Authoritarian control in Central Asia
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 WWL, the annual ranking of the countries where it is most difficult to live as a Christian.
Civil wars
Civil wars in Yemen, Myanmar, and Sudan, created unstable environments, putting Christians into the crossfires.
Violence in sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is the most violent place in the world for Christians. Chronic government instability and civil conflict have created a vacuum, which is filled by opportunistic Islamic militants, in several nations in SSA.
The disappearing Church
The Church is driven out or driven underground in several countries. In the Middle East especially, several Christian communities are dwindling and, in some cases, on the verge of extinction.
Surveillance states
Christians in China (15) and other autocratic states are increasingly cautious about openly expressing their faith due to advanced surveillance.
WWL 2025 in numbers
The most important trends of the 2025 WWL are:
- A total of 4 476 Christians were killed worldwide for their faith.
- Five of the top 10 countries on the 2025 WWL are in Africa.
- There were 28 368 attacks on Christian homes, shops or businesses for faith-related reasons.
- A total of 16 million Christians in sub-Saharan Africa were forcibly displaced due to violence.
- More than 380 million Christians worldwide face high levels of persecution and discrimination.
World Watch List Prayer Updates
The World Watch List Prayer Updates focuses on the different countries on the Open Doors World Watch List. The weekly email provides a short overview of a country and a pdf with relevant prayer points. Use it to help you pray or use it in a PowerPoint in church services, announcements or presentations. If you would like to receive these weekly emails, please complete the form below.