Contact: Jerry Dykstra, Media Relations Director, Open Doors USA, 616-915-4117, JerryD@odusa.org

SANTA ANA, Calif., Jan. 30 /Christian Newswire/ -- On Tuesday, Feb. 3, Open Doors will release its annual World Watch List of 50 countries that are the worst persecutors of Christians worldwide.

For the past six years, North Korea has topped the list. Last year Saudi Arabia was No. 2. Iran was No. 3. 

The World Watch List ranks countries according to the intensity of persecution Christians face for actively pursuing their faith.  It is compiled from Open Doors' indigenous contacts, field workers and persecuted believers based on the answers to questions covering various aspects of religious freedom.

The list helps Christians in the West to advocate and pray for persecuted believers worldwide.

An estimated 100 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with millions more facing discrimination and alienation. Open Doors supports and strengthens believers in the world's most difficult areas through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers. To partner with Open Doors USA, call toll free at 888-5-BIBLE-5 (888-524-2535) or go to www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.

If you would like to arrange an interview with an Open Doors official regarding the World Watch List, please contact Open Doors USA Media Relations Director Jerry Dykstra at 616-915-4117 or email jerryd@odusa.org.  Open Doors USA President/CEO Carl Moeller will be available for interviews Monday, Feb. 9, at the National Religious Broadcasting Convention in Nashville, Tenn.