-Saharan African Christians are kidnapped and killed by militant groups. The lack of central government makes the situation more precarious.
5. Sudan – Following a military coup and devastating war, over 100 churches have been damaged and Christians face exceptional hardship in the hunger crisis due to discrimination. The conflict has displaced nearly 9 million people.
6. Eritrea – Often called the “North Korea of Africa,” the government recognizes only four religious groups and conducts house-to-house raids arresting Christians. Indefinite military conscription targets young believers.
7. Nigeria – Despite having one of the world’s largest Christian populations, 3,100 Christians were murdered for their faith in 2024. Jihadist groups including Boko Haram and Fulani fighters continue escalating attacks.
8. Pakistan – Blasphemy laws carrying death sentences disproportionately target Christians, who comprise only 1.8% of the population but face 25% of accusations. Christian girls face forced conversion and marriage.
9. Iran – Converts from Islam face severe persecution from the government, which views them as Western threats to Islam and the regime. Underground churches operate under constant surveillance.
10. Afghanistan – Since Taliban control in 2021, practicing Christianity openly is impossible, with conversion from Islam punishable by death. Discovered believers must flee or face family and tribal violence.