Main Religion:
Buddhism: 67%
Animism: 30%
Christianity 3%
Laos is ranked #31 on the Open Doors 2023 World Watch List of Christian persecution.
Stand Asia serves the poorest and most marginalized people groups in this country – Protestant Christians who are often from minority groups. Stand Asia actively visits the persecuted, carries out fact-finding trips, and prepares reports that will be used to guide prayer and raise awareness in the body of Christ to stand with them and let them know that they are not forgotten.
Persecution: There is a very high level of persecution against Christians in Laos. The communist government strictly monitors religious activities of any sort. Christianity is particularly susceptible as it’s viewed as a Western influence that undermines communist ideology. As such, churches are considered illegal. Conversion to Christianity is often considered a betrayal of both family and community, which not only places Christians in danger but forces them to act cautiously.