Laos

Leader: President Choummaly Sayasone
Population: 6.4 million (200,000 Christians)
Main Religion: Buddhism
Government: Communist state
World Watch Rank: 10

The government's attitude towards Christians is very negative. The church cannot operate freely and Christians are restricted in their roles in their families and communities. Many believers experience extreme physical and emotional pressure to renounce their faith. In 2010, 29 Christians were killed and at least 20 were arrested and held without trial. A number of churches were destroyed. In January 2010, 11 Christian families were forced out of their villages into the forest when they refused to recant their faith. Despite high levels of persecution, the church is growing.