Top 10 countries where Christians are most persecuted in the world
Christianity is a major religion spread across the world, but in some countries its followers face extreme discrimination and persecution. In such countries, religious freedom is lacking, faith-based violence and social intolerance are emerging as problems. Here we present a list of the 10 major countries in the world where Christians face adverse conditions for practicing their faith.
1. North Korea
Number and position :
North Korea is one of the most closed countries in the world, and its Christian community is highly persecuted. Officially, North Korea is a secular country, but its government strictly monitors all forms of religious activity. It is estimated that there are fewer than 30,000 Christians in North Korea.
Religious Persecution :
Christians in North Korea face extreme persecution. Churches are closed, and people face imprisonment, torture, and execution for expressing their faith. The government there considers Christianity a threat and uses it as a tool of propaganda and control.
2. Sudan
Number and position :
There are an estimated 600,000 Christians in Sudan. Despite some improvements following a change of government in the country in 2019, religious freedom remains under strict surveillance.
Religious Persecution :
Sudan has a Muslim majority, and Christians are openly persecuted for converting to Islam. This includes the destruction of churches and attacks on Christian homes.
3. Saudi Arabia
Number and position :
There are about 150,000 Christians in Saudi Arabia, most of whom are foreign workers. Saudi Arabia’s Muslim regime imposes strict restrictions on Christians from practicing their faith.
Religious Persecution :
The open practice of Christianity is banned in Saudi Arabia. Christians here cannot pray or read the Bible in any place they wish. The government there severely restricts the spread of Christianity.
4. Pakistan
Number and position :
There are approximately 3.5 million Christians in Pakistan. The situation of Christians in Pakistan remains one of religious intolerance and persecution.
Religious Persecution :
Christians in Pakistan often face religious discrimination, labor exploitation, and rape. Murders and harsh punishments based on false accusations based on their faith are a regular occurrence.
5. Myanmar (Burma)
Number and position :
There are approximately 4.5 million Christians in Myanmar. The Christian community here is particularly associated with the Chin and Kachin ethnic groups. The Burmese government of Myanmar has discriminated against and exploited these communities.
Religious Persecution :
Christians in Myanmar are subjected to government and military exploitation. Strong pressure and violence are often used to convert people from this community.
6. Iraq
Number and position :
There are approximately 300,000 Christians in Iraq. The number of Christians has been declining since 2003 due to the war and chaos in Iraq.
Religious Persecution :
Christians in Iraq have been threatened and physically assaulted by Muslim extremists, with churches being bombed and unarmed worshippers dying.
7. Nigeria
Number and position :
Nigeria is the world’s largest Christian country, with about 80 million Christians. But there is religious violence and discrimination in northern Nigeria.
Religious Persecution :
Islamic terrorist groups like Boko Haram in Nigeria target Christian communities. Christians are killed and churches are destroyed in attacks by these groups.
8. Egypt
Number and position :
Egypt is home to about 10 million Christians, most of whom are Coptic Christians. Egypt is a Muslim country where Christians can face exploitation and persecution.
Religious Persecution :
Coptic Christians in Egypt face violence and discrimination for converting to Islam. Church bombings and religious persecution are a growing problem.
9. Afghanistan
Number and position :
There are about 15,000 Christians in Afghanistan. There is little room for conversion in society, especially in urban areas.
Religious Persecution :
Christians in Afghanistan face fear and exploitation under the Islamic Taliban government. Knowing and proselytizing in their homes can have serious consequences.
10. Democratic Republic of the Congo
Number and position :
There are over 50 million Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The majority of the country’s population is Christian, but in some areas, Christians can face exploitation and violence.
Religious Persecution :
The Christian community in Congo, especially in the eastern region, is being persecuted due to war and violence. Militant groups have targeted churches and Christian institutions with attacks.
conclusion
In these countries, where persecution of Christians is escalating, governments and communities still need to make efforts to increase religious freedom and inclusion. The persecution of Christians not only highlights the need for freedom of religion, but also for changes and reforms in the social structure of society. International cooperation and proactive measures are essential to change the situation in such countries.
