Source: Pew Research Center, “A Closer Look at How Religious Restrictions Have Risen around the World,” 2019
Rising Restrictions
State restrictions on religion have grown throughout the world. State support for Christianity has declined in the wake of decolonization in the Global South and the rise of secularization in the West.
State restrictions on religion have grown.
Persecution is highest in parts of North Africa, Middle East, and Asia.
Governmental Regional Persecution
Source: Pew Research Center, “A Closer Look at How Religious Restrictions Have Risen around the World,” 2019
Persecution Ranking
Source: Open Doors International, “World Watch List 2023”
Religious Based Harassment
Source: Pew Research Center, “A Closer Look…” 2019
Persecuted Muslims
Globally, Islam is the most persecuted religion, notably in India, China, and Myanmar. Persecution of Christians is most common in Asia and North Africa. Hindu and Buddhist persecution is lower than Christian and Muslim, but similarly has increased in recent years
