Christians are the most persecuted group in the world. The persecution of Christians is not only increasing but spreading to more corners of the globe. Incidents are occurring on every continent.
The 2019 Open Doors World Watch List highlights the 50 countries where it is most difficult to live as a Christian. These are the places where followers of Christ must keep their beliefs hidden and where living the gospel means facing beatings, imprisonment, discrimination and abuse. Afghanistan is #2 and Iran is #9 on the list.
Persecution became more intense in more parts of the world in 2018. North Korea remains the most difficult place in the world to be a Christian, but severe persecution is growing rapidly in the Middle East and Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa. Islamic State violence in Iraq and Syria has increased the pace of the exodus of the Christian population from the region and is also having a global impact.
Christians living in these countries need the support of their family, the body of Christ, to help them stand firm in their faith.
The World Watch List page has links where you can look up persecution in each of the 50 countries, key facts about the persecution of Christians in the world today and other information. The World Watch List is explained here. This video tell real-life stories of Christians who are being persecuted.