The World Watch List is Open Doors' annual ranking of the 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution. Explore each country profile and download the data and stories for in-depth information about following Jesus in the most dangerous places. You'll learn more about Christian persecution and discover how to stand with your brothers and sisters in prayer and action.
More than 388m Christians suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith.
In Open Doors' World Watch List top 50 alone, 380m+ Christians face very high or extreme persecution. Explore the country profiles to find information, stories and prayers for each of the countries, along with ways that you can stand with your persecuted church family in prayer and action. Read the trends in WWL2026
1 in 7
Christians are persecuted worldwide
1 in 5
Christians are persecuted in Africa
2 in 5
Christians are persecuted in Asia
Discover the top 10 countries on the World Watch List.
The World Watch List is compiled by Open Doors' research using real-world data from experts on the ground in 100 countries. Persecution of Christians is measured with a comprehensive points system which tracks violence and pressure. This measures the number and severity of violent incidents against Christians and the degree of pressure exerted against the practice of their faith in 5 spheres of life.
Pressure
Degree of pressure in 5 spheres of Christian life.
Private
Life
Family
Life
Community
Life
National
Life
Church
Life
Maximum score for each section: 16.7
Violence
Number and severity of violent incidents against Christians and church.
Maximum score: 16.7
Engines of Persecution
The World Watch List tracks the dominant forms of persecution in each country on the list. In many cases, several of the 11 persecution engines operate simultaneously.
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