For over 60 years Open Doors has been working to support the persecuted church. 

NBC shares those concerns, recognising that there are millions of Christians round the world who are at risk of persecution.

In many countries the situation is deteriorating.

In 2026 North Korea was yet again named as the most dangerous place on earth to be a Christian. 

The rise of Islamic extremism in the Middle East and also in parts of Africa also presents great risks for Christians in these areas.

Every year Open Doors produces its World Watch list showing the most dangerous countries to be a Christian.

 In 2026 the 10 most dangerous countries for Christians were announced as:

1. North Korea (no change from 2025)

2. Somalia (no change from 2025)

3. Yemen (no change from 2025)

4. Sudan (5th last year)

5. Eritrea (6th last year)

6. Syria (new at number 6 - 18th last year)

7. Nigeria (no change from 2025)

8. Pakistan (no change from 2025)

9. Libya (4th in 2025 - but access to information from this country is difficult)

10. Iran (Recent events may mean it is even more dangerous now)

    The next five most dangerous countries for Christians are Afghanistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar and Mali and these fifteen countries are those classed as places where the levels of persecution are “extreme”. Over 4,800 Christians were murdered for their faith last year according to Open Doors, 72% of these being from Nigeria - more than all the rest of the world combined.

For more details see their website