The list ranks countries according to the intensity of persecution Christians face for actively pursuing their faith. The list is compiled based on the answers to 50 questions covering various aspects of religious freedom from Open Doors’ indigenous contacts, field workers and persecuted believers.

The reclusive communist nation of North Korea tops the list for the fifth year in a row, followed by Saudi Arabia, Iran, Somalia and Maldives. The five worst countries are unchanged from last year’s World Watch List. Yemen (No. 8 last year), Bhutan (No. 6 last year), Vietnam (No. 7 last year), Laos (same) and Afghanistan (No. 11 last year) hold spots 6-10.

Islam is the majority religion in six of the top 10 countries: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Somalia, Maldives, Yemen and Afghanistan. Three countries have communist governments: North Korea, Vietnam and Laos. Bhutan is the only Buddhist country in the top 10.

“If we are going to make a difference for the church in these oppressive areas, the first step is awareness, which makes the World Watch List an extremely important tool,” said Johan Companjen, President of Open Doors International. “Then we must pray and act to bring about change.”

One possible trend of concern to Open Doors leaders is whether Christians in the free world are losing interest in the plight of persecuted Christians.

“During the last 10 years we’ve seen the situation change from isolated persecution news reporting in the Christian media to now where it’s common to see even secular press coverage of attacks on Christians,” says Jeff Taylor, Vice President of Development and Communications for Open Doors International. “My concern is whether the positive growth in reporting is resulting in a corresponding loss of interest – a kind of ‘Christian persecution news fatigue.’”

“We can’t let that happen,” states Companjen. “When you realize hundreds of Christians are imprisoned for their faith in one country alone – Eritrea (No. 13) – it should cause us to redouble our prayers and efforts to help.”

Dr. Carl Moeller, President/CEO of Open Doors USA, adds: “It is certainly not a surprise that North Korea remains No. 1. There is no other country in the world where Christians are being persecuted in such a horrible and systematic manner. Open Doors is sponsoring a Prayer Campaign for North Korea. Join the Prayer Campaign - sign up to pray for 10 minutes a week.

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