Where in the World are Christians Most Restricted?
Over 70% of the world’s population lives in countries with high religious restrictions.
There is a rising tide of opposition against followers of Jesus throughout the world, and this opposition is often manifested in religious restrictions imposed by governments and society.
Today we’re expanding on East-West President and CEO Kurt Nelson’s insight on Christian persecution by taking a look at the two most common types of religious restriction—government restriction and social hostility.
Government Restriction
Spearheaded by government actions, policies, and laws, this type of religious restriction limits its citizens’ freedom of religion.
Several common government practices under this umbrella require people to declare their faith for funding and tax benefits. Religious minorities typically face discrimination in the government’s distribution of funds.
More extreme versions of government restriction include prohibiting missions work, conversions, and proselytizing or enforcing religious laws on the country’s population.
Nations with very high government restriction include …
- Saudi Arabia
- Iran
- Uzbekistan
- China
- Egypt
- Myanmar
- Maldives
- Eritrea
- Malaysia
- Brunei
Countries in the Middle East and North Africa impose the most government religious restrictions, followed by the Asia-Pacific region.
Social Hostility
While governments may not inflict religious restrictions on their people, many times violence against followers of certain faiths are acted out by individuals, organizations, or social groups.
This form of religious restriction spans from public tensions between religious groups to property damage to physical violence - including death.
Countries with very high social hostility include …
- Iraq
- India
- Pakistan
- Afghanistan
- Indonesia
- Bangladesh
- Somalia
- Israel
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Saudi Arabia
Similar to government restrictions, residents of the Middle East, North Africa, and the Asia- Pacific region endure the highest level of social hostilities.
Our Hope
Despite the schemes of the enemy enacted by governments and society, believers can remain hopeful in this promise:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Jesus assured us His death and resurrection will draw people to follow Him (John 13:32). Religious restrictions will not hinder the gospel from stirring the affections of the lost toward their Lord and Savior. Christ is daily drawing people from all nations—restricted or not—to follow Him.
A majority of this information was collected from the Pew Research Center’s study, “Global Restrictions on Religion.” Click here for a more in depth look at worldwide religious restriction.