There is a clear pattern regarding the treatment of Christians by Muslims. In each case, Christians and other non-Muslims are oppressed, exposed to violence or the threat of violence, and discriminated against in majority Muslim countries. And the source of persecution in those countries is not only the government. In most cases, the wider Muslim community is also hostile to non-Muslims—including those Muslims who have converted to Christianity. There is little to no religious freedom, or even basic decent living, for non-Muslims trying to survive under Islam.

A new report by Open Doors, an international human rights organization that monitors Christian persecution on a global scale, confirms that Christianity is the world’s most persecuted religion. Except for North Korea, where the source of persecution is Communist and Post-Communist oppression, the cause of persecution in the other top 10 countries is mainly Islamic oppression.

Every year, Open Doors releases its “World Watch” report of the 50 states that persecute Christians. According to the organization’s 2025 report, more than 380 million Christians across the world suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination because of their faith.

North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, Eritrea, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan are all in the top ten list of countries where Christians are exposed to extreme persecution.

The only NATO member country on the World Watch list is Turkey (number 45), where the Christian minority suffers from Islamic oppression, religious nationalism, dictatorial paranoia, and ethno-religious hostility.

Somalia

Somalia, which ranks number two, is one of the most hostile nations for Christians and Christianity. The collapse of Mohammed Siad Barre’s regime in 1991 turned Somalia into a failed state, where Islamists, local militias, and warlords vie for power. Despite the fractured nature of governance, terror group Al-Shabaab controls a significant portion of the country. Somalia’s 2012 Constitution underscores Islam as the state religion and elevates Sharia law above all else, effectively banning the propagation of other religions. In Somalia,

following Jesus is a matter of life and death. . . . The dangers have increased over the years, as the militants have increasingly focused on finding and eliminating Christian leaders.

Young female converts to Christianity remain extremely vulnerable, with many living in hiding. Commonly, a woman suspected of converting to Christianity will be humiliated in public, kept under strict house arrest, raped, abducted, forcibly married to a radical sheikh or killed. If already married, she will likely be divorced and have her children taken away to ensure that they are raised in an Islamic way.

Yemen

Yemen, which ranks number three, is now ruled by three different powers, as well as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (ISIS). The civil war in Yemen, ongoing since 2015, has brought Yemen to the brink of collapse:

None of the powers involved are sympathetic to Christians, and the official constitution upholds Sharia (Islamic law) and no freedom of religion. The 1% of Yemenis from minority religions are severely marginalised. Relief aid is mostly distributed through local Muslim groups and mosques, which are alleged to be discriminating against anyone not considered a devout Muslim.

In Houthi-controlled areas it’s dangerous to possess a Bible or other Christian books. . . . Persecution has increased recently as the Houthis have gained more power. At least one Christian Yemenite has been killed for his faith and dozens of house churches can no longer meet. It’s especially dangerous in areas controlled by Islamic extremist groups. Many have fled the country. . . . In all areas of Yemen, displaying Christian symbols is dangerous and could lead directly to imprisonment, physical abuse, or even execution.

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