What about the countries just outside the World Watch List 2025 top 50? 

Discover the countries which are just outside the Open Doors World Watch List top 50, where Christians also count the cost of following Jesus.

The focus of the Open Doors World Watch List is on the 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution for following Jesus – but, sadly, believers are persecuted in other countries too. In 78 countries, Christians face high, very high or extreme persecution and discrimination (that is, a ‘persecution score’ of 40 or more according to World Watch List methodology).  

Out of the ten countries below, seven of them saw an increase in their violence score. Two countries dropped out of the top 50 this year: Indonesia, which fell 17 places to #59, and Malaysia, from #49 to #51. The two new countries on the List are Kyrgyzstan, at #47 – which had the highest persecution score-increase of all the countries – and Chad, now at #49.  

51 Malaysia  

Despite Malaysia’s drop of two places, the country’s scores remained largely the same, with a slight increase in violence. The home of Ngeh Koo Ham, a Christian political figure, was set on fire, which is one notable case responsible for the overall increase in score. Other reasons included a higher number of Christians detained for faith-related reasons. Christians continued to be marginalised and disadvantaged by a Malay-first policy and this does not seem likely to change in the foreseeable future. There are also concerns of growing Islamisation.  

The court case to find answers about Pastor Raymond Koh, who was abducted by secret police in 2017, is still ongoing. Please keep Susanna Koh, his wife, and their family in your prayers. 

Please pray that the Malay government will see the value of Christians in their society and treat them with dignity. 

52 Azerbaijan  

While it remains outside the top 50, Azerbaijan has risen on the list by seven places this year, due to a nearly four-point rise in the violence score. This was mainly caused by Azerbaijan taking full control over Karabakh in 2023 and destroying Christian buildings and cemeteries. Muslim families, friends and villagers exert pressure on converts, while the government imposes many restrictions on church activities. No religious activities beyond state-run and state-controlled institutions are allowed. State agents are reported to have infiltrated all religious congregations.  

Pray that Azerbaijani Christians will remain strong in their faith and be able to withstand pressure from relatives and communities. 

53 Kenya  

The country was last inside the top 50 in 2021, where it ranked at #49. Despite Kenya being 85% Christian, persecution remains significant. Christians remain vulnerable to attack by jihadist attacks, particularly at the hands of Islamic extremists al-Shabaab. Christians who’ve converted from Islam are at risk from their communities and even their relatives, particularly in the north east and coastal regions of Kenya. 

Ask God to pour out His peace on Kenya, and to protect Christians from attacks by Islamic extremist groups. 

54 Nepal  

This year, Nepal’s violence score increased, as violence by radical Hindus targeting Christians continued with churches being damaged, Christians being arrested, physically harassed and with well over 200 being forced to leave their homes. Converts from Hinduism are put under most pressure as they are viewed as betraying the faith of the ancestors.  

Please pray that God will touch the hearts of Hindu extremists and reveal His love to them. 

55 Tanzania  

While Tanzania’s persecution score has remained fairly stable over the years, this year it increased by one. This is because there have been more attacks targeting Christians, including killings, which has contributed to a more dangerous environment for believers. Converts from Islam continue to face pressure from both their families and communities. Church leaders still fear openly criticising the government’s record on social injustice, as this has led to harassment in the past. Tanzania fell three places on the World Watch List, but this is because persecution intensified in other countries. 

Pray that God will comfort His people in Tanzania, especially those who have lost loved ones to violence. 

56 Russian Federation  

The Russian Federation featured in the top 50 back in 2020, where it ranked at #46. Last year, it was at 62, but has risen this year to 56. This is because of an increase in violence. Some of this was due to Christians being punished for speaking out against Russia fighting in Ukraine, along with significant rises in pressure towards churchgoers and from the government. Islamic and clan oppression were particularly evident in the northern Caucasus, where converts from Islam face particular hostility. All over the country, the government-imposed restrictions on non-Russian Orthodox church activities and on those Christians opposing the war in Ukraine. 

Ask God to unite His church across the Russian Federation, that all Christians will boldly stand together for justice. 

57 Djibouti  

There was no change in Djibouti’s persecution score this year. As a conservative society, Christians who convert from Islam often face severe consequences, ranging from ridicule and social ostracism to complete rejection. Djibouti’s location (on the coast, just across from the Arabian Peninsula), combined with the lack of international pressure on the government to improve human rights conditions, allows the government to suppress its population with little fear of international repercussions. This has contributed to the persistent persecution of Christians in the country. 

Please pray that human rights would improve in the country, and that the witness of Christians will shine the light, peace and hope of Christ to those around them. 

58 Kuwait  

Kuwait continues to drop down the World Watch List, falling four places this year, from 54. The persecution score, however hasn’t changed: the fall is due to persecution worsening in other countries. Christians, both immigrant and converts from Islam alike, still face very high levels of pressure. Christians who have emigrated from the West are usually able to practise their faith without persecution, though they can face persecution if they share the gospel with Kuwaitis. Kuwaiti converts from Islam are most likely to experience persecution, as this conversion is seen as disloyalty to your clan or family. You are likely to be pressured to return to Islam. 

Praise God that Kuwait continues to fall on the World Watch List, and pray that He will strengthen believers from Muslim backgrounds to hold on to Jesus. 

59 Indonesia  

Indonesia dropped nearly 20 places on this year’s World Watch List, from 42 down to 59. This is largely due to a reduction in violence. There were fewer reports of killings, arrests and attacks on churches. However, the average pressure on Christians rose very slightly in other areas of life. 

Please pray that violence levels will continue to fall, and that the Indonesian church will be encouraged and strengthened. 

60 United Arab Emirates  

The average pressure on Christians has remained at a very high level, even though the country has fallen three places on the list this year. Although the United Arab Emirates (UAE) improved in terms of acceptance and tolerance towards Christianity (and other non-Muslim religions), the country has increased its monitoring of Christians and churches alike, including advanced surveillance techniques. Pressure remains especially high for converts from Islam to Christianity, with immigrant Christians remaining free to worship in private or in the designated church compounds, but not being allowed to evangelise or pray in public. 

Pray that believers will find safe ways of meeting, and that they will be given creativity and wisdom to know how to share the gospel with others.