South West Asia

Iran is a Muslim (98%) nation mostly Shi’ite and 60% Persians. 20% of its population is living in poverty. Historic minority religions of Zoroastrianism, Judaism and Christianity are recognized but proselytization is not allowed. Conversion to Christianity is considered apostate and could face death.

Cyprus is a republic recognized internationally as the official state. About two-thirds of the population consider themselves Orthodox and negative prejudices against Evangelical and other Protestant churches still exist. 

Iraq has 95% Muslims and millions of refugees. 25% suffer poverty with on-going divisions between Shias, Sunnis, and Kurds.  Massive persecution is faced by Christians, other religious, ethnic minorities including Shias. 

Palestine has about 60% of its people living as exiles with a global diaspora of 10 million. Four million remain in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The violence of extremism is rampant and Palestinian Christians endure constant persecution.

Turkey has an on-going ethnic recognition dispute between the Turks and the Kurdish people who comprise 20% of the population.  98% of the population claim to be Muslim. Hostility and persecution of Christians is rampant. 

Armenia is the first Christian nation who has a strong connection with Christian history. It has strained relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan due to previous wars. Evangelical, Baptists and Orthodox churches are growing.

Azerbaijan is a Muslim nation with less than 3% Christians. Freedom to worship is allowed under the constitution but religious institutions are required to register with strict regulations imposed.  Foreigners are not allowed to proselytize. 

Lebanon has about 54% Muslims (Shia and Sunni) and 41% Christians. It’s a democratic republic and promotes religious freedom which allows legal conversion. 30% of the country’s population is Syrian and Palestinian refugees.

Georgia is considered the world’s second oldest Christian nation, with the Georgian Orthodox Church started in 150 AD. Former ruling of Soviet Union has destroyed many ancient churches. Many Georgians have returned to the Church since the fall of Communism in 1991.  

Jordan is the crossroads of Holy lands with Islam as the official religion. Poverty and unemployment is rampant.  Religious freedom is allowed as long as Islamic law and public morality are not violated. Christians (2%) are still being oppressed by government policy.

Oman is a Muslim (Sunni) nation with freedom of religions allowed by the government although it is illegal to share the Gospel to Muslims.  More than 25% of the population is expatriates with 3% claimed to be Christians.

Israel has many historically and religiously significant sites of Christian, Muslim and Jew. Although freedom of religion is a legal right, the 2% Christians are often harassed by conservative Jews (75%) and Muslims. Nevertheless, the Gospel is being spread and house churches are growing.

Saudi Arabia houses the cities of Mecca and Medina. It follows the laws of the Quran of Wahhabi Sunnis sect with no religious freedom and oppressive human rights. Most Christians are migrants.

Egypt is considered the intellectual center for Sunni Islam with 87% Muslims. 25% of its population lives in poverty with water crisis, forced labor and sex trafficking. 12% of its population belongs to the Coptic Church and 3% is Evangelical Christians. Persecution of Christians is still rampant.

UAE comprises 7 Emirates with individual ruler overseeing the local government. It has a population of citizens (20%) and immigrants (80%) who are mostly illegals. Majority is Sunni with only 8% Christians. It is illegal to share the Gospel to the Emiratis.