Errata: Religious Restrictions Around the World

Governments or private actors harassed religious groups in 192 countries in 2023, up from 152 countries in 2007, according to a Pew Research Center analysis released Monday.

Government harassment of people for their religious beliefs and practices occurred in 185 countries last year, while private individuals, groups or organizations harassed people due to their religion in 175 countries ^[1]. The combined figure of 192 countries represents a sharp increase from the 152 countries where religious groups faced harassment in 2007 ^[1].

The most common form of physical harassment was property damage. At least one incident of properties being targeted was documented in 120 countries in 2023 ^[1]. The data covers harassment by both state and non-state actors, including acts such as vandalism, arson, and desecration of religious sites.

The findings were published as part of Pew Research Center's annual study on global religious restrictions. The report tracks trends in government laws, policies and actions that restrict religious beliefs and practices, as well as social hostilities involving religion ^[2].

The 2023 figures mark the highest level of religious harassment recorded since the center began tracking the data in 2007. The increase spans multiple regions and religious groups, though the report does not attribute the rise to any single factor or event ^[1].