Overview
- Open Doors reports a record 388 million Christians now face high levels of persecution, up by more than 8 million from last year.
- North Korea remains the most repressive country for Christians, continuing a decades-long pattern of extreme state control and punishment for worship.
- Nigeria is the deadliest country, with 3,490 of the 4,849 faith-related killings recorded worldwide, even as it ranks No. 7 overall due to the list’s multi-factor methodology.
- Syria recorded the steepest one-year deterioration, jumping from No. 18 to No. 6 after regime collapse and extremist gains, including a June suicide attack that killed more than 20 Christians.
- Sub-Saharan Africa is described as an unfolding tragedy with 14 nations on the list, while China exemplifies expanding non-violent repression through church closures and new rules tightening Christians’ online activity.