The Bible Access List identifies countries with the highest restrictions and shortages, revealing often-hidden factors that limit Scripture access
The second annual Bible Access List highlights the complex issue of Bible access and shortages worldwide, revealing that persecution-related restrictions, socioeconomic barriers and safe digital access limitations continue to put Scripture beyond reach despite increased availability.
Released by Bible Access Initiative, a coalition of ministries committed to Bible accessibility, the report evaluates 106 countries and pinpoints the countries facing the greatest obstacles to Bible access.
“We often hear that the Bible is more accessible than ever, but we must not confuse availability with access,” said Wybo Nicolai, co-creator of the Bible Access List. “Persecution-related Bible access restrictions can make accessing Scripture difficult or dangerous, while socioeconomic barriers can put a Bible beyond people’s reach. Even where Scripture is available digitally, limited internet coverage or unsafe online environments can still prevent people from accessing it.”
Two key categories
The Bible Access List includes data from two key categories:
The Bible Restrictions List highlights where it is most difficult to access a Bible, combining persecution-related Bible access restrictions, including legal restrictions, social hostility and extremist or other non-state action, with socioeconomic barriers such as poverty, poor infrastructure, limited electricity, low literacy and limited internet access.
The Bible Shortage List estimates how many Christians still want a Bible but don’t yet have one.
Countries with the most limited Bible access
The 2026 Bible Access List builds on the inaugural assessment through expanded country coverage, refined methodology and improved evidence, supported by input and validation from local experts.
The number of countries assessed increased from 88 countries in 2025 to 106 countries in 2026. Of the countries evaluated, 87 met the criteria for the Bible Restrictions List while 81 countries are included in the Bible Shortage List.
The top five countries on the 2026 Bible Restrictions List are:
1.Afghanistan (up from No. 3 in 2025)
2.Yemen (no change since 2025)
3.Somalia (down from No. 1 in 2025)
4.North Korea (up from No. 6 in 2025)
5.Eritrea (no change since 2025)
For more information including data, country profiles and maps related to the Bible Access List, visit bibleaccesslist.org.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was released by the Bible Access Initiative.
